Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will the children stay in the home?
A: This is their home, this is their new family where they can feel safe and loved, with their many brothers and sisters. The hope is that they will always feel wanted, and not waiting for someone to come and love them, but that they are already loved.
They will stay here until they are roughly 18 years old. At that time they will be given the opportunity to attend a University or another form of education. The effort is that they might be able to be a successful contributor to society.
Q: Are the children available for foreign adoption?
A: Not at this time, with no immediate plans for adoptions to become available. This is due to the Mexican laws. Adoption is given priority to Mexican citizens. Additionally each of the 31 states within the Republic of Mexico has its own civil code governing adoptions. At this time we are not certified through the Republic of Mexico to be a facilitator of adoptions.
As shown in the below table, foreign adoptions from the Republic of Mexico are very difficult:
AVAILABILITY OF CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION: Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans:
FY-1996: IR-4 Immigrant Visas issued to Mexican Orphans adopted in the U.S. - 0
FY-1997: IR-4 visas - 3
FY-1998: IR-4 visas - 1
FY-1999: IR-4 visas - 3
FY-2000: IR-4 visas - 2
FY-2001: IR-4 visas - 73
FY-2002: IR-4 visas - 61
FY-2003: IR-4 visas - 61
FY-2004: IR-4 visas - 89
FY-2005: IR-4 visas - 98
For more US specific information regarding adoptions in Mexico, view details at:
http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_419.html
Q: Can I come to Mexico to Volunteer?
A: Yes, you can. Volunteers make up a very important part of Radiant Futures, as each volunteer comes with their unique skills and qualities that they can share with our children. We welcome all that can come and teach, love, and help our children gain new skills and a further appreciation for many cultures and caring people.
If you are interested in volunteering - please view our volunteer site to contact our Director of Volunteers to learn more.
Go to Volunteer info
Q: Do I need to know Spanish to Volunteer?
A: No, you don't. The children speak primarily English in the home and Spanish in school and in play with the other children in the community.
Q: Does the home need supplies?
A: Yes, donations are very welcome ... the only issue is getting the supplies to the home. As the postal system is not always reliable, and to send collected goods down through FedEx or the like is expensive.
What various groups have done successfully is collected goods, had a rummage sale, and then the money raised has been sent to Radiant Futures. Then the new clothing, toys, or supplies are purchased in Mexico with this donation.