We are currently seeing families matched with children of all ages who have a range of medical needs. We also see families matched with younger sibling groups of two or more children with a medical special need. Families open to larger or older sibling groups are also matched quickly, as the children’s age and sibling group size is considered their special need. Traditionally young children with minor needs are placed in Colombia through a growing domestic adoption program.

Colombia Heritage families are given priority and are able to match with young children who are medically healthy or with minor special needs.

Families are able to learn about children on the waiting child portal. Many waiting children will be older, larger sibling groups, or have more significant medical special needs. All matches occur after a dossier is approved by ICBF, however, families can submit a letter at any time to the central authority with intent to pursue a child on the wait list. Families desiring to match with a younger child will begin waiting for a file after their dossier is approved. We estimate families will wait up to two years to be matched after dossier approval.

The process of adopting from Colombia 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 Colombia for approximately three to five weeks to complete their adoption. The trip consists of a bonding period, court process, and visa paperwork. Lifeline has an amazing in-country team who walks alongside families each step of the way and provides support during the stay in Colombia. The in-country team provides translation and guide services during families’ stay.