The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as it is officially known, is an island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, roughly 3,500 square miles (approx. 100 miles long and 35 miles wide), and home to over 3 million people. Puerto Rico is recognized for it’s vibrant heritage and culture.

As a United States Territory, adoptions originating in Puerto Rico are considered domestic for U.S. Citizens. 

The legal requirements and procedures for adopting domestically are established by the state or territory where the placement originates.  Below you will find more information about the procedure and minimum criteria to adopt from Puerto Rico.

 
 

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ADOPTING FROM PUERTO RICO

Residence requirement

At this time, Children of the World’s contracted relationship with PR Child Counseling Services, Inc. to mutually assist in the facilitation of Puerto Rican adoptions to residents of the entire United States of America.

APPROXIMATE COST

$15,000 - $25,000

AVERAGE TIME OF COMPLETION

18-36 months

AGE RANGE OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE

1-12 years

AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTS

21+ YEARS

TRAVEL TIME IN COUNTRY : 
7-10 days (could vary depending on court closures)

NUMBER OF TRIPS REQUIRED: 
2 trips

CHILDREN ALREADY IN HOME: 
No requirement for the number of children

LENGTH OF MARRIAGE REQUIRED: 
2 years

AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILD & PARENT: 
Minimum of 14 years

SIBLING GROUPS AVAILABLE:
Yes!

POST PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:  
One visit in the family’s home by a Puerto Rican assigned social worker after family has accepted custody of the child and before the finalization hearing. Phone reporting will also be required before finalization.

PARENT REQUIREMENTS: 
Physically, mentally, and emotionally stable. 
Financially capable and motivated to adopt. 
No life threatening medical conditions.

COMBINED AGE OF PARENTS: 
N/A

AGE OF SINGLE PARENT:  
N/A

CITIZENSHIP:                                                                At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).

Please note that the information below is subject to change without notice as changes occur in country and government regulations.

PREPARATIONS:

  • Research information on adoption service providers, country, and special needs.

  • Choose an agency and complete the application process.

  • Begin mandatory adoption education.

  • Complete home study paperwork. *

    • If you live in Alabama, Children of the World will complete your home study.

    • If you are not an Alabama resident, you will identify a licensed home study agency in your state.

    • Social worker makes home study visits and prepares the written home study report.

    • Children of the World reviews the written report for approval.

    • Children of the World will have the prepared file translated and sent to REVA - the Puerto Rico Statewide Voluntary Adoption Register (known as REVA, its Spanish acronym).

  • The approved written report and assorted other documents (background checks and such) are compiled by Children of the World and provided to Legal Representation in Puerto Rico.

  • Legal Representation in Puerto Rico will:

    • Follow up regularly to maintain no issues with registration and match process with REVA.

MATCHING WITH A CHILD:

  • Once a family is registered with REVA, they are eligible to receive a match. *It should be noted that unlike other states, Puerto Rico does not maintain a photo listing page, so prospective adoptive families may not inquire directly about a foster child. Rather, REVA will facilitate the match, and families will decide whether the match is acceptable or not. Matching typically takes 18-36 months but could be longer for children ages 1-3 years.

  • REVA initially contacts the adoptive family directly with basic information on a referral child. If agreeable to the family, a video call is scheduled with the child’s social worker for an extensive review of the child’s file.

  • If a referral is accepted, our legal representation in Puerto Rico will file all acceptance paperwork and make arrangements for your family to travel to Puerto Rico for initial meetings with your Puerto Rico social worker and the child.

  • After introduction meeting and visitation happens, the family will acknowledge if they wish to move forward with the adoption. The family will then sign for custody. All paperwork is filed by our legal representation in Puerto Rico on your behalf, so that you may return home.

  • The social worker will travel to your home with the child/children once the court has approved the custody transfer and all paperwork is approved.

COURT PROCESS:

  • After returning home, and before the court finalization hearing, your Puerto Rico social worker will visit you in your home to conduct an evaluation of the placement. The social worker will also make multiple facetime, or video calls to check on the child/children. A written report of this assessment is submitted as part of the finalization process.

  • Our legal representation in Puerto Rico facilitates your second trip to Puerto Rico for the finalization hearing.

  • After the court has approved the adoption, it is finalized and the legal name change / new birth certificate are applied for by our legal representation in Puerto Rico.

The process may appear overwhelming, but Children of the World staff are available to assist during every step.

 Learning More About International Adoption

Ready to learn more about international adoption, and how Children of the World can play a part? 

Visit our Beginning Your Journey Page for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), review the minimum criteria for prospective adoptive parents, find resources to educate yourself on the topic, and learn how to begin the adoption process.