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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Guyana"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/gy-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/gy-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Guyana is not 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, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Guyana did not change.  
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/soa/gy_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Thatched_roof_houses_in_Guyana-.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Thatched roof houses.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org}}
  
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Under Guyanese law only Guyanese nationals, former Guyanese nationals or non-Guyanese domiciled in Guyana may adopt Guyanese children.  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/GuyanaKaieteurFalls2004.jpg/450px-GuyanaKaieteurFalls2004.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Guyana]] Kaieteur Falls.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Coat_of_Arms_of_Guyana.svg/625px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Guyana.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should note that their presence is required at most stages during the [[adoption]] process.
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4137/4811608946_e76aafd853.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Boat loaded with sugar cane.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com}}
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
  
 +
'''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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To bring an adopted child to United States from Guyana, 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). Learn more.
+
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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In addition to these U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Guyana also has the following requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
+
=About Guyana=
  
−
==Residency==
+
Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 [[Guyana]] had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to settlement of urban areas by former [[slaves]] and the importation of indentured servants from [[India]] to work the sugar plantations. The resulting ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics.  To learn more please read [[About Guyana]].
  
−
Guyanese law dictates that Guyanese children can only be adopted by a person domiciled in Guyana; a Guyanese national who is resident outside Guyana; or a former Guyanese national who has acquired, by registration or other voluntary and formal act (including marriage), the citizenship of another country. Non-Guyanese nationals who are not domiciled in Guyana cannot adopt Guyanese children.
 
  
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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The prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] (if married, at least one member of the couple) must be 25 years of age and at least 21 years older than the adoptive child (18 years older if the child is a relative).  
+
[[Guyana]] is not 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, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Guyana]] did not change.  
  
−
==Marriage==
 
  
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Both married and single individuals can adopt in Guyana.  
+
Under Guyanese law only Guyanese nationals, former Guyanese nationals or non-Guyanese domiciled in [[Guyana]] may [[adopt]] Guyanese children.  
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must prove financial stability.  
+
Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should note that their presence is required at most stages during the [[adoption]] process.
  
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==Other==
 
  
−
N/A
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Guyana]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. government. To learn more please read [[Who Can Adopt from Guyana]].
  
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Guyana has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot adopt a child in Guyana unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about these U.S. requirements.
 
  
 +
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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[[Guyana]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Guyana]].
−
 
+
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' Consent of each [[Birth Parent|birth parent]] or [[guardian]] of the child is required unless the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]] or [[guardian]] has abandoned, neglected, or mistreated the child, cannot be found, or is incapable of giving consent. In cases where the biological parent cannot be found, an advertisement of the pending [[adoption]] must be placed for three consecutive Saturdays in a daily newspaper. In the event that the child's biological parents are deceased, death certificates must be shown.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''Guyana's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''[[Guyana]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
 
[[Adoption]] Board, Ministry of Labor, Human Services and Social Security   
 
[[Adoption]] Board, Ministry of Labor, Human Services and Social Security   
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==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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The process for adopting a child from Guyana generally includes the following steps:  
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The process for adopting a child from [[Guyana]] generally includes the following steps:  
  
  
 
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
 
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
−
# Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
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# Adopt the Child in Guyana  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Guyana]]
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]  
 
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]  
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
  
 +
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Guyana]].
  
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'''1.Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
 
  
−
The first step in adopting a child is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your [[adoption]]. [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate.
+
=Traveling Abroad=
  
 +
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''There are no private [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Guyana.''' A list of attorneys who can provide legal services related to [[adoption]] can be obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown or via the Embassy's [http://georgetown.usembassy.gov website]. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more] about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].
+
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Guyana]]. To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in Guyana]].
  
  
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'''2.Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt:'''
+
=After Adoption=
  
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To bring an adopted child from Guyana to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to adopt (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how].
+
'''What does [[Guyana]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
 +
There are no post-[[adoption]] requirements for [[Guyana]].
  
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In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Guyana as described in the Who Can Adopt section. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must apply in person to the [[Adoption]] Board ("the Board"). The application form, First Schedule, consist of two parts, Form A and Form B. Form A is completed and signed by the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and consists of biographical data for the applicants and prospective child. It also includes references for the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Form B is a medical certificate for the child or children to be adopted, which must be completed by a duly qualified medical practitioner. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain these forms in person from the Board.
 
  
 +
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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When the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] file the First Schedule, they will received an acknowledgement slip with an appointment date for the initial [[adoption]] interview. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], child, and biological parents must appear before the Board at the interview. The appointments are usually scheduled within 4-6 weeks after the application is filed. The Board will undertake a request for an expedited appointment but it is not guaranteed.
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.  
  
