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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Sweden"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sw-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sw-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sw-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sw-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/sw_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/sw_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Greater_coat_of_arms_of_Sweden.svg/527px-Greater_coat_of_arms_of_Sweden.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Greater_coat_of_arms_of_Sweden.svg/527px-Greater_coat_of_arms_of_Sweden.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Uppsala_Cathedral.JPG/800px-Uppsala_Cathedral.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Uppsala Cathedral, Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Uppsala_Cathedral.JPG/800px-Uppsala_Cathedral.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Uppsala Cathedral'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Royalpalace_Stockholm.jpg/800px-Royalpalace_Stockholm.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Royal Palace in Stockholm City, Sweden .'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Royalpalace_Stockholm.jpg/800px-Royalpalace_Stockholm.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Royal Palace in Stockholm City.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Kornhamnstorg_2012a.jpg/800px-Kornhamnstorg_2012a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kornhamnstorg, Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Kornhamnstorg_2012a.jpg/800px-Kornhamnstorg_2012a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kornhamnstorg'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6478585899_f1bfa2bf0e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lulea, Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6478585899_f1bfa2bf0e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lulea'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5110/5660931387_fee4a6c984.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Don Quixote at Sweden .'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5110/5660931387_fee4a6c984.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Don Quixote at [[Sweden]] .'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3386/3475905369_c97f96816e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Sweden.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3386/3475905369_c97f96816e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
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Sweden 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 the child’s country of origin.
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'''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.
  
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Sweden is not generally considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption.  There are few children eligible for adoption in Sweden.  There is no national adoption waiting list [[system]] in Sweden; each municipality is individually responsible for finding homes for any child residing in its respective area.  Most intercountry adoptions in Sweden are by legal residents of Sweden who [[adopt]] in third countries.
 
  
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=About Sweden=
  
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While legally possible, intercountry adoption of a Swedish orphan by foreigners is unlikely. A child residing in Sweden could be [[adopted]] to another country ONLY in the case that the foreign prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] were either relatives or other persons with pre-existing ties to the child.  In either case, the relevant municipality would identify the child eligible for adoption before the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] would initiate adoption proceedings in the receiving country.  
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A military power during the 17th century, [[Sweden]] has not participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both world wars. [[Sweden]]'s long-successful economic formula of a capitalist [[system]] intermixed with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. [[Sweden]] joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.
  
  
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No Swedish orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years.  The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Sweden in which a Swedish child is [[adopted]] by relatives in the United States or by person(s) in the United States with other strong ties to the child, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Sweden.
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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[[Sweden]] 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 the child’s country of origin. To learn more please read about [[Sweden and the Hague Convention]].
  
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In addition to the U.S. requirements, Sweden requires prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet the following Swedish requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child:
 
  
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==Residency==
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must be Swedish citizens or legal permanent residents of Sweden in order to [[adopt]] in Sweden or from a third county.
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In addition to the U.S. requirements, [[Sweden]] requires prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet several Swedish requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child. To learn more about these requirements please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Sweden]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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Any man or woman 25 years old or older, whether single or married, may [[adopt]] with the permission of the court.  Persons ages 18-25 may also [[adopt]] if the adoption involves a related child, the biological or adoptive child of a spouse, or if special circumstances exist.  The Swedish Social Services recommend that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should not be older than 42 when they submit an application for [[Consent to Adopt|consent to adopt]], but the law does not provide a maximum age.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Marriage==
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Because [[Sweden]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Sweden]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  For example, the [[adoption]] may take place only if the competent authorities of [[Sweden]] have determined that placement of the child within [[Sweden]] has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests.  In addition to [[Sweden]]’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.
  
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Spouses must [[adopt]] jointly.  However, one of the spouses may [[adopt]] a child separately when the other spouse’s whereabouts are unknown or is suffering from a serious mental illness.  One spouse may also, with the consent of the other spouse, [[adopt]] that spouse’s child.  A single person may also [[adopt]] a child, but common-law spouses may not [[adopt]] jointly.  Two persons of the same sex can [[adopt]] jointly if they live together as registered partners or as a married couple.  However, many countries of origin do not allow adoption under these circumstances, which may limit the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ options.
 
  
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==Income==
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:''' 
  
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None.
 
  
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==Other==
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For specific requirements under Swedish [[adoption]] law, please contact [[Sweden]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority listed under the contact section of this flyer.
  
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All prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] residing in, or who are citizens of, Sweden must receive [[Consent to Adopt|consent to adopt]] from the local Social Welfare Committee, which is based on a thorough investigation and home study where particular attention is given to the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ knowledge and understanding of how to parent an [[adopted]] child, their age, health, employment, criminal background, personal qualities and social network.  The consent is valid for two years. 
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=How to Adopt=
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In addition, all such prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must take part in a parental preparation course assigned by the municipality where they reside.  This course must be completed in order for the investigation/home study to be initiated.  The cost of the course varies but is approximately 2000 SEK = $250.
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'''WARNING:'''  [[Sweden]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Sweden]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case.  Read on for more information.
  
