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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Belgium"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/be-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Belgium.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/be-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of [[Belgium]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/be-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Belgium.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/be-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Belgium]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/be_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Belgium.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/be_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Belgium]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/TE-Collage_Brussels.png/362px-TE-Collage_Brussels.png|410x579px|thumb|'''A collage of Brussels, Belgium.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/TE-Collage_Brussels.png/362px-TE-Collage_Brussels.png|410x579px|thumb|'''A collage of Brussels, [[Belgium]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/be/images/BE_012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A bridge over a quite Brugge canal.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/be/images/BE_012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A bridge over a quite Brugge canal.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/be/images/BE_010.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Antwerps City Hall in the Great Market Square.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/be/images/BE_010.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Antwerps City Hall in the Great Market Square.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Great_Coat_of_Arms_of_Belgium.svg/490px-Great_Coat_of_Arms_of_Belgium.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for Belgium.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Great_Coat_of_Arms_of_Belgium.svg/490px-Great_Coat_of_Arms_of_Belgium.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for [[Belgium]].'''<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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'''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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=Hague Convention Information=
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=About Belgium=
  
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Belgium is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between Belgium and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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[[Belgium]] became independent from the [[Netherlands]] in 1830; it was occupied by [[Germany]] during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. To learn more, read [[About Belgium]].
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Belgium is not considered a country of origin in intercountry [[adoption]]. While legally possible, intercountry [[adoption]] of a Belgian [[orphan]] by foreigners is unlikely. No Belgian orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in extremely rare [[adoption]] cases from Belgium, including adoptions of Belgian children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Belgium.
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[[Belgium]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between [[Belgium]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about [[Belgium and the Hague Convention]].
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Belgium]].
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Belgium is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Belgium, you must first 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). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Belgium also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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Because [[Belgium]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Belgium]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. Read more about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Belgium]].
  
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For example, the Convention requires that [[Belgium]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Belgium]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
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==Residency==
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be residents of Belgium to [[adopt]].
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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Minimum age to [[adopt]] is 25, and the minimum age difference between the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the [[adopted]] child is 15 years. For the [[adoption]] of a child of the spouse/cohabiting partner, the minimum age is 18 and the minimum age difference is 10 years.
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==Marriage==
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To [[adopt]] together prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be married, be legally registered as a cohabiting couple or have lived together on an ongoing basis and having an emotional commitment for at least three years.
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==Income==
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Income is discussed in the [[Home Study|home study]]. There are no minimum requirements but the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be able to take financial care of an [[adopted]] child .
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==Other==
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N/A
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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Because Belgium is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Belgium must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Belgium attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Belgium's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
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=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
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Read about [[How to Adopt from Belgium]].
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'''Belgium's [[Adoption]] Authority(ies)'''
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Residents of the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
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'''Kind en Gezin'''
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Hallepoortlaan 27
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1060 Brussels
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e-mail: adoptie@kindengezin.be
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tel.: (02) 533 14 76
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Residents of the French-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
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'''Autorité Communautaire pour l'[[Adoption]] Internationale (ACAI)'''
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Boulevard Leopold II, 44,
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1080 Brussels
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tel.: (02) 413 2726.
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Residents of the German-speaking community should contact:
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'''Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Zentrale Behörde der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft für Adoptionen'''
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Gospertstrasse 1
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B-4700 Eupen
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Fax.: +32 (87) 55 64 74
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Tel.: + 32 (87) 59 63 46
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==The Process==
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Because Belgium is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from Belgium 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.
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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with Belgium before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
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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 Belgium
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# Bring your Child Home
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'''1. Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
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The first step in adopting a child from Belgium is to select an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that has been accredited. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide [[adoption]] services between the United States and Belgium. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]:'''
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After you choose an accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], you apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn how].
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Once the U.S. government determines that you are "eligible"? and "suitable"? to [[adopt]], you or your agency will forward your information to the [[adoption]] authority in Belgium. Belgium's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under Belgium's law.
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child:'''
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If both the United States and Belgium determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Belgium may provide you with a referral for a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of the particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
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'''4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]:'''
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After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to [[adopt]] that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] and enter the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
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After this, your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or you will submit a visa application for to a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa ineligibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify the Belgium's [[adoption]] authority (Article 5 letter). For Convention country adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) may not proceed with the [[adoption]] or obtain [[custody]] for the purpose of [[adoption]] until this takes place.
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'''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the [[adoption]] process.'''''
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'''5. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Belgium:'''
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'''''Remember: Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Belgium, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the [[adoption]] or grant of [[custody]] for the purposes of [[adoption]] in Belgium.'''''
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The following are the [[adoption]] procedures for American citizens living in Belgium who want to [[adopt]] a child from a third country:
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION - ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:'''  Apply to the central authority of your community (Flemish or French speaking). After submitting your application, you will be invited to take a preparation course required for all prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:'''  With the certificate of completion of the preparation course, a request is filed with the court to find you eligible to [[adopt]]. The court will order a [[Home Study|home study]]. A service for the [[Home Study|home study]] will invite you for four interviews. A [[Social Worker|social worker]] and psychologist will do the interview and make a report to advise the judge. The judge will then decide whether you are eligible to [[adopt]]. '''''Remember: The [[adoption]] of a Belgian child by citizens living in the United States (very exceptional, normally only for [[adoption]] of family-members) will be pronounced by a Belgian court.'''''
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should contact the [[adoption]] authority for the region of Belgium where they reside for information on Belgian [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]]. The [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] will send the file of the applicant(s) to the country of origin and wait for them to propose a child for [[adoption]]. The country of origin will send the file on an adoptable child to the [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]]. After the approval of the match by the central authority, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will be informed and the procedure in the country of origin may continue.
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*'''TIME FRAME:'''  The time it takes to complete an [[adoption]] varies, depending on the child's country of origin.
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:'''  Most fees will depend on the child's country of origin. Belgian fees, not including pre-approved fees (including the [[Home Study|home study]]), vary depending on which community (Flemish-speaking, French speaking) the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] reside in.
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' Judgment of eligibility and [[Home Study|home study]] are always necessary. Other documents depend on the country of origin of the child.
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'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
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Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
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::1. Birth Certificate
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You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
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For more information on this process, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
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::2. Belgium Passport
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Belgium. A passport can be obtained in the community where the child is registered.
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S Embassy for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician's [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
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'''NOTE:'''  The U.S. Embassy in Belgium does not issue Immigrant Visas. All Immigrant Visa for Belgium are issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, [[Italy]].
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
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'''''For adoptions to be finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]. We urge your family to finalize the [[adoption]] in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
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Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/adoptions_from_us/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
   
