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Mexico Programs
Universal Family Services (UFS) maintains international adoption programs in three states in Mexico. Since 1995, we have assisted families in the United States, Ireland, and Switzerland to complete private adoptions in Mexico according to procedures outlined in the Mexican Civil Code.
In most cases, the children are newborn infants. We have set up procedures to identify and care for pregnant women who wish to give up their children for adoption.
CARE FOR THE BIRTHMOTHERS
A birth mother who wishes to place her unborn child for adoption contacts our attorney, and we assist her to obtain pre natal care and nutritional supplements. We also provide basic living expenses for housing, food, and clothing for her and her other children. The babies are born in clinics with good medical care, and they receive normal well-baby care after birth.
Birth mothers are tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and venereal disease. Copies of blood tests, as well as sonogram results are usually available. Normal newborn examination of the baby is done at birth. Extended medical examination is available at the expense of the adopting family.
Our Mexico adoption program is unique among international adoptions in that the family has some access to social and medical history of the birth mother. The adopting family usually meets the birth mother and may talk with her when the attorney is present.
Post adoption contact with the birthmother is conducted through the Mexican attorney. We encourage exchange of photographs and letters about the child's growth and progress.
MATCHING BIRTHMOTHERS AND FAMILIES
The family is matched with a birthmother according to the
following:
- the priority in which they join the UFS adoption program;
- the successful preparation of the documents required for adoption;
- the preferences of the birth mother for a couple or a single mother.
UFS, when possible, attempts to accommodate families who have a strong preference to adopt either a girl or a boy. Stating sexual preference may signifcantly delay the time required to match the family with a child.
The anticipated time to match families with a birthmother is approximately 3-6 months after joining the program if they wish to adopt a boy. The waiting time for a girl is longer. No exact estimate of waiting time is possible.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Specific travel requirements are determined by the state in which the adoption occurs. For a couple, both husband and wife must be present at essential times during the adoption. In most cases, 2 or 3 trips to Mexico are necessary.
WHO CARES FOR THE BABY?
Following the birth of the child, the adopting family may have the baby with them in Mexico for as long as they wish, while completing the in-country adoption requirements. When the family returns home, foster care is provided in a family setting at a daily or weekly rate.
STAYING WITH YOUR BABY IN MEXICO
Some families have the good fortune of being able to stay in Mexico throughout the adoption. The blessing of watching your baby grow from his or her first days is precious.
Thoughtful consideration should be given, however, if the family wishes to stay in Mexico for an extended period of time. Not only is this a new parenting responsibility, but Mexico is a foreign country, with a different language and customs. Extended absence from your home, family, friends and support system can be very stressful.
For families who cannot stay in Mexico throughout the adoption, our foster care program provides a healthy and happy foundation for the child's growth. The babies are loved, nurtured, and cuddled in a Mexican family environment. Our babies are generally calm, happy and healthy when they leave the foster care.
ADOPTIONS FINALIZED IN MEXICO
The adoption is finalized in Mexico. The family - and two witnesses - must appear in court. The birth mother also appears at court and irrevocably relinquishes parental rights.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The adoption process involves many steps, which require careful attention of the Mexican attorneys. The actual time varies, depending on the state in which the adoption occurs. If the family is completely paper ready at the time the child is born, the adoption is expedited. In most cases, the child is approximately 4 months when the family returns home with their baby.
IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS - U.S. CITIZENS
The family, as well as the birthmother, must be interviewed in the regional U.S. Homeland Security - Immigration office in Mexico.
When all documentation is completed, the family receives approval of their I-600. An adoptive parent and the child MUST travel directly to Ciudad Juarez - opposite El Paso, Texas - for an interview with the US State Department, at the only U.S. Consulate in Mexico that issues the child's immigrant visa.
Children are automatically U.S. citizens, but submission of administrative paperwork is necessary to obtain citizenship papers and a U.S. resident social security card.
IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS - CITIZENS OF OTHER COUNTRIES
Residents of countries other than the U.S. must fulfill their country's immigration requirements.
ADOPTION FEES
- International Adoption fees: Includes attorneys' and UFS adoption fees. These cover on-going communication with the adopting family; guidance in preparing the dossier (documents required for all international adoptions); supervision of the adoption process, and problem solving throughout the adoption; search and identification of the birthmother; matching the birthmother with the adopting family; legal fees, arranging foster care; translation of documents from English to Spanish, and court costs.
Birthmother Support fees: Covers living expenses for the birthmother during pregnancy and during the adoption; pre natal, birth and delivery medical expenses for the birthmother; and well-baby care for the child.
Not included are travel and housing for the family and baby's foster care.
Once paid, adoption fees are NON REFUNDABLE. Should it be impossible to complete a specific adoption, the UFS and Attorneys' Adoption fees are transferred to a subsequent adoption.
Birthmother support payments are non refundable and non transferable. Travel and housing expenses are not reimbursable.
ADOPTION AS A LIFE CHANGING EVENT
International adoption is a cooperative endeavor with the family, the consultant, the attorneys and many individuals and organizations making contributions.
Our experience demonstrates that successful adoptions bring joy, happiness and satisfaction to everyone involved. Because the adoption of a child from one country and the immigration of that child to another country are complex procedures, we have learned to expect the unexpected. Delays, changes in governmental requirements, as well as fears and uncertainties accompany the grace and blessings of adopting.
We endeavor to provide competent, compassionate and timely service. We like to work with families who understand and embrace the need for patience, understanding and courage.
We want your adoption to be as seamless and joyful as possible, and we hope that all of us can enjoy the process as well as the result.
STARTING YOUR ADOPTION
If you would like to explore the adoption process further, please contact us to discuss your particular situation and see if our adoption program will work for you.
If you have questions and would like to talk with someone in person, you can always contact us for more information. We are happy to answer your questions. You can also check our general information page for more information about UFS and what we do to facilitate your adoption.