"I wanted to thank you and your husband for giving such an informative seminar this past Saturday. We got so much out of it. LAPA is such a wealth of information and support and we are so pleased to be one of its members."       Brian and Susan

"Thanks so much for a very informative workshop."       Dora and Richard

"Thank you so much for your insights and suggestions. . . .There is so much info out there that it's great to have references."       Beth

"My wife and I attended the January 25th workshop and it was really great. Thank you for recommending the workshop -- Joan and Andrea are terrific, well-informed, and genuine in their concern for those planning to adopt from Latin America."       Tim

"We went to a Family Focus Wrokshop last night, and although they were knowledgeable, it just did not compare to your workshop."        Fiona

Donation for Source Kit: $60.00    How your donation is spent

Since 1975, LAPA has accumulated a wealth of information regarding adoption sources throughout Latin America. Since things can change very rapidly in Latin American countries, it is important to have up-to-date information. As our members work their way through and complete the adoption process, we gather information about what they find in their respective source countries and continuously update our records.

The LAPA Adoption Source Kit is a compilation of information we have gathered on LAPA sources. For a source to be approved by LAPA, at least three adoptions must be completed with positive results through that source by people known to us. LAPA currently has approved sources in Colombia, Brazil and Guatemala. We are currently investigating sources in Bolivia, Mexico, Ecuador and Peru.

This invaluable 70+ page kit contains the detailed information you will need to select the source that is right for you and help you through adoption process. Here are some examples of the information contained in the kit.

The following information is included for each adoption source, when available:

• Source country and city
• Agency or facilitator's name and ways to contact them
• General description of how to proceed
• Documents required
• Length of stay required in source country to complete adoption
• Age and marriage requirements for prospective adoptive parents
• Waiting time for an assignment
• Difference in waiting times for boys and girls
• Description and range of ages of available children
• Availability of sibling groups

The following general information is also provided in the Adoption Source Kit:

• Information on LAPA
• Overview of Latin American Adoptions
• Guidelines for choosing an adoption source
• Checklist of steps and documents for Latin American Adoptions
• Suggestions for creating your letter to the adoption source
• Immigration and Naturalization information
• Child Citizenship Act
• Procedures for notarization, certification and authentication of documents
• Consulate list
• List of Attorneys (NY State)
• List of translators
• List of social workers and agencies that do home studies
• Medical considerations
• Guidelines for behavior while visiting source country
• Suggested gift list
• Suggested reading list
• New York State Certificate of Birth data