These
FAQs have been compiled from parents considering a Brazilian adoption with LIMIAR's
assistance. If you have specific questions not listed here, or would like to expand on
what you see, please contact us at our offices.
How much does
it cost?
LIMIAR
suggests a donation
to support its work and programs in Brazil. LIMIAR stresses that this
is not a fee but a suggested donation. While the adoption process is free
in Brazil, the donation requested by LIMIAR covers maintenance of offices,
staff, travel, communication, and Brazilian
project costs. Also, LIMIAR seeks to help adopting parents when lack
of available funds might prohibit an adoption. This donation is tax deductible.
In addition, there are application, translation, registration, mailing,
and communications costs. Additional costs vary for items such as homestudy,
authentication of documents, airfare, room and board, visas, child’s
passports, child's medical examination, subway and taxi fares. Total costs
will be considerably less than most international adoption programs because
LIMIAR works directly with your child's court. None of your money goes
to an orphanage, judge or lawyer.
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How long does
it take?
The
time from submission of family's dossier until placement varies according
to the age of the child. Sibling groups, school-aged children, and
children with special needs are immediately available. LIMIAR
is currently not accepting application for the adoptions of single, healthy
infants or toddlers (under age 4 years) -UNLESS an adopting parent has
Brazilian citizenship.
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Are there any
age, marriage or religious requirements?
Brazil has very flexible requirements.
Applicants must be 21 years old. There must be 16 years difference between adopting parent
and child. Singles who live alone or with blood relatives are considered. There is no
mandatory length of marriage but stability in the marriage must be established. There are
no religious restrictions.
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Must I
travel?
Yes, since the adoption is finalized in
Brazil, both U.S. and Brazil governments require this. Only one trip is necessary.
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How long
will I be in Brazil?
Brazilian law requires that you cohabit
with your child for 30 days (15 days if child is under 2) under court supervision. Shortly
after your arrival, you obtain temporary custody; after the cohabitation period the judge
rules on the adoption. The probable length of stay in Brazil is about 3 weeks when
adopting a child under age 2 and approximately 5 weeks when adopting a child over age 2.
Variations on the length of stay and who must stay vary from court to court.
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What support
does LIMIAR provide during my stay in Brazil?
The best possible, truly. You will be
met at the airport, escorted and represented through every act of the adoption process by
a capable, experienced, multi-lingual staff. They will also help you change currency,
arrange sight-seeing excursions, facilitate conversations with your child, etc.
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What aged
children are available?
Generally,
from age 3 to age 15.
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What do the
children look like?
Brazil is a land of immigrants.
Therefore the children reflect the major influences of Portuguese, African, Indian,
German, Polish, Italian, and Japanese ancestry.
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Can I
specify age, sex and race?
Yes. LIMIAR prefers that you be
up-front in this respect yet remain as flexible as possible.
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What will I
know about my child prior to traveling to Brazil?
LIMIAR will provide you with a
photograph, social history, medical information, measurements and often a video clip of
your child. Since LIMIAR works closely with both Brazilian courts and orphanage, it can
answer numerous questions for you.
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Is there
HIV-virus testing of the children?
Yes, although the Brazilian, U.S. or
Canadian governments do not require it, LIMIAR does testing in a reputable Brazilian
clinic prior to your arrival.
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Must I
re-adopt the child in the United States?
No, a Brazilian adoption is recognized
by the U.S. Government.
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How many
children has LIMIAR placed?
Since
1981, LIMIAR has helped over 1300 Brazilian children find adoptive homes
in Brazil, The United States, Canada, The Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal,
United Kingdom, and other countries. Most of the children are placed with
North American families.
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Can I
contact other families who have adopted through LIMIAR?
Yes, absolutely. We feel this is a very
important step in your preparation. LIMIAR families are happy to share their experiences.
Just telephone the LIMIAR offices to arrange.
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How do I get
started?
Fax, write or
telephone the LIMIAR:USA office at:
Phone: (210) 479-0300
Fax: (210) 479-3835
E-mail: LIMIAR@limiar.org
LIMIAR:USA
111 Broken Bough
San Antonio, TX 78231
USA
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