At Dorie’s Promise, we are called to something more than short-term care—we are raising children who may spend most of their childhood, and even their teen years, in our home. Since the closure of international adoptions in Guatemala in 2008, the path to permanency has become increasingly rare for many children.
The Reality of Adoption in Guatemala
While we dream of every child having a forever family, the reality is sobering. Domestic adoptions in Guatemala are scarce. In 2023, only 106 children were adopted across the entire country, according to the Consejo Nacional de Adopciones (CNA), or National Adoption Council. Most people seeking to adopt request healthy children between the ages of 1 and 6. Yet, the majority of children eligible for adoption fall into the “priority profile,” including those over the age of 6 or with disabilities.
At Dorie’s Promise, only 8 children are currently legally eligible for adoption. The rest of our children maintain a legal relationship with their biological families. Although this means they are not eligible for adoption, it does not guarantee reunification. In some cases, their families are unable or unwilling to regain custody. As a result, these children often remain in our care until adulthood.
This legal limbo creates uncertainty, but it also reinforces our long-term commitment. In fact, only one adoption has occurred from our home in the last five years. For most of our children, Dorie’s Promise is their only consistent and secure home during their most formative years.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Children in Our Care
Because adoption is so rare, many children grow up with us. We don’t just provide food, shelter, and schooling—we offer stability, support, and a sense of family. Raising children in institutional care is a profound responsibility, one we carry with deep love and unwavering commitment.
Our children are cared for by mentors, psychologists, and dedicated staff who offer daily encouragement and emotional support. We walk with them through the unknowns of their legal journeys and help them navigate the disappointments and delays of the court system.
Supporting Emotional Growth and Healthy Attachments
At Dorie’s Promise, we prioritize emotional health and healing. Through our on-site psychology program, we focus on building secure attachment and fostering healthy self-esteem. These areas are critical for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or abandonment.
One of the most important aspects of our emotional support model is helping children learn how to build healthy attachments with the adults who care for them. For many of our children, these relationships with staff members are the closest, most consistent example of what a loving family bond can look like. Our goal is for the children to see their caregivers not just as workers in a home, but as trusted adults who are safe, dependable, and genuinely invested in their lives.
We work intentionally to keep our staff closely involved in the children’s day-to-day lives—helping with school, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and comforting them through hard moments. These relationships form the emotional foundation that can help a child begin to heal and open up to meaningful connection.
Every few months, children attend legal hearings about their future. The waiting, uncertainty, and confusion surrounding these decisions are difficult—even heartbreaking. With staff members by their side, children have someone they trust to walk with them through the process, help them process their emotions, and remind them they are not alone—even when the outcome is unclear.
Preparing for Adulthood: Dreams and Decisions
Around the ages of 14 or 15, our teens begin a guided life planning process. With the help of our social worker, Gabriela, they set goals, explore future careers, and make decisions about school, work, and independence.
This transition can feel scary—but it’s also full of hope. We encourage each teen to dream big while offering the safety of continued support in our home. Children like Brayan, Myra, Ana, Jennifer, and Merari are currently going through this stage, and we couldn’t be more proud. They are growing into young adults who lead with courage, character, and compassion.
Why Donor Support Matters
Growing up in institutionalized care is never easy, especially over many years. But thanks to the love and resources provided by generous donors and sponsors like you, our children have a chance to thrive—not just survive.
Your support allows us to:
- Provide individualized care and educational opportunities
- Offer consistent access to mental health services
- Help teens prepare for independent adulthood
- Create a loving and stable environment for children who may never be adopted
A Forever Family in Every Sense
At Dorie’s Promise, we don’t just see children with needs—we see beautiful individuals with unique gifts, dreams, and stories. Whether they stay for a few months or grow up in our care, they are loved deeply and remain part of our family forever.
Your partnership makes this possible. Thank you for believing in their futures with us.