Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Lebanon"

(→‎The Process)
m (→‎SOURCE)
 
(8 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/le-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Lebanon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/le-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/le-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Lebanon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/le-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/le_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Lebanon.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/le_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Beirut_Central_District_Collage.jpg/450px-Beirut_Central_District_Collage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Beirut_Central_District_Collage.jpg/450px-Beirut_Central_District_Collage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Beirut.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/ChurchMosque.jpg/636px-ChurchMosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Church of Saint George Maronite and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque coexist side by side in Downtown Beirut.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/ChurchMosque.jpg/636px-ChurchMosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Church of Saint George Maronite and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque coexist side by side in Downtown Beirut.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/45/Bsharridistrictmountains.jpg/800px-Bsharridistrictmountains.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Lebanon, Bsharri district.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Lebanon-Syria_border_sep13VOA_05.jpeg/458px-Lebanon-Syria_border_sep13VOA_05.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Syrian refugees.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Lebanon-Syria_border_sep13VOA_05.jpeg/458px-Lebanon-Syria_border_sep13VOA_05.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Syrian refugees in Lebanon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Baalbek_-_temple_of_Jupiter.jpg/399px-Baalbek_-_temple_of_Jupiter.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The temple of Jupiter in Baalbek temple complex.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Baalbek_-_temple_of_Jupiter.jpg/399px-Baalbek_-_temple_of_Jupiter.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The temple of Jupiter in Baalbek temple complex, in Lebanon.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Pigeon%27s_Rock_Beirut_Lebanon.jpg/800px-Pigeon%27s_Rock_Beirut_Lebanon.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Pigeon Rock.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Pigeon%27s_Rock_Beirut_Lebanon.jpg/800px-Pigeon%27s_Rock_Beirut_Lebanon.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Pigeon Rock, Lebanon.'''<BR/>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]].'''
  
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
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.
  
−
Lebanon 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 Lebanon did not change.
 
  
 +
=About Lebanon=
  
−
There is no civil procedure for [[adoption]]. The Government of Lebanon recognizes 19 religious confessions, each with its own court structure and laws. Because [[adoption]] is a religious procedure in Lebanon, it is supervised by authorized religious authorities and must be approved by the relevant religious court.
+
Following World War I, [[France]] acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of [[Syria]]. The French demarcated the region of [[Lebanon]] in 1920 and granted this area independence in 1943. Since independence the country has been marked by periods of political turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on its position as a regional center for finance and trade. To learn more please read [[About Lebanon]].
  
  
−
Islamic Shari'a law does not allow for full adoptions as generally understood in the United States. However, immigrant visas can be issued in cases where the Islamic court that grants the guardianship of an [[orphan]] and where that court understands that the parents intend to obtain a full and final [[adoption]] of the child once that child is in the United States and expressly signals that agreement. For more information on this issue please refer to the Department of State's FAQ on [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/adoption_of_children_countries_islamic_sharia_observed.php "Adoption of Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari'a law is observed]."
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
 +
[[Lebanon]] 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 [[Lebanon]] did not change. To learn more please read about [[Lebanon and the Hague Convention]].
  
−
In Lebanon, only Christian institutions recognize adoptions as a legal convention and define the conditions, rights, and duties thereof. For the Catholic religious community, the relevant authorities are those of the rite of the minor child; while for the Orthodox religious communities, the forum is the court of the church of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s). If a child is a foundling, the child assumes the religious affiliation of the [[orphanage]] that takes accepts him/her.
 
−
 
−
 
−
Christian orphanages in Lebanon may have children available for [[adoption]].
 
−
 
−
 
−
'''NOTE:''' The Lebanese Sûreté Général requires that both U.S. [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] travel to Lebanon to complete the [[adoption]] procedures and accompany the child out of Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut will be unable to obtain exceptions to this legal requirement. Parents adopting a child from Lebanon must apply for the child's U.S. immigrant visa from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
−
To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Lebanon, 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). Read more on Who can [[Adopt]].
+
To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Lebanon]], 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). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Lebanon]].
−
 
+
−
In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Lebanon also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
+
−
 
+
−
==Residency==
+
−
 
+
−
There are no residency requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in Lebanon.
+
−
 
+
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
−
 
+
−
Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 40 years of age. In addition, the age difference between the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child must be at least 18 years. In Armenian Orthodox adoptions, the minimum age difference is 15 years.
+
−
 
+
−
==Marriage==
+
−
 
+
−
Both married and single individuals may [[adopt]] from Lebanon. If married, the consent of both prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] is needed.
+
−
 
+
−
==Income==
+
−
 
+
−
While there are no specific income requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must provide their financial status as part of the [[Home Study|home study]].
+
−
 
+
−
==Other==
+
  
−
Other requirements for [[adoption]] include: In the case of a Catholic child, at least one of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be Catholic.  The [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must not have any legal child and could not hope to have children of their own based on medical reports issued by specialists.  The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child must belong to the same religious community, but not necessarily the same rite for the Catholic Church in general.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must have a clean criminal record and general good behavior.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
−
Lebanon has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Lebanon unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  
+
[[Lebanon]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Lebanon]].
  
