Adoption Agencies and Information forCosta Rica

Adoptions in Costa Rica can be arranged either through the government agency, PANI, or through private channels. PANI works with international adoption agencies accredited in Costa Rica to place abandoned children. The Costa Rican National Council on Adoptions has instituted a moratorium on any adoptions through its offices to countries that have not fully implemented the Hague Adoption Convention. At this time (Jan. 2007), the United States has not fully implemented the Convention, and this moratorium is therefore in effect prohibiting the adoption through government offices of Costa Rican children by U.S. citizens who do not reside in Costa Rica.

PANI may be contacted as follows:
Patronato Nacional de La Infancia
P.O. Box 5000
San Jose, Costa Rica
phone: (506) 233-0005 or (506) 222-0443

For more information about adoption from this country and about adoption agencies that can assist you, please visit the websites below.  Prospective adoptive parents are advised to fully research any of the adoption agencies they plan to use for adoption services.

Costa Rica: Additional Adoption Agencies and Contact Information

Children of the Nations International Adoption Agency, Inc.
The U.S. Department of State: Costa Rica Adoption and Adoption Agencies
The U.S. Department of State: Authentications Office
U.S. Department of State: International Adoption Information Booklet
Department of State: How can adopted children come to the U.S.?
Child Citizenship Act of 2000
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Foreign travel registration
U.S. Government Consular Information Sheets

*Footnote: The Joint Council for International Children’s Services (JCICS) is one of the oldest and largest membership associations of licensed non-profit international adoption agencies.  All of the above adoption agencies are listed as members of JCICS.