Who we are? - Office for Adoptions

What is the Adoption Office?

The Adoption Office is an autonomous institution and the sole entity in El Salvador legally authorized to receive, process, and resolve adoption applications, both domestic and international.

Our mission is to ensure the best interests of the girls, boys, and adolescents who are candidates for adoption by finding families who can provide them with a loving home, care, protection, affection, and all the necessary resources for their comprehensive development. Our processes are governed by the principles of legality, ethics, and integrity.

Our history

In December 2021, the Legislative Assembly approved reforms to the Special Adoption Law to strengthen the autonomy of the Adoption Office (OPA). These amendments have allowed the OPA to achieve independence from the Attorney General’s Office. They have also streamlined the adoption processes and provided greater security for children and adolescents, ensuring their right to grow up in a family.

However, the OPA’s journey has not been without its challenges. Let us now share some of the significant moments that have shaped its history:

Creation of the Special Adoption Law.

In February 2016, the Legislative Assembly issued a favorable opinion on the Draft Special Adoption Law. Subsequently, on November 4, 2016, it was published in the Official Gazette, but its entry into force was postponed until April 24, 2017.

Beginnings of the OPA

After the implementation of the law, the Office for Adoptions was established. Initially, it was located in a small office within the premises of the main building of the Attorney General's Office. However, in July 2019, the OPA moved to a house in the Cima 3 neighborhood of San Salvador. From October 2019 to March 2021, it operated in a classroom within the building of the Francisco Gavidia University. In March 2021, it returned to a suitable space on the first floor of the Attorney General's Office.

Development of the OPA

In its trajectory, the OPA gradually formed its team of specialists, in addition to the first Board of Directors in 2017. However, it was not until July 2019 that the OPA began to process the first adoption applications after having the necessary human resources.

New challenges for the OPA

Starting from January 2022, the Office for Adoptions enters a consolidation process with a structured organization that enables it to function in an organized manner to process different adoption requests, both domestic and international.

Meet the leader of the Adoption Office

Mtro. Manuel Antonio Sánchez Estrada

Executive Director of the Adoption Office

Mtro. Sánchez is a lawyer who also holds a Master’s degree in Political Science. He has served as the Executive Director of ISNA (National Institute for Child and Adolescent Development) and as the Head of Supervision at the Coordination and Supervision Department of the Shared Care Network within the same organization.

It is worth mentioning that he has over 20 years of experience in various areas of law, particularly in child and adolescent rights, human rights, family law, criminal law, juvenile criminal law, and administrative law. He has held various positions within the public administration.

About thr OPA