Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Fiji"

(→‎Who Can Be Adopted)
m (→‎SOURCE)
 
(22 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/fj-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/fj-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
Fiji is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Fiji.
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/fj_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/BureNavala2.jpg/800px-BureNavala2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Huts in the village of Navala in the Nausori Highlands.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
'''Intercountry adoption is not possible from Fiji at this time.''' For more information please see the related notice.
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Fijian_children_DSC_0024.jpg/800px-Fijian_children_DSC_0024.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fijian children.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/The_Point_%28Fiji%29.jpg/800px-The_Point_%28Fiji%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
To bring an adopted child to United States from Fiji, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Sri_Siva_Subramaniya_Temple.jpg/800px-Sri_Siva_Subramaniya_Temple.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sri Siva Temple.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Fiji also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Fijians%2C_Raviravi%2C_Fiji%2C_Summer_2006.jpg/800px-Fijians%2C_Raviravi%2C_Fiji%2C_Summer_2006.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fijians.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
==Residency==
 
  
−
According to Fiji law American citizens wishing to adopt orphans from that country MUST be residents in the Republic of Fiji. This means applicants are living and/or working in Fiji, or have property or other demonstrated connections to Fiji. Prospective adoptive parents must be long-term residents of Fiji (at least 3 months) in order for them to apply for and be granted a full and final adoption order. Prospective adoptive parents must be physically present in court to file an application for adoption and must remain in Fiji until the final adoption order is granted. In addition, applicants must reside with a child or contribute to a child's welfare for a minimum of three months prior to application.
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
−
At least one prospective adoptive parent must have attained the age of 25. Applicants must be at least 21 years older than the child.
 
  
−
==Marriage==
+
=About Fiji=
  
−
A single male applicant cannot adopt a female child. Fiji law permits both single and married foreigners to adopt Fijian children.  
+
[[Fiji]] became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of [[Fiji]] led to heavy Indian emigration; the population [[loss]] resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority.  To learn more please read [[About Fiji]].
  
−
==Income==
 
  
−
Income should be above average and prospective adoptive parents should live in a conducive environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the Department of Social Welfare.
+
=Fiji Adoption Alert=
  
−
==Other==
+
There have been several [[adoption]] alerts for [[Fiji]] over the years. To learn more please read the [[Fiji Adoption Alert]] page.
  
−
The applicants must have no adverse police record relating to any offense involving violence towards a child or abuse of child.
 
−
The applicant must be able to provide a secure and stable home environment for the child.  The court and the Department of Social Welfare are inclined to look more favorable on cases where the child and the adoptive parents are related by blood. Most orphan visa cases involve prospective adoptive parents who are former residents of Fiji and who have family ties in Fiji. The Fijian court takes these issues into account when deciding whether the prospective adoptive parents have fulfilled Fiji's residency requirements.
 
  
−
=Who Can Be Adopted=
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
Fiji has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Fiji unless he or she meets these requirements.
+
[[Fiji]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  Intercountry [[adoption]] processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing [[legislation]], the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing [[legislation]] and regulations of [[Fiji]].
  
  
−
In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more] about these U.S. requirements.
+
'''Intercountry [[adoption]] is not possible from [[Fiji]] at this time.'''  For more information please see the related notice.
  
  
−
'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
 +
To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Fiji]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read [[Who Can Adopt from Fiji]].
  
−
'''Relinquishment Requirements:''' An adoption order shall not be made in the case of any child unless the child has been continuously in the care and possession of the prospective adoptive parents for at least three consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the order.
 
  
−
'''Abandonment Requirements:''' An adoption order shall not be made except with the consent of every person or body who is a parent or guardian of the infant, or who is liable by virtue of any order or agreement to contribute to the maintenance of the infant:
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
−
::::A. Provided that the court may dispense with any consent required by this subsection if it is satisfied:
+
−
::::B. In the case of a parent or guardian of the infant, that he has abandoned, neglected or persistently ill-treated the infant, or has made no contribution to its maintenance for a period in excess of five years;
+
−
::::C. In the case of a person liable as aforesaid to contribute to the maintenance of the infant, that he has persistently neglected or refused so to contribute;
+
−
::::D. In any case, that the person whose consent is required cannot be found, or is incapable of giving his consent or that his consent is unreasonably withheld.
+
−
Abandoned children are usually wards of the state and the local Government appoints the Social Welfare Department to be their legal guardians.
+
−
'''Age Requirements:''' The child should be under the age of 21 years old.
+
−
 
+
−
'''Sibling Requirements:''' The Social Welfare Department prefers that a sibling of the prospective adoptive child be adopted by the same family, if the sibling is also available for adoption.
+
  
−
'''Requirements for Special Needs or Medical Conditions:''' Living conditions of prospective adoptive parents must be conducive to the child's needs.  
+
[[Fiji]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Fiji]] unless he or she meets these requirements.  To learn more please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Fiji]].
  