  
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A social worker interviews the birth parents, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], and children separately at the initial [[adoption]] interview. At the conclusion of the interview, assuming a signed and witnessed consent is obtained from the biological parents, or, if absent, the Board is satisfied that the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) cannot be located, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are given an informational letter from the Board. This letter provides instructions for the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' attorney to begin preparing the court papers for the [[adoption]] process. Two copies of this letter must also be filed in the High Court by the attorney for the applicants, along with an application to appoint the Board [[Guardian Ad Litem|guardian ad litem]] of the child. Obtaining the order may take up to six months depending on the attorney's skill and the court calendar.
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
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'''3.Be Matched with a Child:'''
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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+
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If you are eligible to adopt, and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Guyana will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
+
  
 +
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children
  
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The child must be eligible to be adopted according to Guyana's requirements, as described in the Who Can Adopt section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more].
 
  
 +
'''NOTE:'''Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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The [[Adoption]] Board will grant [[Guardian Ad Litem|guardian ad litem]] (also called first order) to the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], then, the Board conducts a more thorough investigation of the case. The investigation includes a visit by an officer of the Board to the home of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to ensure that the welfare of the child is being met. If the child does not live with the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], a probationary period is allowed for [[bonding]] between the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child. The [[bonding]] period must take place in Guyana. The Board receives a report of the investigation. In addition to the investigation, a [[Home Study|home study]] must be conducted by a certified social worker.
 
  
 +
=Contact Information=
  
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After the investigation is complete and the [[Home Study|home study]] received by the Board, the case is placed on the [[Adoption]] Board's calendar. Cases are usually scheduled 2-3 months in advance. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], children, and birth parents are required to be present for the meeting. The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must also be physically present in Guyana at least one month prior to the Board meeting. The [[Adoption]] Board meets on the last Wednesday of every month, except December, at 1:30 pm. The social worker's report based on the investigation and [[Home Study|home study]] is discussed and the Board seeks a consensus. A decision in favor of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] would be followed within a week by a recommendation (Form C) of the case to the High Court for the making of a Final Order. The Board can defer a case until it is fully convinced about the competence of the applicant, or can reject it because there are no justifiable grounds for the [[adoption]]. At a later date the parties involved will be given notice to attend court before a judge in chambers for the issuance of the Final Order. Once the Final Order is issued, a copy of the child's [[Adoption Certificate]] can be obtained from the office of the Registrar General.
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Guyana]]'''
 +
 +
99/100 Young & Duke Streets
 +
Kingston, Georgetown
 +
Tel: 592-225-7965; 592-225-7966
 +
Fax: 592-227-0221
 +
Email: visageorge@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://georgetown.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Guyana]
  
  
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'''4.Adopt the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Guyana:'''  
+
'''Guyanese [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
[[Adoption]] Board, Ministry of Labor, Human Services and Social Security
 +
1 Water and Cornhill Streets
 +
Georgetown, [[Guyana]]
 +
Tel: 592-225-7450
 +
Fax: 592-227-1308
  
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Guyana generally includes the following:
 
  
 +
'''Embassy of [[Guyana]]'''
 +
 +
2490 Tracy Place, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
 +
Tel: (202) 265-3834; (202) 265-6900
 +
Fax: (202) 232-1297
  
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*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' The [[Adoption]] Board provides the [[adoption]] application. After the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] file the First Schedule, the [[Adoption]] Board provides the acknowledgement slip with the initial [[adoption]] interview appointment date.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' The High Court reviews the Board's informational letter and if approved, appoints the Board [[Guardian Ad Litem|guardian ad litem]] for the child. After the [[Adoption]] Board's has made their decision, the parties involved will be given notice to attend court before a judge in chambers for the issuance of the Final Order. Once the Final Order is issued, a copy of the child's [[Adoption Certificate]] can be obtained from the office of the Registrar General.
 
