Adopting from Bahamas, The
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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Contents
About the Bahamas
Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. To learn more, read About Bahamas, The.
Hague Convention Information
The Bahamas is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for The Bahamas did not change. To learn more, read about The Bahamas and the Hague Convention
Who Can Adopt
To bring an adopted child to United States from The Bahamas, 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). To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Bahamas, The.
Who Can Be Adopted
The Bahamas has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in The Bahamas unless he or she meets specific requirements. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Bahamas, The
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
The Department of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development is the adoption authority in The Bahamas. To learn more about this process, please read about How to Adopt from Bahamas, The
Traveling Abroad
Learn more about Traveling Abroad Bahamas, The.
After Adoption
What does The Bahamas require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?
We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of The Bahamas 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:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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 The Bahamas
U.S. Embassy Nassau 42 Queen Street Nassau Phone: (242) 322-1181 Fax: (242) 356-7174
The Bahamas' Adoption Authority
Tel: 242-356-0765
Fax: 242-323-3883
Embassy of The Bahamas and Consulate in the United States
Embassy of The Bahamas
2220 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 Phone: (202) 319-2660
The Bahamas also has consulates in Miami and New York.
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 Web: 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=the_bahamas