What is PGN?

I get this question ALL the time…What exactly is PGN?

Many people, including myself, don’t understand the entire adoption process. The PGN in Guatemala acts as the official adoption office in Guatemala. Paperwork is processed through the PGN and referrals are made through this department with the assistance of an attorney working through the PGN in Guatemala.

PGN stands for Procuradoria General de la Nacion. Procuradoria is a Spanish term that is used in Central America. Its relative to jurisprudence in Guatemala. The PGN in Guatemala is made up of lawyers, judges, counselors and administrators as a combination of the US Immigration Service and elements of the Justice Department. The Procurador is the person who manage and administers laws on behalf of people adopting through the PGN in Guatemala.In order to comply with The Hague Convention, the PGN in Guatemala was set up to act as the central department with authority over adoption in Guatemala. In addition to standardizing the adoption process, the Hague Convention is also an effort to stop the trafficking of children.

The PGN in Guatemala is the group that receives the paperwork prepared by prospective parent(s). The PGN reviews the paperwork and analyzes it against the adoption requirements required by Guatemala and the guidelines of The Hague Convention.

It is important to note, that the PGN in Guatemala does not charge a fee for adoptions. Many unscrupulous operators will attempt to charge vulnerable prospective parent(s) for this service.