Around the world, there are millions of children in orphanages and foster families waiting for the love of a forever family. Many of these children have never had, or cannot remember, a positive family life, a warm embrace, a family vacation, or even a game of catch. They may not know what it is like to have a loving, caring family.
CCAI’s Winter 2022 Colombia Host-to-Adopt Program allows older children ages 10+ to live with American families for approximately four weeks over the winter. Hosting helps these children learn everyday social skills, receive an introduction to American culture and English, and to experience the meaning of a loving family. Hosting-to-Adopt is an excellent option for families who are considering adopting an older child, as it allows them to spend quality time together as a family and allows everyone to get to know one another.
La Casa de la Madre y el Niño in Colombia, one of the largest orphanages in the country, is partnering with CCAI to bring older children ages 10+ from Colombia to be part of the Winter 2022 Colombia Host-to-Adopt Program.
Applications for our Winter 2022 program closed on September 23.
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FAQs
We do not yet know which airport the children will fly into, but it will likely be either Houston or Miami. While we facilitate hosting in every state, host children will arrive at the most central international airport in relation to where the majority of children are being hosted in the U.S. Host families must travel to the identified airport to pick up the child/children they are hosting and return them to that location for departure after the hosting session is complete.
Yes, all of the host children from Colombia are available for adoption. Colombia views this hosting opportunity as a path to permanency through adoption.
No, you must be open to adopting from Colombia.
Children from Colombia are 10+ years of age; occasionally children under age 10 who are a part of a sibling group. Single children and sibling groups of up to 4 Children with emotional, medical, and educational needs
Hosts must be at least 25 years old and typically should not be more than 45 years older than the child they host.
2. Hosts can be married couples or singles. Single men can host only boys.
3. No member of the host household can have a conviction for any violent crime or a crime against a child. Other types of prior convictions such as drug or alcohol abuse/DUI will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
4. Hosts must be in good physical and psychiatric health.
5. Prior psychiatric hospitalization or history, and/or use of psychotropic medication, may deem an applicant ineligible for hosting.
6. The host family’s home (house or apartment) must provide a safe environment and include adequate space. A host child may share a bedroom with at most one child of the same gender who is a similar age or older than the host child.
7. A past disrupted or dissolved adoption or denial by a home study agency may deem applicants ineligible for hosting.
1. Involve the children in day-to-day family living in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment
2. Provide a bed for their host child; the child may share a room with a child of the same gender who is a similar age or older than the host child
3. Take a minimum of one week off work to spend time with the host child(ren)
4. Host the chaperone in your home for 3 to 5 days
5. Report weekly to CCAI
6. Check in weekly with the chaperone
Although it is helpful when families speak the child’s language, it is not required. Most families do not find the language barrier too difficult to navigate. Families who have previously hosted say they were able to overcome communication barriers using translation apps and other techniques.
Chaperones are representatives from the children’s country and may be social workers, psychologists, directors, and/or government officials.
They have power of attorney for the children.
They ensure that the children have a safe visit and get to know the families who might apply to adopt them. All host families must plan to have the chaperone stay in their home for 3 to 5 days during the child’s visit.
Chaperones check in with the children each week, assist with any translation needs, and write reports on the child’s visit to help facilitate future adoption.
Yes, your host child may travel with you within the U.S. with prior notice to CCAI. The children cannot travel outside the U.S. during the hosting session.
A basic major medical and accident policy is purchased to cover each child and chaperone participating in the program while in the U.S. The insurance will pay a portion of covered services under established “reasonable and customary” fee guidelines and the type of service. There is no deductible. Families are expected to pay any uncovered services.
1. Read the FAQ’s, application packet, and application
2. Register to view the children who are participating the Host-to-Adopt Program
3. View the children’s profiles
4. Complete and submit the Colombia application
5. Contact CCAI to discuss the specific child or siblings you are interested in hosting
6. Upon approved match, submit the application payment and arrange the following:
o Host families must undergo a psychosocial visit (PSV); current home studies for Colombia will be accepted. These are due to CCAI by October 7, 2022.
o Anyone in the household age 18 and older must complete background checks and child abuse clearances.