Adopting from Malawi
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Malawi
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. To learn more please read About Malawi.
Hague Convention Information
Malawi is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(the Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Malawi and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
In addition to U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Malawi also has multiple additional requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Malawi.
Who Can Be Adopted
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Malawi has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Malawi.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Malawi 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 in Malawi
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
- Bring Your Child Home
To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt from Malawi.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Malawi. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Malawi.
After Adoption
There are no post-adoption reporting requirements for Malawi.
Post-Adoption Resources
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons
NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Malawi
Embassy of the United States of America Area 40, Plot 24 16th Jomo Kenyatta Road P.O; Box 30016 Lilongwe 3 Tel: 265-773-166 Fax: 265-774-976 Email: ConsularLilong@state.gov Internet: [lilongwe.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Malawi]
Mrs. H. Kulemeka/Director of Women and Child Development Ministry of Women, Child and Child Development Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 1-770-411
Mr. Simon Chisale/Acting Deputy Director Child Development Affairs (currently working on a part-time basis) Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Services Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 01-770-411
Mr. C. Jeke/Deputy Director Child Development Affairs Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 01-770-411
Mrs. Mary Khonje/Senior Social Welfare Officer Ministry of Women and Child Development Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 1-770-411
Embassy of Malawi
Embassy of the Republic of Malawi 2408 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 797-1007
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: AskCI@state.gov Internet: [[[adoption]].state.gov 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.gov USCIS]
For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 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=malawi