General information about Ecuador

The Republic of Ecuador is located in South America between Colombia and Peru. The size of Ecuador is comparable to the size of Nevada. Ecuador includes the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's greatest wildlife treasures. It was here that Darwin made his observations that led to his theory of evolution. The mainland consists of coastal plains, and tropical jungles of the upper Amazon basin. Ecuador has over 30 active volcanoes, and is prone to earthquakes. The country has also suffered from the effects of El Nino as well with mudslides and floods. Aside from the physical effects of these environmental disasters, the economy has suffered as well. More than 75% of the population is living in poverty and the country is in a serious recession. The major crops in Ecuador are bananas, coffee, fruits, and fish. Ecuador is the leading country in banana exports.
Ecuadorian people and culture
The population of Ecuador is almost 13 million. The largest ethnic group is mestizo, (mixed Amerindian and Spanish) with 25% Amerindian, 10% Spanish, and 10% black. The official language is Spanish, although there are some indigenous languages still spoken regionally. The major religious tradition is Roman Catholic, and a small percentage of other Christian denominations are on the rise.
The diet of Ecuadorians is based on grains and vegetables because the cost of meat is so high. Fish is a staple on the coastal areas. The main meal of the day is mid-afternoon, and soup almost always accompanies that meal.
Soccer (futbol) is the most popular sport, and is played on the streets in many places. Ecuador also has its own form of volleyball called Ecuavolley, which is very similar to the form of volleyball played in the United States. Those who live in the coastal areas visit the beaches during the months of December through April when the weather is the most enjoyable.
The children in orphanages are typically there because they have been abandoned. Many are there because a family simply cannot afford to feed another child. The poverty level is such that families have no other choice but to give their child up for adoption in hopes that they will be placed with families who can provide for them.
ECUADOR ADOPTION PROGRAM

Children Available:
" Infants through school age, siblings and unrelated children available
" Children come from private care centers
" Children are tested for HIV and Hepatitis B prior to referral

Eligibility Requirements:
" Couples must be at least 25 years to adopt and married for more than 2 ½ years.
" Single women from 30-50 years old.

Travel:
" Both parents must travel.
" One may return after the first week. The family can take 2 trips: the first trip lasts approximately 10 days and the second trip, approximately 30 days later, is 10 days.

ECUADORAN POST-ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS:
Ecuadorian law requires compliance with certain regulations, even after you have adopted your child. These post-adoption requirements include:
1. Legalization of the adoption in the United States;
2. Notification of any change of address of the adoptive parent(s) to the nearest Ecuadorian Consulate in the United States;
3. A social worker's examination each year (or more frequently, if Ecuadorian authorities so desire) of the physical, "moral", and social atmosphere in which the child is being brought up;
4. A report to the nearest Ecuadorian consulate to be forwarded to the National Directorate for the Protection of Minors (Direccion Nacional de Proteccion de Menores).

Fee Schedule:

Please contact our office for information regarding fees. We can be reached at 503-977-5095 or by email at info@adoptionavenues.org
 

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