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If non-residents of Sweden seek adoption of a related child residing in Sweden, the Social Welfare Committee in the area where the child is residing would conduct an investigation to determine if the adoption would be in the best interest of the child.  The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] would be evaluated by the appropriate authorities in their country of residence – in this case the United States.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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'''[[Sweden]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Swedish Intercountry Adoptions Authority (MIA)
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Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
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Box 308
 +
101 26 Stockholm
 +
Tel:  +46 (8) 54555680
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Fax:  +46 (8) 650 4110
 +
Email:  info@mia.eu
 +
Internet:  [http://mia.eu MIA]
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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'''NOTE:'''  Most of the following information refers to the process of adopting from [[Sweden]] as country of origin, and would be used only in rare [[adoption]] cases from [[Sweden]].  Contact the MIA  for more information on the process of adopting a child from a third country to [[Sweden]]. 
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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Because [[Sweden]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Sweden]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements.  A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below.  You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.  Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Sweden. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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# Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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# Be matched with a child by authorities in [[Sweden]].
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# Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]]
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# [[Adopt]] or Gain [[Legal Custody]] of fchild in [[Sweden]].
 +
# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
  
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Sweden]].
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Sweden, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Sweden]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Sweden]].
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Sweden, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
Line 108: Line 110:
  
  
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Sweden]]'''
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Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31,
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SE-115 89 Stockholm, [[Sweden]]
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Tel: (+46) 8 783 5300
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Email: stkacsinfo@state.gov
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Internet: [http://sweden.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Sweden]
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 +
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'''The Swedish Intercountry Adoptions Authority (MIA)'''
 +
 +
Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
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Box 308
 +
101 26 Stockholm
 +
Tel:  +46 (8) 54555680
 +
Fax:  +46 (8) 650 4110
 +
Email:  info@mia.eu
 +
Internet:  [http://mia.eu MIA]
 +
 +
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'''Embassy of [[Sweden]]'''
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1501 M. Street N.W., Suite 900
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20005-1702
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Tel:  +1-202-467 2600
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Fax:  +1-202-467 2699
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Email:  ambassaden.washington@foreign.ministry.se
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Internet: [http://swedenabroad.com Embassy of Sweden]
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 +
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor 
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel:  1-888-407-4747
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Email:  AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
 +
 +
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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 +
For questions about immigration procedures:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet:  [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
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 +
 +
For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:
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National Benefits Center
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Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
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Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=sweden
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:47, 21 February 2018

The official flag
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Uppsala Cathedral
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Royal Palace in Stockholm City.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kornhamnstorg
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Lulea
Source: flickr.com.

Don Quixote at .
Source: cia.gov.

'
Source: flickr.com.


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 Sweden

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both world wars. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.


Hague Convention Information

Sweden 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 the child’s country of origin. To learn more please read about Sweden and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, Sweden requires prospective adoptive parents to meet several Swedish requirements in order to adopt a child. To learn more about these requirements please read about Who Can Adopt from Sweden.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Sweden is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Sweden must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Sweden have determined that placement of the child within Sweden has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests. In addition to Sweden’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.


ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:


For specific requirements under Swedish adoption law, please contact Sweden’s Adoption Authority listed under the contact section of this flyer.

How to Adopt

WARNING: Sweden is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Sweden before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.

Adoption Authority

Sweden’s Adoption Authority

Swedish Intercountry Adoptions Authority (MIA) Ministry of Health and Social Affairs Box 308 101 26 Stockholm Tel: +46 (8) 54555680 Fax: +46 (8) 650 4110 Email: info@mia.eu Internet: MIA


NOTE: Most of the following information refers to the process of adopting from Sweden as country of origin, and would be used only in rare adoption cases from Sweden. Contact the MIA for more information on the process of adopting a child from a third country to Sweden.


The Process

Because Sweden is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Sweden must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.


  1. Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
  2. Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child by authorities in Sweden.
  4. Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the adoption
  5. Adopt or Gain Legal Custody of fchild in Sweden.
  6. Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Sweden. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Sweden.


After Adoption

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:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Sweden

Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, SE-115 89 Stockholm, Sweden Tel: (+46) 8 783 5300 Email: stkacsinfo@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Sweden


The Swedish Intercountry Adoptions Authority (MIA)

Ministry of Health and Social Affairs Box 308 101 26 Stockholm Tel: +46 (8) 54555680 Fax: +46 (8) 650 4110 Email: info@mia.eu Internet: MIA


Embassy of Sweden

1501 M. Street N.W., Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 20005-1702 Tel: +1-202-467 2600 Fax: +1-202-467 2699 Email: ambassaden.washington@foreign.ministry.se Internet: Embassy of Sweden


Office of Children’s Issues

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


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 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=sweden