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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Malawi"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mi-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mi-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mi-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mi-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/mi_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/mi_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Village_boys.jpg/800px-Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Village_boys.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Village boys.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Village_boys.jpg/800px-Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Village_boys.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Village boys in Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Lilongwe_market_closeup.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A market in the capital city of Lilongwe.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedi.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Lilongwe_market_closeup.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A market in the capital city of Lilongwe.'''<BR/>Source: wikipedi.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2062/2177770747_77d07d7e3e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Group of schoolchildren ready for lunch in a Malawi village.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2062/2177770747_77d07d7e3e.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Group of schoolchildren ready for lunch in a [[Malawi]] village.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5091/5516559359_b6cd8d509b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The highlands.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2013/02/12/20/05/malawi-80853_640.jpg?i|410x579px|thumb|'''A small village in Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: pixabay.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Lilongwe_Area_2.jpg/800px-Lilongwe_Area_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Downtown Lilongwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5091/5516559359_b6cd8d509b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Malawi highlands.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Women_in_Salima_District%2C_Malawi.jpg/800px-Women_in_Salima_District%2C_Malawi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Women in the Salima district.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Lilongwe_Area_2.jpg/800px-Lilongwe_Area_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Downtown Lilongwe, Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Women_in_Salima_District%2C_Malawi.jpg/800px-Women_in_Salima_District%2C_Malawi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Women in the Salima district, Malawi.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
 +
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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 +
=About Malawi=
 +
 +
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of [[Malawi]] in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. To learn more please read [[About Malawi]].
  
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Malawi is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]](the [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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[[Malawi]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]](the [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). To learn more please read about [[Malawi and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
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The Malawi [[Adoption]] of Children Act of 1949 does not address intercountry adoptions and courts have wide discretion on how they handle adoptions.  Although a May 9, 2009, Malawi Supreme Court decision gave courts more leeway in granting adoptions for foreign [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], the decision has not resulted in a permanent change to the country's intercountry [[adoption]] laws or regulations.  The courts in Malawi assess each case individually, taking into consideration the circumstances of the prospective adoptive child.  The May 9, 2009, Supreme Court decision did, however, set aside the requirement that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] live in Malawi and foster a child for a period between 18 and 24 months before an [[adoption]] is granted.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], [[Malawi]] also has multiple additional requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Malawi]].
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Malawi, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements]. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determine Who Can [[Adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Malawi]] 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 Malawi]].
  
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php definition of orphan] under U.S. law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Malawi also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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'''[[Malawi]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development
  
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==Residency==
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==The Process==
  
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In a May 2009 Malawi Supreme Court decision, the Court determined that an [[adoption]] may be granted to foreign adopting parents so long as the parent(s) are not temporary visitors to Malawi and have a serious commitment or connection to Malawi. This decision effectively set aside the informal practice of requiring foreign adopting parents to foster the prospective [[orphan]] for a period of 18 months. (Note: this former practice was never set forth in Malawi law or regulation). While the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Community Development has not promulgated a written policy implementing the May 2009 Supreme Court decision, we have observed that lower court judges are issuing [[adoption]] decrees to foreign adopting parents which adhere to the Supreme Court decision.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Malawi]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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'''Note: In all cases, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) should consult with an experienced Malawi attorney for more information.'''
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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 [[Malawi]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 +
# Bring Your Child Home
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Malawi]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the prospective adoptive child.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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Both married and single persons may [[adopt]]. An [[adoption]] order shall not be made in any case where the sole applicant is male and the child is a female unless the court is satisfied that there are special circumstances, which justify the exception.  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Income==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Malawi]]. 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 Malawi]].
  
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NONE
 
  
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==Other==
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=After Adoption=
  
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No guidance or regulation regarding gay and lesbian [[adoption]], and/or [[adoption]] by same-sex couples.
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There are no post-[[adoption]] reporting requirements for [[Malawi]].
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
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 +
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]].  There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families.  There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Malawi has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]:
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
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'''[[Relinquishment]]:'''  [[Adoption]] cannot take place without the consent of every person who is a parent or [[guardian]], has [[custody]] of, or is likely to contribute to the support of the prospective adoptive child.
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'''[[Abandonment]]:'''  If the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) or other [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]](s) are unable to care for the child, the child may be classified as an [[orphan]] by Malawi authorities.
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:'''  The prospective adoptive child must be less than 18 years old. Please note that in order for a child to meet the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law, a Form [[I-600]] petition must be filed while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if [[adopted]] or to be [[adopted]] together with a natural sibling under the age of 16).
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:'''  [[Adoption]] of twins is permissible.  There are no specific laws or regulations that relate to the [[adoption]] of siblings.
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
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'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:'''  None.
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'''NOTE:'''  Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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'''Waiting Period or [[Foster Care]]:'''  There is no specific waiting period.
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=Contact Information=
  