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' While there are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Guyana, an attorney assists the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with the [[adoption]].
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain the [[adoption]] application in person from the [[Adoption]] Board. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. The office closes at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. The Application is called the First Schedule and consists of two parts, Form A and Form B.
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' Adoptions in Guyana typically take one year to complete.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' There are no government fees. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that attorneys determine the fees for [[adoption]] services rendered and may vary significantly among different attorneys.
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' The following certified documents are required for adoptions in Guyana:
 
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::::1. Birth and marriage certificates
 
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::::2. Bank statements
 
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::::3. Employment verification
 
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::::4. Police clearance
 
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::::5. [[Home Study|Home study]]
 
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::::6. National identity cards or passports (if non-Guyanese)
 
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In addition to the above documents for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]', the following documents pertaining to the child are needed for the initial [[adoption]] interview:
 
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::::::::1. Death Certificate, if biological parents are deceased
 
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::::::::2. Child's birth certificate
 
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::::::::3. Most recent school records
 
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'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
 
  
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'''Consulate General of [[Guyana]]'''
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'''5.Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]:'''
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After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Guyana, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be adopted (Form [[I-600]]). [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html Learn how].
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'''6. Bringing 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 several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
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370 7th Avenue, Room 402
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[[New York]], N.Y. 10001
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Tel: (212) 947-5115; (212) 947-5116
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Fax: (212) 947-5163
  
  
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::1. Birth Certificate
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[[Guyana]] also has honorary consulates in Los Angeles, Miami, East Chicago, and Waco(TX).
  
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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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::2. Guyanese Passport
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Guyana.  
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U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
 +
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
  
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The following is a guideline for U.S. citizens adopting a child in Guyana, with the intent of applying for an immigrant visa for the child to enter the United States. This process involves complex foreign and U.S. legal requirements. U.S. consular officer give each petition careful consideration on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the legal requirements of both countries have been met, for the protection of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s), the biological parent(s), and the child. Interested U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact U.S. consular official in Guyana before formalizing an [[adoption]] agreement to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed which will make it possible for the Embassy to issue a U.S. immigrant visa for the child.
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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).
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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. Prospective adopting parents should contact the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown by phone 592- 225-7965/7966 or email - visageorge@state.gov as soon as they begin the [[adoption]] process to obtain information on applying for the visa. The Consular Section tries to work with adopting parents to schedule an appointment as expeditiously as possible, but we cannot guarantee an appointment if the adopting parents have not contacted us before they travel to Guyana. Once parents contact the Consular Section, they are sent a tip sheet on assembling documents for the visa appointment.
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+
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Documents needed for the visa appointment include:
+
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::::1. Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates for adopting parents,
+
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::::2. Recently issued birth certificate for the child,
+
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::::3. Guyanese police certificate for children over age 16 (please note that children over the age of 16 are unlikely to meet the definition of an [[orphan]] as defined by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, unless the child was adopted prior to age 16),
+
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::::4. Visa photos for child,
+
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::::5. $335 for each visa,
+
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::::6. Medical exams for the child, and
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::::7. I-864 [[Affidavit]] of Support from parents who will adopt the child in the U.S. (children adopted abroad by American citizens qualify for the Child Citizenship Act and do not require the I-864).  
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
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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-600]] 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" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
+
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+
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+
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'''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the interview and approval generally takes 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide a visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview.
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
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'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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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/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
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=Traveling Abroad=
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+
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=After Adoption=
+
  
  
 
==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=guyana
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:47, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Thatched roof houses.
Source: wikipedia.org

Kaieteur Falls.
Source: wikipedia.org.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Boat loaded with sugar cane.
Source: flickr.com


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 Guyana

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to settlement of urban areas by former slaves and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. The resulting ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. To learn more please read About Guyana.


Hague Convention Information

Guyana 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 Guyana did not change.


Under Guyanese law only Guyanese nationals, former Guyanese nationals or non-Guyanese domiciled in Guyana may adopt Guyanese children.


Prospective adoptive parents should note that their presence is required at most stages during the adoption process.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Guyana, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. government. To learn more please read Who Can Adopt from Guyana.


Who Can Be Adopted

Guyana has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read Who Can Be Adopted from Guyana.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Guyana's Adoption Authority

Adoption Board, Ministry of Labor, Human Services and Social Security


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Guyana 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 Guyana
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Guyana.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Guyana. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in Guyana.


After Adoption

What does Guyana require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

There are no post-adoption requirements for Guyana.


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

[http://www.nacac.org/ 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 Guyana

99/100 Young & Duke Streets Kingston, Georgetown Tel: 592-225-7965; 592-225-7966 Fax: 592-227-0221 Email: visageorge@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Guyana


Guyanese Adoption Authority

Adoption Board, Ministry of Labor, Human Services and Social Security 1 Water and Cornhill Streets Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-225-7450 Fax: 592-227-1308


Embassy of Guyana

2490 Tracy Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 265-3834; (202) 265-6900 Fax: (202) 232-1297


Consulate General of Guyana

370 7th Avenue, Room 402 New York, N.Y. 10001 Tel: (212) 947-5115; (212) 947-5116 Fax: (212) 947-5163


Guyana also has honorary consulates in Los Angeles, Miami, East Chicago, and Waco(TX).


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=guyana