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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Haiti"

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=Haiti Adoption Alert=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ha-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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'''Notice: Haiti deposits its instrument of ratification for the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention (January 16, 2014)'''
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ha-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/ha_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (the Convention) will enter into force for Haiti on April 1, 2014.   Haiti’s [[adoption]] authority, Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), deposited its instrument of ratification with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the [[Netherlands]] on December 16, 2013.
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{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8534669058_651ee9e913_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''"'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Coat_of_arms_of_Haiti.svg/510px-Coat_of_arms_of_Haiti.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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The Department is also currently assessing whether consular officers will be able to verify that the requirements of the Convention and the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 will have been met with respect to individual [[adoption]] cases by the date that the Convention enters into force for Haiti. This decision includes determining if Haiti has designated a central authority and key competent authorities to undertake specific responsibilities outlined in the Convention as well as determining if those authorities have the capacity to fulfill their stated functions. The Department must also review Haiti’s [[adoption]] laws, procedures, practices, and infrastructure to ensure that key Convention principles will be implemented. Those principles include consideration of subsidiarity, adoptability of the child, effective consent, determination of habitual residence, prevention of improper financial gain, and prohibition against prior contact with a child’s [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]](s) until the appropriate time in the [[adoption]] process.
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{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6501158923_a57e83361c_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Haiti]].'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8293453133_2380ac43e3_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The devastation after the earthquake in 2010.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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The Department of State expects to inform the public by April 1, 2014 whether the United States will be able to certify Convention adoptions from Haiti. The Department of State will provide updated information on [[adoption]].state.gov.
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{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6478848285_c469453708_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Haitian children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Haiti_Saut-d%27Eau.JPG/450px-Haiti_Saut-d%27Eau.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Waterfall at Saut-d'Eau'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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USCIS will continue to accept [[I-600A]] applications specifying Haiti until March 31, 2014. However, we encourage [[adoption]] service providers and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to contact IBESR prior to initiating a new [[adoption]] from Haiti.  If you have questions about the status of your [[adoption]] case, please work closely with your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or facilitator.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re_Aerial_View.jpg/800px-Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re_Aerial_View.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Citadelle Laferrière aerial view.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/EscombrosBelAir7.jpg/800px-EscombrosBelAir7.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Port-au-Prince.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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Please refer to our website and to USCIS’ website at uscis.gov for updates on the status of the U.S. [[adoption]] program from Haiti as we approach Haiti’s entry into force date. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues via email at Haitiadoptions@state.gov.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/EscombrosBelAir5_Edit1.jpg/800px-EscombrosBelAir5_Edit1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''UN forces took to patrolling the streets of Port-au-Prince after the catastrophic January 2010 earthquake.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/CapHaitienMarche.jpg/800px-CapHaitienMarche.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Market, Cap-Haïtien.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''Alert: Haiti authorizes U.S. [[adoption]] service providers (February 8, 2013)'''
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Labadee%2C_Haiti_Aug_2002.JPG/800px-Labadee%2C_Haiti_Aug_2002.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Labadee, a private resort on the northern coast and popular tourist destination.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Sans_Souci_Palace_Ruins.jpg/450px-Sans_Souci_Palace_Ruins.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Inside the ruins of Sans Souci Palace, Cap Haiten.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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Haiti’s [[adoption]] authority, Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), has authorized a limited number of U.S. [[adoption]] service providers (ASPs) to provide [[adoption]] services in Haiti pursuant to its new administrative [[adoption]] procedures, which became effective on November 5, 2012.  Although these new procedures are part of the Government of Haiti’s efforts to become a Hague [[Adoption]] Convention partner with the United States, at this time Haiti is not party to the Convention.  The U.S. government will continue to process adoptions under the non-Hague [[system]] until the Convention enters into force for Haiti.
 
