October 28, 2008 - Joint Council is pleased to announce that the judicial strike in Colombia affecting approximately 80 cases has concluded, and the US Embassy is now resuming the processing of these adoption visas. It is also Joint Council’s understanding that potential adoptive parents no longer face any travel restrictions.

October 14, 2008 - The Colombian Institute of Social Welfare (ICBF) has informed the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bogota that it will not grant prospective adoptive parents legal custody to complete adoptions in the US. Regrettably, this means that an IR-4 visa for an orphan to be adopted in the U.S. is not an option. The Department of State and the Consular Section understand the parents' desire to resolve these cases as quickly as possible, especially those who are already in Colombia and anxious to return home.

Officials at the U.S. Embassy do not believe that a temporary visa is a viable solution. Under these circumstances, they believe it is in the best interest of all the children to finalize the adoption process in Colombia. The U.S. Embassy continues to work closely with the Colombian authorities to ensure that cases are processed as quickly as possible, and they are hopeful that adoptions may resume by the end of next week.

October 8, 2008 - The processing of international adoptions in Colombia has been halted temporarily due to the current judicial strike. The judicial strike has occurred for the last 40 days and currently affects about 82 cases. As referrals are still being issued, it is unknown exactly how many children and families will be affected. However, it remains Joint Council's understanding that the strike could be lengthy. Due to the judicial strike, the US Embassy is also unable to process adoption visa petitions at this time.

Until the strike has concluded, Joint Council asks Prospective Adoptive Parents to refrain from traveling to Colombia and requests that Adoption Service Providers also discourage families from traveling. Joint Council understands that delaying the travel arrangements can affect the cost of flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Joint Council therefore requests that airlines and hotels forgive penalties incurred due to delays in families' travel plans.

October 27, 2007 - In cooperation with Bethany Christian Services and Children's Home Society & Family Services of Minnesota, Joint Council traveled to Bogotá, Colombia in September. Joint Council met with the Assistant Attorney General for Children's Rights and visited with the directors of various children's homes. During and subsequent to the meetings, Joint Council advocates for positive solutions to the impact of the new children's rights law in Colombia.

September 5, 2007 - Joint Council will travel to Columbia on September 9, 2007. This fact finding mission will incorporate meetings with various social service providers and government officials.

August 14, 2007 -  For more information about adopting from Colombia, please review the country-specific adoption flyer for Colombia offered by the U.S. Department of State.