Factsheet, Page 2

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS: Only married couples between the ages of 25 and 60 can adopt in Chile. The adoptive parents must both be at least 20 years older than the child being adopted.

RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: There is no residency requirement to adopt in Chile.

TIME FRAME: International adoptions in Chile normally take about two (2) years from start to finish.

ADOPTION AGENCIES AND ATTORNEYS: The new Chilean adoption law provides for SENAME to oversee the adoption process from the request to terminate parental rights to the issuance of the final adoption decree. Only SENAME and the following accredited agencies are able to sponsor petitions for international adoptions:

Fundation Chileana de la Adopcion (Telephone: 665-2139; 665-2150)
Fundacion San Jose para la Adopcion Familiar Cristiana (Telephone: 399-9600)
Instituto Chileano de Colonias y Campamentos y Hogares de Menores (Telephone: 72-541-271)

An attorney cannot sponsor an adoption petition and can only provide legal advice.

Americans should contact the American Embassy in Santiago before retaining the services of an adoption agency or attorney to ascertain if that attorney or individual has been the subject of investigation or indictment in Chile, or if complaints have been received from U.S. citizen adoptive parents. The Embassy can also provide a list of Chilean attorneys who specialize in adoptions, although it cannot recommend a specific attorney.

Prospective adopting parents are advised to fully research any adoption agency or facilitator they plan to use for adoption services. For U.S.- based agencies, it is suggested that prospective adopting parents contact the Better Business Bureau and licensing office of the Department of Health and Family Services in the state where the agency is located.

Please see Important Notice Regarding Adoption Agents and Facilitators at our Web site (http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/info/info_454.html).

ADOPTION FEES IN CHILE: Fees vary, but adoptive parents should expect to spend no more than $3000. Adoptive parents should report exorbitant fees to the American Embassy, the Department of State or SENAME.

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Credits: U.S. Department of State