We are currently seeing families match with children under 8 years old with moderate to significant medical needs. We also see families match with children 8 years or older with or without medical special needs as well as sibling groups varying in number and age.

Families are able to learn about children from their case worker or on the waiting child portal. Many waiting children on the portal will be older, larger sibling groups, or younger children with moderate to significant medical special needs. Families can submit a letter to Brazil with intent to pursue a specific child at any point in their process. If a family chooses not to submit a letter of intent they have the possibility to be directly matched by the central authority. All matches occur after a dossier is registered and approved.

The process of adopting from Brazil is estimated to take approximately 1-3 or more years and depends on a family’s openness to age range, special needs and sibling groups.

Families will travel to Brazil for approximately six to eight weeks to complete their adoption. The trip consists of a 30-day bonding period, court process, and visa paperwork. Lifeline has a long standing relationship with the in-country attorneys who facilitate each step of the families’ processes. These attorneys also provide support, translation and guide services during the stay in Brazil.