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'''''Caution:  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children's homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an [[orphanage]] or children's home because of financial or other hardship, with the intention of returning for the child when they are able to do so.  In such cases, the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) rarely would have relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)'s [[adoption]].'''''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Malawi]]'''
  
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=How to Adopt=
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Embassy of the United States of America
 +
Area 40, Plot 24
 +
16th Jomo Kenyatta Road
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P.O; Box 30016
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Lilongwe 3
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Tel:  265-773-166
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Fax:  265-774-976
 +
Email:  ConsularLilong@state.gov
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Internet:  [lilongwe.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy [[Malawi]]]
  
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'''[[Malawi]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Mrs. H. Kulemeka/Director of Women and Child Development
 +
Ministry of Women, Child and Child Development
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Gemini House
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Private Bag 330
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Lilongwe 3
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Tel:  (265) 1-770-411
  
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==The Process==
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Mr. Simon Chisale/Acting Deputy Director Child Development Affairs (currently working on a part-time basis)
 +
Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Services
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Gemini House
 +
Private Bag 330
 +
Lilongwe 3
 +
Tel:  (265) 01-770-411
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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Mr. C. Jeke/Deputy Director Child Development Affairs
 +
Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development
 +
Gemini House
 +
Private Bag 330
 +
Lilongwe 3
 +
Tel:  (265) 01-770-411
  
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Mrs. Mary Khonje/Senior Social Welfare Officer
 +
Ministry of Women and Child Development
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Gemini House
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Private Bag 330
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Lilongwe 3
 +
Tel:  (265) 1-770-411
  
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=After Adoption=
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'''Embassy of [[Malawi]]'''
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 +
Embassy of the Republic of [[Malawi]]
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2408 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue N.W.
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[[Washington]], DC  20008
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Tel:  (202) 797-1007
 +
 
 +
'''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
 +
Tel:  1-888-407-4747
 +
Email:  AskCI@state.gov
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Internet:  [[[adoption]].state.gov U.S. Department of State]
 +
 
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet:  [uscis.gov USCIS]
  
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For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==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=malawi
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:19, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Village boys.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A market in the capital city of Lilongwe.
Source: wikipedi.org.

Group of schoolchildren ready for lunch in a village.
Source: flickr.com.

The highlands.
Source: flickr.com.

Downtown Lilongwe.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Women in the Salima district.
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 Malawi

Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. To learn more please read About Malawi.


Hague Convention Information

Malawi is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(the Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Malawi and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Malawi also has multiple additional requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Malawi.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Malawi 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 Malawi.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Malawi's Adoption Authority

Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Malawi 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 Malawi
  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 Malawi.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Malawi. 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 Malawi.


After Adoption

There are no post-adoption reporting requirements for Malawi.

Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

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

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Malawi

Embassy of the United States of America Area 40, Plot 24 16th Jomo Kenyatta Road P.O; Box 30016 Lilongwe 3 Tel: 265-773-166 Fax: 265-774-976 Email: ConsularLilong@state.gov Internet: [lilongwe.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Malawi]

Malawi's Adoption Authority

Mrs. H. Kulemeka/Director of Women and Child Development Ministry of Women, Child and Child Development Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 1-770-411

Mr. Simon Chisale/Acting Deputy Director Child Development Affairs (currently working on a part-time basis) Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Services Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 01-770-411

Mr. C. Jeke/Deputy Director Child Development Affairs Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 01-770-411

Mrs. Mary Khonje/Senior Social Welfare Officer Ministry of Women and Child Development Gemini House Private Bag 330 Lilongwe 3 Tel: (265) 1-770-411

Embassy of Malawi

Embassy of the Republic of Malawi 2408 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 797-1007

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 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: [[[adoption]].state.gov U.S. Department of State]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: [uscis.gov USCIS]

For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

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=malawi