Panama

• The process generally takes 14-20 months from dossier submission to adoption.
  
• Most of the children are Hispanic, available from two years to teens. Younger children with special needs or of African descent are sometimes available.
  
• Sibling adoptions are also available.
  
• Married couples and single people may adopt. Singles may adopt an older child of their gender or a special needs child.
  
• The minimum age is 25. Maximum age is 55 but may be waived on individual case basis.
  
• There are no restrictions on the number of children in the family or the number of children adopted.

Adoption Process

Mandala works with a private attorney in Panama to complete the adoption. Your dossier is sent to our attorney for translation and presentation to the Central Authority (DNA). In approximately 12-18 months, you receive a child referral. We present you with photos and medical information. When you accept the referral, your acceptance letter and power of attorney are completed and forwarded to the attorney. Your case is then entered into Family Court and reviewed. At the same time, the attorney is preparing your travel documents. In about 1-3 months, you receive your invitation to travel to Panama City for your court date.

The attorney and Mandala’s facilitator speak English and will guide you through the process. You receive your child shortly after your arrival and your court date is scheduled. Typically, the judge finalizes your adoption and you are permitted to leave Panama with your child. The judge has the option of granting guardianship instead which allows you to leave the country with your child. The adoption is then completed in Panama after a three-month temporary custody period. The judge requires monthly progress reports until the adoption is finalized. You must apply to the U.S. Embassy for your child’s visa. You will receive your adoption decree and other paperwork through Mandala. Once finalized, U.S. readoption is required. Mandala will assist you through each step of this life adventure!

Panama Program Fees

The following figures represent approximate program costs for two people traveling to Panama. Actual costs may vary depending upon individual family travel preferences.

Mandala Program Fee (one child) $ 5,800
Due upon program enrollment
Agency fee reduced for special needs child
Mandala Program Fee (second child) $ 2,900

Panama Country Fee $ 10,000
(Upon dossier submission $3,500
Referral acceptance $5,000 Due prior to travel $1500)


Other Expenses

Preplacement Assessment (Home Study) $ 1,500

CIS Pre-approval $ 670
Fingerprints for each adult in home $ 70 per set

Dossier Authentication $ 450

Travel Costs $ 2400
(RT air,hotel,food)

U. S. Embassy (Child's Visa) $ 400 (security tax included)
Medical Exam $ 100

Progress Reports for Panama and $ 750
Post-Placement (if done by Mandala)

Progress Reports for Panama without $ 200
Post-Placement Assessment

 

Updated 02/08