24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT:
Pregnancy ONLY
Hotline: 1-888-731-6601
PWNL After Hours Crisis Hotline: 1-888-955-3339
24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT:
Pregnancy ONLY
Hotline: 1-888-731-6601
PWNL After Hours Crisis Hotline: 1-888-955-3339
Barker Adoption Foundation provides comprehensive home study services for families pursuing international adoption, guiding you through each step with experience and care.
In addition, Barker connects families with ethical, well-established international adoption programs through a network of trusted partners. While partner agencies are not listed publicly, our outreach team will work closely with you to identify the right program based on your goals and circumstances.
Each country program has its own eligibility requirements, timelines, and processes. Barker helps you understand these differences and navigate your options with clarity and confidence.
Countries marked with a rainbow icon indicate LGBTQ+ friendly adoption programs.
Boys and girls ages 2-10 years old are eligible for adoption, although families are especially needed for children ages 5 and up. Single children or sibling groups. Children are cared for in orphanages. Although most children adopted from Burundi are considered healthy, nearly all of them have had some level of food insecurity or malnutrition. The Central Authority will deem a child eligible for adoption only after a minimum stay of one year in an orphanage or foster home.
South Africa program places children ages 1 to 9 years old at the time of referral. Boy and girls are equally represented within the protective care system in South Africa; therefore, families adopting from South Africa must be open to adopting a child of either sex in order to ensure that all children have equal opportunity for permanency. Families adopting from South Africa must be open to parenting a child of any race or ethnicity. All children placed through this program have special needs. Although adoptive families do not need to be open to all of the following characteristics, the following conditions are the most common needs of children awaiting adoption from South Africa: global developmental delay, prematurity, HIV, HIV-exposure, Hepatitis B, syphilis.
Children placed through this program live in children’s homes while awaiting adoption. The children vary from ages 2-15. The majority of children referred through this program are mainly male and there is a large need of children ages 5+.
There are children 2-15 years old available in Nigeria. Children that are 2-5 years old often have some minor identified special need(s) and children that are 5+ years old do not. There are however, children also available that do have more significant identified special need(s) of all ages. The wait time will be the longest for healthy children under the age of 5 years old. Children living in poverty and raised in institutional care often have both developmental and emotional needs. There are also children available for adoption that have minor and correctable to moderate and severe special needs.
In Cameroon, there is no minimum or maximum age requirement, however, there are requirements regarding the minimum age difference between the child and adoptive parent if the adoptive parent is single. The Cameroon Ministry of Social Affairs may require prospective adoptive parents to travel to Cameroon for a bonding period of at least 3 months to get acquainted with the child to be adopted.
Brazil is an excellent option for families who may wish to adopt one older child, a special needs child of any age or a sibling group of any age. Large sibling groups are frequently available for international adoption, and there is a fundamental need for families to adopt who can keep siblings together. School-aged children up to the age of 15 years old, with the majority between 8-15 years of age. Both male and female children, essentially healthy, are available. Sibling groups of all ages of two, three, four and more children with strong sibling bond and essentially healthy. Single children younger than 8 years old with severe special needs.
Boys and girls are equally represented in the Colombian child welfare system. Therefore, the right-fit family for adoption from Colombia is one that is open to a child of either sex; this ensures that children have equal access to adoption irrespective of their sex. Children placed in this program have a range of special needs. Boys and girls are equally represented in the Colombian child welfare system.
Children available for adoption are generally 5 years of age and older. There are sibling groups available, some of which may have children under 5 years. Children available may be healthy or have a special need. Children of both biological sexes are available.
Children waiting in Honduras for forever families generally fall between 4 and 15 years of age. There are many sibling groups, especially those with older children or more than two siblings. Children with special needs are also in need of families. Children are cared for in public and private orphanages.
Children under 7 with moderate to significant medical needs, 7 years or older with or without medical special needs. There are also sibling groups varying in number of children and age ranges with or without needs.
Children available for adoption are generally over the age of 2 years. Children of both biological sexes are available. Occasionally siblings are available and some younger HIV+ children may also be available. The majority of the children are of Spanish descent mixed with African descent.
Children between the ages of 6 weeks and 18 years are eligible for adoption through the Jamaican Adoption Authority.
Children waiting in Romania for forever homes are 2 years or older. Sibling groups are also waiting. Children have developmental or special needs.
Children are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds: Bulgarian, Turkish and Roma. Children ages 1-15 years old, with the majority being over three years old. Male and female children and sibling groups are available. Most children have mild to moderate special needs.
Children are typically 2-3 years old at the time of placement. Children have minor to moderate physical or developmental special needs. Most children stay in nurturing foster families and receive exceptional in-country care while they wait to join their families.
Children are typically ages 2-15 at the time of referral. Sibling groups are common. Some children may have documented abuse or neglect histories. Children have varying levels of special needs, and all children have some level of developmental delay and/or a complicated birth family history. In many cases, children are cared for in foster families while they wait to join adoptive families.
Children most in need of adoption are older children (5-10+) who may or may not have special needs other than age, and children of all ages with moderate to major developmental, physical or medical special needs. Most children are cared for in government-run or private Catholic child care centers.
Each country’s adoption program has its own eligibility requirements, including factors such as age, marital status, health history, and family composition. Barker helps you understand these criteria early so you can focus on programs that are the best fit for your family.
Timelines can vary significantly depending on the country, program requirements, and the needs of children waiting for adoption. Some programs may move more quickly, while others require additional time and preparation.
Before any placement, Barker works closely with families to complete a thorough home study. This process ensures you are fully prepared, informed, and supported as you move forward in your adoption journey.
For additional provider information, including accreditation, approval status, contact information, and countries of authorization, please refer to the Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS) Adoption Service Provider Directory
Families begin their international adoption journey with Barker through a clear, supportive process designed to guide you every step of the way.