  
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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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In order to complete an intercountry [[adoption]] from Haiti, the [[adoption]] must comply with all of Haiti’s laws and regulations. These include the eligibility of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to adopt, the eligibility of the child for intercountry [[adoption]], and the [[matching]] of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with a specific child.  The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law.  All adoptions filed with the Haitian government on or after November 5, 2012 must comply with the new procedures.  
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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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The Department strongly urges all U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] interested in pursuing an [[adoption]] in Haiti to work with an ASP authorized by IBESR.  The Department emphasizes that Haiti’s new procedures prohibit adoptions in which arrangements are made directly between the biological parents or custodians and the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (i.e. private adoptions).  The new procedures also prohibit adoptions in which prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] seek a match with a child without the assistance of IBESR or an ASP authorized by the Haitian government (i.e. independent/individual adoptions).  Similarly, Haiti will not approve adoptions where the child’s biological parents or legal representatives expressly decide who will adopt their child, unless the [[adoption]] is of a spouse’s child, is an intra-family [[adoption]], is by a child’s foster family, or the child is the sibling of a child who has already been adopted. 
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=About Haiti=
  
 +
The native Taino - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola.
  
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The procedures (paras. 37-40) also specifically require ASPs authorized by IBESR to conduct post-[[adoption]] reporting on the child every six months for the first two years and annually for three additional years after the child is placed with the adoptive family.  These reports must include a medical evaluation of the child, a school report, a psychological evaluation, and a social evaluation.  The director of the authorized ASP must author the first four reports and forward them directly and solely to IBESR, whereas an independent expert may author the final three reports and the parents can submit them to IBESR.
 
  
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To learn more about [[Haiti]] please read [[About Haiti (The Country)]]. 
  
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According to IBESR, the following 20 U.S. ASPs have been authorized to provide [[adoption]] services in Haiti.  The Department will publish the names of any additional authorized ASPs upon receipt of official notification.  Publication of this list of ASPs does not constitute the Department’s endorsement of them:
 
  
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To read about the origin on the [[Haitian National Anthem|Haitian national anthem]] please read [[Haitian National Anthem]].
  
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* A Love Beyond Borders
 
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* [[Adoption]]-LinkAll Blessings International/Kentucky [[Adoption]] Services
 
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* All God’s Children International
 
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* America World [[Adoption]]
 
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* Bethany Christian Services
 
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* Building [[Arizona]] Families
 
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* Carolina [[Adoption]] Services, Inc.
 
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* Children of All Nations
 
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* Children’s House International
 
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* Chinese Children [[Adoption]] International
 
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* Dillon International, Inc.
 
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* European [[Adoption]] Consultants, Inc.
 
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* Holt International Children’s Services, Inc.
 
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* Lifeline Children’s Services
 
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* Love Basket
 
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* MLJ Adoptions, Inc.
 
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* Nightlight Christian Adoptions
 
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* Sunny Ridge Family Center, Inc.
 
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* Wasatch [[International Adoptions]]
 
  
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=Haiti Adoption Alert=
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There have been multiple alerts for [[adoption]] in [[Haiti]].  To learn more please read the [[Haiti Adoption Alert]] page.
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince will continue to clarify the new procedures as they are updated by IBESR, and the information in this update is subject to change.  Please refer to our website [[adoption]].state.gov for updates on adoptions in Haiti.
 
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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[[Haiti]] 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 [[Haiti]] did not change.  To learn more please read about [[Haiti and the Hague Convention]].
  
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[[Colombia]] 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 [[Colombia]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law and regulations implementing the Convention.
 
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Colombia]]'s Central Authority for adoptions, the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF), is the only means of adopting a Colombian child; Colombian law prohibits private adoptions. Please note ICBF does not allow for a Colombian child to travel to the United States to be adopted. Therefore, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain a full and final [[adoption]] under Colombian law before the child can immigrate to the United States. Adopting parents are required to be physically present before a "family judge" at the time of [[adoption]]. No exceptions are made to this requirement.
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Haiti]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Haiti]].
  
  
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'''NOTE''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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[[Haiti]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn the details of these requirements please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Haiti]].
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Colombia]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to adopt from [[Colombia]], 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). Learn more.
 
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], [[Colombia]] also has the following eligibility requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Residency==
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The process for adopting a child from [[Haiti]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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There are no residency requirements for intercountry adoptions from [[Colombia]].
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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# Choose an [[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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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Haiti]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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Both parents are required to be 25 years old. In practice, newborns are assigned to younger couples and older children to older couples.
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Haiti]].
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
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Colombian law allows adoptions by a married man and woman and common law spouses of more than three years. Single men and women are only allowed to adopt children over the age of seven on a case-by-case basis.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==Income==
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To learn about traveling in [[Haiti]] please read [[Traveling Abroad in Haiti]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to submit documentation confirming their ability to provide for the adopted child. This requirement may be met by only one parent.
 
