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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Switzerland"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of [[Switzerland]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sz-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sz-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/sz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/sz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg/800px-Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Matterhorn seen seen from the Domhütte (Valais), Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg/800px-Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Matterhorn seen seen from the Domhütte (Valais)'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/ZurichMontage.jpg/334px-ZurichMontage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Zurich, Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/ZurichMontage.jpg/334px-ZurichMontage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Zurich'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/11279307745_6f086cfcbb.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A little girl in Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/europe/switzerland/switzerland_001_luzern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: bigfoto.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/europe/switzerland/switzerland_001_luzern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: bigfoto.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg/800px-Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Houses in Bern'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG/800px-Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Geneva'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg/800px-Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Houses in Bern, Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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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]].'''
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG/800px-Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Geneva, Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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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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=Hague Convention Information=
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=About Switzerland=
  
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The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. [[Switzerland]]'s sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as [[Switzerland]]'s role in many UN and [[international]] [[organizations]], has strengthened [[Switzerland]]'s ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. [[Switzerland]] remains active in many UN and [[international]] [[organizations]] but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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==Residency==
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[[Switzerland]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ( Hague [[Adoption]] Convention  ). Therefore, all adoptions between [[Switzerland]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and the U.S. law implements the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Switzerland and the Hague Convention]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Who Can Adopt=
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==Income==
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==Other==
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Switzerland]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. In order for an American applicant to [[adopt]] a child from [[Switzerland]], within the framework of the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, a determination of eligibility must first be made 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). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Switzerland]].
  
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because [[Switzerland]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Switzerland]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be considered eligible for [[adoption]]. For example; the Convention requires that [[Switzerland]] attempt to place a child with a family in [[Switzerland]] before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Switzerland]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for a prospective adopter to bring him or her back to the United States.
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''[[Switzerland]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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The Government office responsible for adoptions in [[Switzerland]] is the Municipality (Gemeinde/Commune/Comuni) and/or the local [[Guardianship]] Board. The physical location of a prospective adopter directly affects which local governing authority will process their application. Each of the 26 Cantons in [[Switzerland]] now has a Central Authority. In order to determine which authority is most relevant, the prospective adopting parents or individual should contact the Cantonal Central Authority (CCA). A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy or on the Internet at www.bj.admin.ch.
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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As [[Switzerland]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, [[Switzerland]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. The requirements outlined in the Treaty must be followed to successfully prosecute an [[adoption]] from within [[Switzerland]].
  
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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 Switzerland. 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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'''NOTE:'''  The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from [[Switzerland]], including adoptions of Swiss children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in [[Switzerland]].  
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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# Be matched with a child
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for Immigration to the United States
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Switzerland]]
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# Bring your child Home
  
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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 Switzerland, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].  
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To learn more please read about [[How to Adopt from Switzerland]].
  
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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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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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Switzerland]]. 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 Switzerland]].
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
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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 Switzerland, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Switzerland]]'''
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Sulgeneckstrasse 19
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3007 Bern
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Internet: [http://bern.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Switzerland]
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'''The Swiss [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Contact the appropriate Cantonal Central Authority (CCA).
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A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy.
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'''Embassy of [[Switzerland]]'''
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2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
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Tel: (202) 745-7900
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Fax: (202) 387-2564
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Internet: [http://Swissemb.org Embassy of Switzerland]
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[[Switzerland]] also has consulates in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, [[New York]] and San Francisco.
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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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E-mail: AskCI@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, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
 
==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=switzerland
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:48, 21 February 2018

The official flag of .
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The Matterhorn seen seen from the Domhütte (Valais)
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Zurich
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: bigfoto.com.

Houses in Bern
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Geneva
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 Switzerland

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.


Hague Convention Information

Switzerland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, all adoptions between Switzerland and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and the U.S. law implements the Convention. To learn more please read about Switzerland and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Switzerland is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. In order for an American applicant to adopt a child from Switzerland, within the framework of the Hague Adoption Convention, a determination of eligibility must first be made 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). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Switzerland.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Switzerland is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Switzerland must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be considered eligible for adoption. For example; the Convention requires that Switzerland attempt to place a child with a family in Switzerland before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Switzerland's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for a prospective adopter to bring him or her back to the United States.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Switzerland's Adoption Authority

The Government office responsible for adoptions in Switzerland is the Municipality (Gemeinde/Commune/Comuni) and/or the local Guardianship Board. The physical location of a prospective adopter directly affects which local governing authority will process their application. Each of the 26 Cantons in Switzerland now has a Central Authority. In order to determine which authority is most relevant, the prospective adopting parents or individual should contact the Cantonal Central Authority (CCA). A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy or on the Internet at www.bj.admin.ch.

The Process

As Switzerland is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, Switzerland must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. The requirements outlined in the Treaty must be followed to successfully prosecute an adoption from within Switzerland.


NOTE: The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Switzerland, including adoptions of Swiss children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Switzerland.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Apply for the child to be found eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the child in Switzerland
  6. Bring your child Home

To learn more please read about How to Adopt from Switzerland.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Switzerland. 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 Switzerland.


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 Switzerland

Sulgeneckstrasse 19 3007 Bern Internet: U.S. Embassy Switzerland


The Swiss Adoption Authority

Contact the appropriate Cantonal Central Authority (CCA). A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy.


Embassy of Switzerland

2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 745-7900 Fax: (202) 387-2564 Internet: Embassy of Switzerland


Switzerland also has consulates in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.


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 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)

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=switzerland