Adopting from Zimbabwe
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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 Zimbabwe
The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). To learn more please read About Zimbabwe.
Hague Convention Information
Zimbabwe is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Zimbabwe and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Zimbabwe. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Zimbabwe.
Who Can Be Adopted
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Zimbabwe 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 in Zimbabwe
5.Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
6.Bring your child home
To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Zimbabwe.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Zimbabwe. 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 Zimbabwe.
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 Zimbabwe
American Embassy 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: 263-4-250593/4 Fax: 263- 4-250343 Email: consularharare@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Harare Central District Social Welfare Office P.O. Box CY 562 Causeway Bulawayo: +236-9-465-567 Gweru: +263-54-225-526/223-037/226-742 Masvingo: +263-39-263-476/263-478 Mutare : +263-20-64-416/60-805
Embassy of Zimbabwe
1608 New Hampshire Ave., N.W. Washington D.C. 20009 Tel: (202) 332-7100, (301) 263-9826 Email: info33@zimbabwe-embassy.us Internet: Embassy of Zimbabwe
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=zimbabwe