Infants are not available for adoption because, between the ages of 0 - 6 years, the aim of the State is to strengthen the child’s biological family with a view to sending the children back to the biological family. If this is not possible then the child is placed for adoption in Chile. In special circumstances the adoption of an infant will be considered.  These special circumstances are special needs (e.g. a child with a physical disability) or where the infant is part of a sibling group where one of the children is over 5 years of age (applicants must state the maximum age of the older child that they would be prepared to adopt).  A child in a sibling group does not necessarily need to be a blood relative.  There are circumstances where a group which has grown up together in the institution where it will be considered in the best interests of the child that the particular group should be kept together.  If separation should occur then provision must be made for them to remain in contact.

Unless there are special circumstances as stated above Chile will only accept applications for children 5 years of age and over. The greatest needs are for children between 7 and 8 years of age children with special needs and sibling groups all of whom are likely to remain institutionalised if not adopted.