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EthiopiaAdoptive parent(s) should be between the ages of 25-55. (Over age 55 will be considered on a case-by-case basis). Single women, families who already have children, and persons previously divorced are permitted to adopt. Single men are permitted to adopt on a case-by-case basis.
A detailed breakdown of the fees and costs associated with an adoption from Brazil can be found on our Costs to Adopt from Brazil page.
The Brazilian adoption process can be divided into three main time frames:
Yes. Brazil ratified this Convention in 1999, and it entered into force that same year.
The Central Authority in Brazil is the Comissão Estadual Judiciária de Adoção Internacional (CEJAI; Commission for State Judicial International Adoption). Each state in Brazil has a CEJAI office which is responsible for handling the adoption process within that state.
Our attorney is obligated to attempt to register with each state to which a dossier is submitted. To date, some of the states have indicated that they will not accept her registration until FTIA has registered our Hague accreditation with the CEJAI Central Authority (the federal level). At this time, we are in the process of completing this registration. Once our accreditation is successfully registered, we expect more states to be open to working with us and our attorney in Brazil.
Most Brazilian children available for international adoption are going to be age six or over. As Brazil has a very strong domestic adoption program, referrals of infants and children under the age of six years are unusual. However, if the child has some special need, it may be possible to adopt a younger child. At times there may be sibling groups, and it is sometimes possible for one of the siblings to be under three years of age.
The children live in orphanages, many of which are funded by charity organizations. There is not much official information available about conditions in the orphanages.
The children referred from Brazil are generally considered healthy. Of course, there is always the possibility of unforeseen or undetected medical issues and you should be prepared for such.
The State(s) to which a dossier will be submitted is at the discretion of our attorney in Brazil in consultation with FTIA. Adopting Parent(s) preferences/requests will be taken into consideration. However, the final decision will be made by our attorney based upon which State appears to have the most expedient process.
When you receive a referral of a child, you will typically receive several pictures, medical information, and a child study. The child study will contain background information on your child, including some type of social worker and psychologist report. Any information given to FTIA will be sent to you.
It is not required that the medical information be reviewed by a doctor but we do recommend that you obtain a medical opinion. We are not in a position to offer medical advice or opinions. We want you to be comfortable with the decision you are making and encourage you to take the time needed to read through and evaluate the information provided, and to obtain the opinion of a pediatrician. FTIA's website includes a list of physicians who specialize in evaluating internationally adopted children: International Adoption Clinics.
Even though the adoption is finalized in the foreign country, it is still necessary to travel to obtain a visa for the child to travel to the United States.
You can expect to stay in Brazil about 45 days. If you are married, one parent of a married couple may petition to leave after approximately the first 10-15 days, but there is no guarantee that it will be granted. Families should plan on both parents staying the entire time.
For the majority of your time in Brazil, you will reside in the particular state where your child lives. This is in order to allow the CEJAI social worker to visit your family and confirm that the placement is in everyone’s best interest. After about four weeks, if the social worker feels the placement is going well, she will make a final recommendation. This final recommendation/approval from the Technical Commission will then be submitted to the entire CEJAI Commission for approval or denial of the adoption.
Once the entire Commission gives their approval of the adoption, it will take about 10-15 days to obtain the Final Adoption Decree, your child’s new birth certificate, Brazilian passport, and to obtain approval from the U.S. Embassy to return to the United States with your child. At some point during these 10-15 days you will likely be required to relocate to Rio de Janeiro in order to be available for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
FTIA will make suggestions and recommendations based on our experience. However, because families adopting from Brazil do not travel in groups, it is best that you make your own travel arrangements.
You may stay in a hotel, apartment, or extended-stay hotel during your time in Brazil.
Our attorney in Brazil will be available to assist you with the legal aspects of your adoption. She will be able to recommend local guides to assist you with any other unofficial needs.
When you submit an application to FTIA you will be assigned a coordinator from the Brazil Team to work with you. While families are in Brazil, our attorney in Brazil will be able to assist you. Families are always welcome to call or email FTIA, and we will do our best to answer your questions and find you the help that you need through the adoption process.
