How to Adopt a Baby From Brazil

Beach in Brazil

According to the Office of Children's Issues at the U.S. Department of State, the United States and Brazil have a joint agreement regarding adoptions under the Hague Adoption Convention. Brazil attempts to place all orphans first with Brazilian parents. All prospective U.S. parents must follow their individual state laws regarding adoption, the guidelines of the agency they are working with, and Brazil's specific rules.

Things You'll Need

• Adoption agency or attorney Eligibility under state law Passport Age of at least 21 years

Instructions

1. Follow your state's laws. Choose your agency or attorney wisely; the U.S. government site provides a list of accredited adoption service.

2. Apply to the Brazilian government through the adoption agency or attorney to see if you are eligible to adopt.

3. Get matched with an eligible child. It is difficult to adopt children under the age of 5 because of the rule mandating that children be placed first with Brazilian parents.

4. Travel to Brazil. The Brazilian government does not allow children to travel to the United States for purposes of adoption.

5. Meet the residency requirement. Spend at least 15 days in Brazil if you are adopting a child under 2 years old, or 30 days for a child over the age of 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Adoptive parents need not to be married. Single parents may adopt from Brazil. The minimum age requirement to adopt from Brazil is 21, but the parent must be at least 16 years older than the child.

References

• Office of Children's Issues at the United States Department of State: Brazil

Resources

• State Adoption Laws
• Intercountry Adoption: Accredited Adoption Agencies