 
   
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Belgium. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Belgium]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Belgium]].
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Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you may 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.
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To find information about obtaining a visa for Belgium, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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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.
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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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'''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 Belgium, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
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=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in Belgium'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Belgium]]'''
  
 
Boulevard du Regent 25
 
Boulevard du Regent 25
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'''Belgium's [[Adoption]] Authority (ies)'''
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'''[[Belgium]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority (ies)'''
  
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Residents of the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
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Residents of the Flemish-speaking part of [[Belgium]] should contact:
  
 
'''Kind en Gezin'''
 
'''Kind en Gezin'''
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Residents of the French-speaking part of Belgium should contact:
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Residents of the French-speaking part of [[Belgium]] should contact:
  
 
'''Autorité Communautaire pour l'[[Adoption]] Internationale (ACAI)'''
 
'''Autorité Communautaire pour l'[[Adoption]] Internationale (ACAI)'''
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'''Embassy of Belgium'''
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'''Embassy of [[Belgium]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
3330 Garfield Street N.W.
 
3330 Garfield Street N.W.
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Belgium also has Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and [[New York]].  
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[[Belgium]] also has Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and [[New York]].  
  
  

Revision as of 07:36, 23 August 2014

The official flag of .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of .
Source: cia.gov.

A collage of Brussels, .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A bridge over a quite Brugge canal.
Source: cia.gov.

Antwerps City Hall in the Great Market Square.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms for .
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.

About Belgium

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. To learn more, read About Belgium.

Hague Convention Information

Belgium 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 Belgium and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more, read about Belgium and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Belgium.

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Belgium is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Belgium must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. Read more about Who Can Be Adopted from Belgium.

For example, the Convention requires that Belgium attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Belgium's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.

How to Adopt

Read about How to Adopt from Belgium.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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

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


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Belgium

Boulevard du Regent 25 1000 Brussels tel.: (02) 508-2537 fax: (02) 513- 0409 E-mail: uscitizenbrussels@state.gov Telephone: +358-9-616-25730


Belgium's Adoption Authority (ies)

Residents of the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium should contact:

Kind en Gezin Hallepoortlaan 27 1060 Brussels tel.: (02) 533 1476 email adoptie@kindengezin.be


Residents of the French-speaking part of Belgium should contact:

Autorité Communautaire pour l'Adoption Internationale (ACAI) Boulevard Leopold II, 44, 1080 Brussels tel.: (02) 413 2726.


Residents of the German-speaking community should contact:

Ministerium der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Zentrale Behörde der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft für Adoptionen Gospertstrasse 1 B-4700 Eupen Fax.: +32 (87) 55 64 74 Tel.: + 32 (87) 59 63 46


Embassy of Belgium

3330 Garfield Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 tel.: (202) 333-6900 Fax (202) 333-5457 E-mail: washington@diplobel.org


Belgium also has Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, 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 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[1]