Guyana has recorded 37 completed adoptions so far in 2026, the highest annual figure reported by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in more than five years, with over 40 additional cases approaching finalisation.
The Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud highlighted the progress during an open house hosted by the Childcare and Protection Agency’s (CPA) Adoption Department at the Blue Bel Cafe on Tuesday, November 10, in observance of World Adoption Day 2026.
The event attracted at least 50 prospective adoptive parents, who received guidance on adoption requirements, interacted with officials and gained a better understanding of the procedures involved.
Addressing participants, the minister outlined the two forms of adoption available in Guyana: local and overseas.
She explained that overseas adoption is generally considered after opportunities for local placement have been explored and exhausted, except in circumstances that justify a different approach.
Minister Persaud also pointed to policy and legislative reforms implemented over the past five years, which she said enabled Guyana to resume overseas adoptions in accordance with the Hague Convention.
According to her, completed adoptions have increased steadily over the past five and a half years, with the 37 cases finalised so far this year representing the highest figure recorded during that period.
She commended the Adoption Department for its continued efforts to facilitate placements while emphasising that adoption extends beyond legal procedures to providing children with permanent, supportive family environments.
Minister Persaud said, “When you take a child into your home, you’re giving that child an opportunity.
You’re giving that child the ability to thrive, to be encouraged, motivated, but more importantly, to experience love and stability of a family.”
Meanwhile, Acting Manager of the Adoption Department, Paula Nassy, outlined the procedures prospective adoptive parents must follow, noting that the department provides guidance throughout the process.
She explained that the process begins with an application, followed by investigations and a home visit to assess whether the proposed living environment is safe and suitable for a child.
Following completion of the home study and assessment, Ms Nassy stated that applicants are required to obtain a Guardian Ad Litem order through the High Court.
She also added that the agency subsequently prepares a report for the adoption board, which reviews the application and makes a recommendation.
Nassy noted that applications may be approved or deferred if additional information is required or concerns arise during the review process.
Once approval is granted, applicants must return to the court to obtain the final adoption order before securing an official adoption certificate from the Registrar’s Office.
Additionally, adoptive parent Mr Alvin Anderson provided a personal account of his family’s adoption journey, sharing how welcoming their daughter into their home transformed their lives.
Mr Anderson recalled that when he and his wife adopted their daughter, she was approximately one year old and in critical condition, having reportedly been given only days to live.
Today, at four years old, she is attending school and making progress.
“We believe adopting a child is the best thing anyone can do,” Anderson said, encouraging other families, including those with children, to consider adoption.
He described the process as manageable, explaining that his family’s adoption journey took approximately eight months.
Anderson also disclosed that he and his wife are considering expanding their family through adoption.
The open house formed part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to increase public awareness of adoption procedures, strengthen public engagement and encourage eligible families to consider providing permanent homes for children in need of care.