  
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==Other==
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=After Adoption=
  
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Gay or Lesbian individual or couple prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised that they should consult with the ICBF regarding [[Colombia]]’s legal requirements prior to pursuing an [[adoption]] there. In addition, according to Colombian law, both parents must be found "physically and emotionally capable" to adopt.
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'''What does [[Haiti]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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[[Haiti]] does not have any post-[[adoption]] requirements.
  
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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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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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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=After Adoption=
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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 +
 
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'''NOTE:'' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=Contact Information=
 +
 
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Haiti]]'''
 +
 
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Consular Section (Adoptions Unit)
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Boulevard du 15 Octobre
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Tabarre 41
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Tabarre, [[Haiti]]
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Tel: 509-2229-8000 (from [[Haiti]]); 1-866-829-2842 (from the United States)
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Email: papadoptions@state.gov
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 +
Mailing address in the United States:
 +
 
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U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince
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Consular Section
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3400 Port-au-Prince Pl.
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[[Washington]], DC 20521-3400
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 +
 
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'''Haitian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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 +
Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches" (IBESR)
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13 rue des marguerites
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PORT-AU-PRINCE
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 +
 
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'''Embassy of [[Haiti]]'''
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 +
2311 [[Massachusetts]] Ave., NW
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[[Washington]], DC 20008
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Tel: (202) 332-4090
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Fax: (202) 745-7215
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Email: embassy@haiti.org
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''NOTE:'''  [[Haiti]] also has consulates in [[New York]], Miami, Chicago, and Boston. In addition, [[Haiti]] has honorary consuls located in the following cities who may perform authentication services: Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Evansville, New Orleans, St. Louis, San Francisco and Trenton.
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 +
 
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Website: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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 +
 
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures, contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).
  
  
 
==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=haiti
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:48, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

"'
Source: flickr.com.

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

.
Source: flickr.com.

The devastation after the earthquake in 2010.
Source: flickr.com.

Haitian children.
Source: flickr.com.

Waterfall at Saut-d'Eau
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Citadelle Laferrière aerial view.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Street scene in Port-au-Prince.
Source: flickr.com.

UN forces took to patrolling the streets of Port-au-Prince after the catastrophic January 2010 earthquake.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Market, Cap-Haïtien.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Labadee, a private resort on the northern coast and popular tourist destination.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Inside the ruins of Sans Souci Palace, Cap Haiten.
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.

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 Haiti

The native Taino - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola.


To learn more about Haiti please read About Haiti (The Country).


To read about the origin on the Haitian national anthem please read Haitian National Anthem.


Haiti Adoption Alert

There have been multiple alerts for adoption in Haiti. To learn more please read the Haiti Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Haiti 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 Haiti did not change. To learn more please read about Haiti and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

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


Who Can Be Adopted

Haiti has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn the details of these requirements please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Haiti.


How to Adopt

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

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


Traveling Abroad

To learn about traveling in Haiti please read Traveling Abroad in Haiti.


After Adoption

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

Haiti does not have any post-adoption requirements.


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 Haiti

Consular Section (Adoptions Unit) Boulevard du 15 Octobre Tabarre 41 Tabarre, Haiti Tel: 509-2229-8000 (from Haiti); 1-866-829-2842 (from the United States) Email: papadoptions@state.gov

Mailing address in the United States:

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince Consular Section 3400 Port-au-Prince Pl. Washington, DC 20521-3400


Haitian Adoption Authority

Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches" (IBESR) 13 rue des marguerites PORT-AU-PRINCE


Embassy of Haiti

2311 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 332-4090 Fax: (202) 745-7215 Email: embassy@haiti.org


NOTE: Haiti also has consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Boston. In addition, Haiti has honorary consuls located in the following cities who may perform authentication services: Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Evansville, New Orleans, St. Louis, San Francisco and Trenton.


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 Website: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 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=haiti