The Adoption Process

1. Contact Us

Before submitting your official application, please contact us to discuss if the Ecuador adoption program is right for your family. We are seeking families who are willing to be flexible and patient as we navigate this new program.

2. Adoption Specialist Assignment and New Client Packet

If this program is a good fit, you’ll submit the application documents and fee and be assigned an adoption specialist. Your adoption specialist will be your primary contact, providing support, answering questions, and offering additional information. You will also receive step-by-step instructions for the initial stages of the adoption process such as the home study, pre-adoption training, US immigration application, and dossier preparation.

3. Complete Training

Gladney’s pre-adoption training is crucial for families adopting from Ecuador. The training provides essential tools to understand and support the medical, emotional, and cultural needs of Ecuadorian children throughout the adoption journey.

4. Home Study

Begin your home study as soon as possible. A current, valid home study is required to pursue a specific child. Depending on where you live, you may be required to use a Gladney home study partner. Check with your adoption specialist about where and how to complete a valid home study.

5. Training

Hopeful adoptive parents are required to complete training prior to submitting the dossier which can include 12 hours of Hague-approved training. Additional child-specific training will be required before travel.

6. Pursuing a Waiting Child

Before submitting an application for a specific waiting child, ensure you have a current, valid home study. Conduct thorough research and preparation including:

• Researching the child’s special needs or conditions and connecting with support groups for parenting children with those needs.
• Obtaining detailed information from doctors, specialists, friends, or families with children who have similar conditions.
• Identifying medical specialists who can treat or consult about the child's condition. Use the list of well-known International Adoption Medical Clinics if needed.
• Being prepared to show proof of parental training, experience, education, or understanding regarding the specific medical condition.

7. Preparing Your Dossier

To be matched with a child, prepare a comprehensive dossier, according to Ecuador guidelines.

All documents must be notarized and apostilled, or in the case of vital records, certified copies. The dossier may also include two pages of photos of your family and home (which do not need to be notarized). Your adoption specialist will have all documents apostilled, unless issued by another country.

8. Adoption Travel

Adoptive parents are permitted to travel after the Hague process is complete and they have received Article 5 and a confirmed appointment with MIES. Both parents must travel to Ecuador to meet the child. The stay in the country ranges from 8-10 weeks, depending on the administrative process duration. One parent may leave after a period of time at the discretion of the central authority and then return for specific appointments. Families are encouraged to travel together and often find the trip to be a culturally rich experience.