−
'''Waiting Period:''' Prospective adoptive parents must have had the child in their care and possession for a period of three continuous months before an adoption order will be issued by the court. The total waiting period could be less than four months.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
 +
==Adoption Authority==
 +
 +
'''Fijian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
The Social Welfare Department, under the Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Poverty, is in charge of overseeing intercountry adoptions.  For people residing in [[Fiji]], the [[adoption]] authority in [[Fiji]] is the Magistrate's court having [[jurisdiction]] over the [[adopted]] child's place of residence. Almost every town and city in [[Fiji]] has a court.
  
−
==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
 +
 +
The process for adopting a child from [[Fiji]] generally includes the following steps:
 +
 +
 +
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
 +
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 +
# Be Matched with a Child
 +
# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Fiji]]
 +
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 +
# Bring Your Child Home
 +
 +
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Fiji]].
 +
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 +
 +
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 +
 +
U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in Fiji]].
  
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
 +
'''What does [[Fiji]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' 
 +
 +
We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of [[Fiji]] and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.
 +
 +
 +
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 +
 +
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
 +
 +
 +
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 +
 +
 +
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
 +
 +
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 +
 +
 +
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
 +
 +
 +
=Contact Information=
 +
 +
 +
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Fiji]]'''
 +
 +
Embassy of the United States, Suva, [[Fiji]]
 +
158 Princes Road, Tamavua
 +
Suva, [[Fiji]]
 +
Tel: (679) 331-4466
 +
Fax: (679) 330-2267
 +
Recorded Information: (679) 330-3888
 +
Email: consularsuva@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://suva.usembassy.gov/index.html U.S. Embassy Fiji]
 +
 +
 +
'''Fijian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
Social Welfare Department
 +
P.O. Box 2127
 +
Government Buildings
 +
72 Suva Street, Toorak
 +
Suva, [[Fiji]]
 +
Tel: (679) 331-5585
 +
 +
 +
'''Embassy of [[Fiji]]'''
 +
 +
Embassy of the Republic of the [[Fiji]] Islands, [[Washington]], D.C.
 +
2000 M Street, NW
 +
Suite 710
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20036
 +
Tel: 202- 466-8320
 +
Fax: 202- 466-8325
 +
Email: info@fijiembassydc.com
 +
Internet: [www.fijiembassydc.com Embassy of [[Fiji]]]
 +
 +
 +
'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
 +
 +
U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
USA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 +
Tel:  1-888-407-4747
 +
E-mail:  AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
 +
 +
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
 +
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 +
Internet:  [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
 +
 +
 +
'''For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:'''
 +
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=fiji
 +
 
 +
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:25, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Huts in the village of Navala in the Nausori Highlands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Fijian children.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sri Siva Temple.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Fijians.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Fiji

Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. To learn more please read About Fiji.


Fiji Adoption Alert

There have been several adoption alerts for Fiji over the years. To learn more please read the Fiji Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Fiji is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Fiji.


Intercountry adoption is not possible from Fiji at this time. For more information please see the related notice.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Fiji, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read Who Can Adopt from Fiji.


Who Can Be Adopted

Fiji has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Fiji unless he or she meets these requirements. To learn more please read Who Can Be Adopted from Fiji.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Fijian Adoption Authority

The Social Welfare Department, under the Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Poverty, is in charge of overseeing intercountry adoptions. For people residing in Fiji, the adoption authority in Fiji is the Magistrate's court having jurisdiction over the adopted child's place of residence. Almost every town and city in Fiji has a court.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Fiji generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Fiji
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Fiji.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in Fiji.


After Adoption

What does Fiji require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Fiji and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.


What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

North American Council on Adoptable Children


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Fiji

Embassy of the United States, Suva, Fiji 158 Princes Road, Tamavua Suva, Fiji Tel: (679) 331-4466 Fax: (679) 330-2267 Recorded Information: (679) 330-3888 Email: consularsuva@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Fiji


Fijian Adoption Authority

Social Welfare Department P.O. Box 2127 Government Buildings 72 Suva Street, Toorak Suva, Fiji Tel: (679) 331-5585


Embassy of Fiji

Embassy of the Republic of the Fiji Islands, Washington, D.C. 2000 M Street, NW Suite 710 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: 202- 466-8320 Fax: 202- 466-8325 Email: info@fijiembassydc.com Internet: [www.fijiembassydc.com Embassy of Fiji]


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI USA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:

National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=fiji