Adoption Agencies and Information for Panama

The government offices responsible for adoptions in Panama are the two major courts, the "Juzgado de la Niñez y Adolescencia" (Children and Minors' Court) and "Juzgados Seccionales de Familia" (Family Courts). There are 12 district courts throughout the provinces in Panama. In provinces that do not operate with either legal system, the "Juzgados de Circuitos, Ramo Civil" (Circuit Courts) will handle some adoption cases. Panamanian courts allow U.S. citizens to adopt; however, Panamanian citizens are given preference. Under Panamanian adoption law, adopted children do not need to be orphans, though their natural parent(s) must have legally abandoned them. Most adoptions of Panamanian children by U.S. parents take place in Panama. Less frequently, Panamanian Courts may grant the U.S. citizens guardianship, allowing for adoption following the family's return to he United States. There are no legal impediments to granting guardianship, but the two court systems discourage this practice.

Contact Information :
Ministerio de Desarrollo Social
Telephone: 279-0667, 279-0101

PANAMA EMBASSY AND CONSULATE IN THE US:
Embassy of the Republic of Panama
2862 McGill Terr., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-483-1407

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.

Faith International Adoptions
Family Creations, Inc.
The U.S. Department of State: Panama Adoption and Adoption Agencies
The U.S. Department of State: Authentications Office
Child Citizenship Act of 2000
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Foreign travel registration

*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.

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