Medical Reports

A family will have the chance to accept a referral once their home study is approved. The information you receive in the referral will have medical information on the child including date of birth, measurements, weight, blood type, and results of STD tests.  There is also a brief profile on the birth mother. You will have five business days to decide whether or not to accept the referral of the child.

You will also receive medical updates and pictures throughout the course of your adoption process. These reports typically include updated measurements and immunization information.

One social worker has made the point that nearly all children adopted internationally (including those from Guatemala) are special needs children in the sense that nearly all have some developmental delays. Although in the case of Guatemala, these delays are not as common since the children are cared for in foster care rather than in an orphanage environment. However the risk is still there since the children are in a developing country with medical care and resources that do not always meet the standards of the U.S. 

Because of the reality that some attachment issues or developmental delays (whether perceived or not) can occur in nearly all internationally adopted children, we recommend that all adoptive parents consult with childhood developmental specialists upon bringing their child home to ensure that they receive early therapy for any delays. It has been our experience generally, however, that in the cases of developmental delays and attachment concerns, the children soak up the love and attention given to them by their new parents, respond to it, and catch up quickly.

Please discuss these issues with your pediatrician and other parents who have adopted internationally. This is a reality in most international adoptions, and you must factor it into your decision-making process. Additionally, international adoption clinics are increasingly being established and these can be helpful to you. We can put you in touch with reputable professionals that can help you by reviewing the referral information.

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