Short Form:

The Guatemala Adoptive Families Network was founded by families with children adopted from Guatemala to contribute to the well-being of all Guatemalan families and children. We initiate and support projects that help raise the standard of living for Guatemalan children and their families, that improve conditions in Guatemalan orphanages, and that promote ethical adoptions for Guatemalan children whose birth families voluntarily relinquish them, or who are otherwise legally placed for adoption. We offer opportunities for families with children adopted from Guatemala to participate in this work and to maintain lasting connections to Guatemala and its people.

Extended Form:

The Guatemala Adoptive Families Network was founded by families with children adopted from Guatemala to contribute to the long-term well-being of all Guatemalan families and children.

We also want adoptive and prospective adoptive parents of Guatemalan children around the world to make informed choices about adoption and to have a positive, continuing relationship with Guatemala and its people.

The Guatemala Adoptive Families Network addresses these issues by:

• Supporting projects that help raise the standard of living for Guatemalan families, including both short-term assistance in meeting material needs and long-term efforts to address the economic inequalities that leave many Guatemalan families and children in severe poverty.

• Working to improve conditions in Guatemalan orphanages, improve the orphanage system, and expand the options available to children who need care.

• Promoting ethical adoptions for Guatemalan children whose birth families voluntarily relinquish them, or who are otherwise legally placed for adoption. In support of this work we gather and disseminate accurate information on all aspects of Guatemalan international adoption for use by all parties in the adoption process, including birth families.

• Providing support, information, and education to families with children adopted from Guatemala and to those considering Guatemalan adoption, while offering opportunities for these families to contribute to the long term well-being of Guatemalan families and children.

• Where appropriate, acting to support reforms to the international adoption system which are consistent with our goals, both in Guatemala and in other countries.