−
 
−
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. Find out more about [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Who can be adopted] and these U.S. requirements.
 
−
 
−
 
−
'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
 
−
 
−
 
−
'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:'''  If the child is old enough to consent, his/her consent is required. There is no specific age of consent but practice indicates that age 10 - 12 or older is customary. If the child is too young to give consent, then the minor's [[guardian]], also known as the walee, must consent. Moreover, the religious authority must consent to the [[adoption]]. Consent cannot be obtained by coercion or fraud.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
Line 80: Line 45:
 
==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
−
'''Lebanon's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
+
'''[[Lebanon]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
−
There is no general civil [[adoption]] authority. Since [[adoption]] is overseen by religious institutions in Lebanon, they must be supervised by religious authorities and must be approved by these authorities and relevant religious courts. As a result, Lebanese governmental agencies do not get involved in registering the [[adoption]], changing the child’s name, and issuing a Lebanese passport until after the religious body has approved the [[adoption]].
+
There is no general civil [[adoption]] authority. Since [[adoption]] is overseen by religious institutions in [[Lebanon]], they must be supervised by religious authorities and must be approved by these authorities and relevant religious courts. As a result, Lebanese governmental agencies do not get involved in registering the [[adoption]], changing the child’s name, and issuing a Lebanese passport until after the religious body has approved the [[adoption]].
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
−
The process for adopting a child from Lebanon generally includes the following steps:  
+
The process for adopting a child from [[Lebanon]] generally includes the following steps:  
  
  
Line 92: Line 57:
 
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 
# Be Matched with a Child
 
# Be Matched with a Child
−
# [[Adopt]] the Child in Lebanon
+
# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Lebanon]]
 
# 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 about [[How to Adopt from Lebanon]].
  
−
'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
  
−
The first step in adopting a child from Lebanon 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=
  
−
There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Lebanon. Churches and church officials care for abandoned children but may not always have the legal expertise to process an [[adoption]]. Attorneys who specialize in family law usually handle [[adoption]] cases.
+
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
 +
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Lebanon]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Lebanon]].
  
−
'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
  
−
To bring an [[adopted]] child from Lebanon 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].
+
=After Adoption=
  
 +
'''What does [[Lebanon]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
−
In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Lebanon as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section. The [[adoption]] shall be for valid reasons and in the interest of the child.
+
There are no post-[[adoption]] requirements for Lebanese adoptions.
  
  
−
'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
+
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
−
If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Lebanon 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.
+
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.  
  
  
−
The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Lebanon's requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Learn more.
+
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
−
'''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Lebanon'''
+
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
−
The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Lebanon generally includes the following:
+
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
  
  
−
*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' The religious court will investigate the case, which entails proof of the good moral reputation of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) and financial support for the child. If the court does not find any grounds for objection to [[adoption]], the court will issue a decree confirming the [[adoption]]. The court's final decision on the [[adoption]] must be affirmed by the bishop of the same relevant [[jurisdiction]].
+
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.  
−
*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:'''  To be valid, the [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] must be granted exequatur, or endorsed, by the Civil Courts Enforcement Bureau. The [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] must then be submitted to the Lebanese Bureau of Vital Statistics so that the civil status of the [[adopted]] child can be amended in the registry book.
+
−
*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:'''  There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Lebanon. Attorneys who specialize in family law usually handle [[adoption]] cases.
+
−
*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:'''  The [[adoption]] request must be submitted to the presiding judge of the religious court of the community to which the child belongs.
+
−
*'''TIME FRAME:'''  Intercountry [[adoption]] process in Lebanon ranges from four months to one year to complete.
+
−
*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:'''  The following is a list of [[adoption]] fees in Lebanon:
+
−
::1. Fees vary among confessions, and sometimes among sects within a particular confession, and are subject to change.
+
−
*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:'''  The following documents must be attached to the request for [[adoption]] filed before the religious court:
+
−
::::1. Photocopy of the ID of the prospective parents(s) and the [[adopted]] child.
+
−
::::2. Certificate of good behavior. This certificate must be issued by the priest (or bishop) of the church where prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] belong.
+
−
::::3. A medical report stating the reasons of not having children. This is mandatory for the Orthodox Church and is based on the idea that the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are not be able to have their own biological children.
+
−
::::4. A [[Home Study|home study]] report done by the reliable authority or agency (depending on the nationality of the parents) about the prospective parent(s)' social situation and financial status. The same study submitted with the [[I-600A]] may be used.
+
−
'''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.
+
  
