A. Christian Commitment
As a ministry, Lifeline works with Christian families desiring to adopt as part of a calling and commitment we have been led to. As a part of this, we also ask that you complete two forms (Doctrinal Statement & Christian Questionnaire) that you can access online. We ask that parents have a firm commitment to live according to God’s Word and teach their child the truth about who Jesus Christ is as their Lord and Savior. We would love to talk to you more about this if you would like to know more about what it means to be a Christian. Check out more information about it here.
B. Parenting Ability
The adoptive applicants must give evidence of a mutual desire and love for children. The applicants must be able to provide the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the child being adopted. Adoptive applicants should meet the requirements for adoption in their home state.
C. Age
Costa Rica requires applicants to be at least 25 years of age. There is an upper age limit of 60 years of age with some exceptions. (Note: Parents must be at least 15 years older than the child(ren) they are adopting).
D. Health
The applicants must be in good physical and mental health as determined by a medical examination and evaluation to enable them to undertake the responsibility of parenthood. Family Health insurance and life insurance coverage is required.
E. Finances
The applicants must have a sufficient income to meet the expenses incurred by adding a member to the family and to make reasonable provision for future financial stability. Indebtedness (not including mortgage) should be reasonable.
F. Housing
The applicants’ home must provide adequate space and living conditions necessary to promote health and well being. The home should have at least two bedrooms. Ownership is not required.
G. Work
If both parents work outside the home, one of the parents should be able to remain at home with the child for at least 4-6 weeks following the return home. This assists with bonding and fosters emotional security in the child. Whether one is able to take time off from work will be considered. The exact length of time can be discussed in more detail with our staff. If the parent returns to work, there must be a plan for reasonable child cared which will provide security for the child.
H. Prior History of Felony Conviction
State Law #85-537 does not permit licensed child placement agencies to place babies with prospective adoptive applicants who have a prior history of a felony conviction(s). Certain exceptions are allowable for non-violent felony convictions, but this should be addressed with an agency representative prior to making an application. All prior legal convictions should be disclosed with the agency representative before starting your home study.
I. Marriage
A husband and wife must be married at least 5 year prior to filing an application. The marriage relationship should be stable, as determined through the home study investigation.
J. Children/Pregnancy
There are no restrictions concerning children in the family or an applicants’ ability to have future children.
K. Exceptions
Please discuss possible exceptions with a Lifeline representative.
If you feel that you meet these qualifications please complete and send us the Doctrinal Statement/Christian Questionnaire, Adoption Application, and application fee of $250. We will contact you within 5 business days of receiving your completed initial paperwork. Please contact us at 205.967.0811 or dave.wood@lifelineadoption.org for further information.
Get The International Adoption Forms
Please see the Fee Schedule here for a breakdown of estimated expenses. Additional fees and their due date are outlined in the fee schedule. Please note: The application fee is not refundable once the home study portion of the adoption process has begun.
Following the receipt of your completed application by our office, you will be contacted by us. We will direct you to the next steps. It is at this time that you will be given our Costa Rica Adoption Manual, along with other miscellaneous adoption paperwork.
