I want to adopt in Brazil through the Brazilian system instead of using an American agency. Does anyone know if that is possible? I will live there and live the 2 years there for a visa. Karenlisagreene@hotmail.com
Adoptions from Brazil are Possible by: Sue Merriam
An adoption from Brazil is indeed possible, and you will probably have to facilitate it on your own, because as of the time I am writing this (January, 2011), there are no American adoption agencies accredited in Brazil to facilitate Brazilian adoptions.
Here's what Brazil requires for you to be able to adopt: You must be over the age of 21 and at least 16 years older than the child you wish to adopt. You can either be married or single. If you want to adopt only one child, you must adopt a child over the age of five, but if you are willing to adopt a sibling group, the children can be of any age. You can also adopt special needs children of any age. The children are generally older children between the ages of 9 to 12.
The Brazilian governmental agency that oversees adoptions is the State Judiciary Commission of Adoption, also known as the CEJA. The CEJA's that work with American petitioners include Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Perana, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarine and Sao Paulo.
Brazilian law requires you to live with your prospective children in Brazil for 30 days before the adoption can be finalized. Since you will be living in Brazil, that won't be a problem for you.