  
−
'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
+
=Contact Information=
  
−
After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Lebanon, 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://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
+
'''Embassy of the United States, Beirut'''
 +
 +
Antelias, P.O. Box 70-840
 +
Beirut, [[Lebanon]]  
 +
Tel: [961](4) 542600, 543600, 544310, 544130, and 544140
 +
Fax: [961] (4) 543498
  
  
−
'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
+
'''Embassy of [[Lebanon]]'''
−
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:  
+
 +
2560 28th Street, NW
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20008
 +
Tel: (202) 939-6300
 +
Fax: (202) 939-6324
 +
Email: info@lebanonembassyus.org
 +
Internet: [http://www.lebanonembassyus.org Embassy of Lebanon]
  
−
::1. Birth Certificate
 
  
−
You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. The [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] must accompany the application for a Lebanese identity card and the birth certificate. The child will take the family name of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and your name will be added to the new birth certificate.  
+
[[Lebanon]] also has consulates in Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and [[New York]] City.
  
−
The [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] must accompany the application for a Lebanese identity card and the birth certificate.
 
  
−
'''NOTE:''' The modification of the surname is subject to the civil court's [[jurisdiction]]. If the child is less than five years old, the change of the surname is easily awarded. Approval of the institution or organization where the child was found may be sometimes required. If the child is more than six years old, reference to the former surname will always appear on official documents along with the new surname of the child.
+
'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
−
::2. Lebanon Passport
+
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: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
−
Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Lebanon. After the identity card is issued, an application for a Lebanese passport must be submitted at the Lebanese Passport Office in Beirut.
 
  
−
::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
+
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
−
 
+
−
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 and a travel document has been obtained from the Lebanese government, 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. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child must be present at the interview. If everything is in order, the visa will be issued within the next two working days [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Learn about the Medical Examination].
+
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
−
 
+
−
The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must present the following documents:
+
−
 
+
−
::A. Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport valid for at least five years at the time of issuance or naturalization certificate, or birth certificate, if born in the U.S.),
+
−
::B. Petitioner's and the child's passports, and
+
−
::C. $404.00 USD (cash) or the equivalent in Lebanese pounds (cash).
+
−
 
+
−
For further information, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may send a fax to 04-543498 or send an email to BeirutIV@state.gov. Replies will be sent within three working days.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
'''Child Citizenship Act'''
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
'''''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.
+
−
 
+
−
'''''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]].
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
'''''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.''''' 
+
−
 
+
−
Read more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
+
−
 
+
−
=Traveling Abroad=
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
=After Adoption=
+
  
 +
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=lebanon
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:14, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Collage of Beirut.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Church of Saint George Maronite and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque coexist side by side in Downtown Beirut.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Syrian refugees.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The temple of Jupiter in Baalbek temple complex.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Pigeon Rock.
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 Lebanon

Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French demarcated the region of Lebanon in 1920 and granted this area independence in 1943. Since independence the country has been marked by periods of political turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on its position as a regional center for finance and trade. To learn more please read About Lebanon.


Hague Convention Information

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


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Lebanon, 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). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Lebanon.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Lebanon's Adoption Authority

There is no general civil adoption authority. Since adoption is overseen by religious institutions in Lebanon, they must be supervised by religious authorities and must be approved by these authorities and relevant religious courts. As a result, Lebanese governmental agencies do not get involved in registering the adoption, changing the child’s name, and issuing a Lebanese passport until after the religious body has approved the adoption.

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Lebanon 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 Lebanon
  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 Lebanon.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

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

There are no post-adoption requirements for Lebanese adoptions.


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

Embassy of the United States, Beirut

Antelias, P.O. Box 70-840 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: [961](4) 542600, 543600, 544310, 544130, and 544140 Fax: [961] (4) 543498


Embassy of Lebanon

2560 28th Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 939-6300 Fax: (202) 939-6324 Email: info@lebanonembassyus.org Internet: Embassy of Lebanon


Lebanon also has consulates in Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City.


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=lebanon