Residency requirements for PR Adoption

[Angie]

I recently met with an attorney in the San Juan area. She informed us that in order to adopt a child from Puerto Rico, you must be a resident of PR for at least one year. Is this true? I would imagine that a law like that would make it virtually impossible for an adoptive couple in the states to adopt a Puerto Rican child. I have heard of several couples who have successfully completed adoptions her in PR, so what is the actual rule regarding residency? Thanks!

[ioliveras]

Hi Angie:

The attorney is wrong the Civil Code says there is a residency requirement in PR but that doesn't apply to US. Because at the point we are considered an american territory, so don't worry that doesn't apply to you . You should try to get in touch with an attorney that specializes in adoption.

Iana

[Angie]

Thank you so much for the information. I spoke with Mr. Correa the other day and had several questions for him. He asked me to post them on this forum so he could answer them for me. I have waited to do this while I tried to figure out the residency question. I have found that your organization is definitely the perfect place to get all the necessary information.

I am an adoption coordinator with A Bond of Love Adoptions. We are a licensed child placement agency located in Indiana. We would like to develop relationships with adoption authorities here in Puerto Rico in order to assist the orphanages and group homes place children that might not have the opportunity to be placed here in Puerto Rico. I have the following questions:

1.We are interested in two different aspects of adoption in Puerto Rico.
A) Locating children who are available for adoption, living in orphanages or group homes. Children with special needs, children over 3, sibling groups or darker skinned children who are sometimes passed over by local adoptive parents.
B) Locating adoptive couples in Puerto Rico who would like to use an adoption agency in the United States to adopt an infant.

2. Because we understand that it is difficult for families in the US to adopt Puerto Rican infants and children under 3, how can we locate organizations who are seeking adoptive homes for the children mentioned above in item A?
3. Are these types of adoptions finalized here in Puerto Rico, or does the family finalize in their own state?
4. Do you know who we can contact in the Department of Families to assist us in our efforts?
5. Do you have the names of reputable adoption attorney's?

We have access to many families who are willing and waiting to open their homes to children here in Puerto Rico who may otherwise remain without permanent families.

Thank you for your help with these questions.

Angie