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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Switzerland"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of [[Switzerland]].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sz-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sz-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/eur/sz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/sz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg/800px-Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Matterhorn seen seen from the Domhütte (Valais), Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg/800px-Matterhorn_from_Domh%C3%BCtte_-_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Matterhorn seen seen from the Domhütte (Valais)'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/ZurichMontage.jpg/334px-ZurichMontage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Zurich, Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/ZurichMontage.jpg/334px-ZurichMontage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Zurich'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/11279307745_6f086cfcbb.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A little girl in Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/europe/switzerland/switzerland_001_luzern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: bigfoto.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://www.bigfoto.com/europe/switzerland/switzerland_001_luzern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: bigfoto.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg/800px-Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Houses in Bern'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG/800px-Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Geneva'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg/800px-Houses_in_the_Old_City_of_Bern.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Houses in Bern, Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG/800px-Botanical_Garden_Geneva_2006_803.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Geneva, Switzerland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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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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=Hague Convention Information=
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=About Switzerland=
  
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Switzerland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention  ). Therefore, all adoptions between Switzerland and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and the U.S. law implements the Convention.  
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The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. [[Switzerland]]'s sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as [[Switzerland]]'s role in many UN and [[international]] [[organizations]], has strengthened [[Switzerland]]'s ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. [[Switzerland]] remains active in many UN and [[international]] [[organizations]] but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
  
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Switzerland is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption. Few Swiss born children are eligible for adoption. Additionally, the demand for [[adopted]] children among Swiss citizens is typically high with a long waiting list of Swiss prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Most intercountry adoptions in Switzerland are by legal residents of Switzerland who [[adopt]] in third countries. The majority of adoptions pursued successfully by American citizens through the Swiss government involve U.S. nationals residing legally in Switzerland who choose to [[adopt]] from a third country.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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'''While legally possible, intercountry adoption of a Swiss orphan by foreigners is unlikely. No Swiss orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years.''' The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Switzerland, including adoptions of Swiss children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Switzerland.  
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[[Switzerland]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ( Hague [[Adoption]] Convention  ). Therefore, all adoptions between [[Switzerland]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and the U.S. law implements the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Switzerland and the Hague Convention]].
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'''NOTE:''' For Americans living in Switzerland who plan to [[adopt]] from third countries, it is advisable to [[adopt]] a child from a country that is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Non-Hague Convention adoptions are not recognized by the Swiss Government. If the adoption does originate in a country which is not party to the Hague Convention, the child will arrive in Switzerland as a "Pflegekind" (foster child), not as an officially [[adopted]] family member. After one year, the official adoption procedure of the "Pflegekind" foster child can begin according to Swiss law. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should contact legal counsel or the CCA to get proper information before they start an adoption procedure.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Adoption between the United States and Switzerland is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. In order for an American applicant to [[adopt]] a child from Switzerland, within the framework of the Hague Adoption Convention, a determination of eligibility must first be made 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]].
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Switzerland]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. In order for an American applicant to [[adopt]] a child from [[Switzerland]], within the framework of the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, a determination of eligibility must first be made 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 Switzerland]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Switzerland also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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Because [[Switzerland]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Switzerland]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be considered eligible for [[adoption]]. For example; the Convention requires that [[Switzerland]] attempt to place a child with a family in [[Switzerland]] before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Switzerland]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for a prospective adopter to bring him or her back to the United States.
  
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Parents seeking to [[adopt]] are required to have their habitual residence in Switzerland. The Swiss government requires prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to be fully integrated into the Swiss way of life, Swiss culture and social norms. Prospective parents will be asked to attend a pre-adoption interview with the Cantonal Central Authority (CCA) where the adoption procedure and criteria will be discussed. The home study also will be organized by the CCA with the CCA's appointed [[Social Worker|social worker]].
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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Both spouses must be at least 35 years of age or older. If a couple does not meet the age requirement, they have to have been married for at least 5 years. Single parent adoptions may only be granted to persons who are 35 years of age or older.
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'''[[Switzerland]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==Marriage==
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The Government office responsible for adoptions in [[Switzerland]] is the Municipality (Gemeinde/Commune/Comuni) and/or the local [[Guardianship]] Board. The physical location of a prospective adopter directly affects which local governing authority will process their application. Each of the 26 Cantons in [[Switzerland]] now has a Central Authority. In order to determine which authority is most relevant, the prospective adopting parents or individual should contact the Cantonal Central Authority (CCA). A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy or on the Internet at www.bj.admin.ch.
  
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Both spouses must be at least 35 years of age or older. If a couple does not meet the age requirement, they have to have been married for at least 5 years. Single parent adoptions may only be granted to persons who are 35 years of age or older.
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==The Process==
  
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==Income==
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As [[Switzerland]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, [[Switzerland]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. The requirements outlined in the Treaty must be followed to successfully prosecute an [[adoption]] from within [[Switzerland]].
  
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There are no set income requirements in Switzerland. Every case is decided upon individually. However, the couple or individual seeking to [[adopt]] must show that they have the financial means to support a child.
 
  
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==Other==
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'''NOTE:'''  The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare [[adoption]] cases from [[Switzerland]], including adoptions of Swiss children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in [[Switzerland]].
  
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The medical status of the applicants is considered by the relevant Swiss adoption authorities. There is no set list of disqualifying medical conditions; cases are decided on an individual basis. Switzerland does not, for example, disqualify prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are HIV positive. Prospective adopters must undergo an obligatory medical examination. The results of the medical examination will be considered along with other factors in the pre-adoption home study report.
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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# Be matched with a child
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for Immigration to the United States
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Switzerland]]
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# Bring your child Home
  
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To learn more please read about [[How to Adopt from Switzerland]].
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==The Process==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Switzerland]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Switzerland]].
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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=After Adoption=
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Switzerland. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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'''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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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Switzerland, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Switzerland, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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=Contact Information=
  
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=After Adoption=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Switzerland]]'''
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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Sulgeneckstrasse 19
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3007 Bern
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Internet: [http://bern.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Switzerland]
  
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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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'''The Swiss [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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Contact the appropriate Cantonal Central Authority (CCA).
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A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy.
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'''Embassy of [[Switzerland]]'''
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
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2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
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Tel: (202) 745-7900
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Fax: (202) 387-2564
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Internet: [http://Swissemb.org Embassy of Switzerland]
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
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[[Switzerland]] also has consulates in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, [[New York]] and San Francisco.
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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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Internet: [http://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, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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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=switzerland
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:48, 21 February 2018

The official flag of .
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The Matterhorn seen seen from the Domhütte (Valais)
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Zurich
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: bigfoto.com.

Houses in Bern
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Geneva
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 Switzerland

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.


Hague Convention Information

Switzerland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, all adoptions between Switzerland and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and the U.S. law implements the Convention. To learn more please read about Switzerland and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Switzerland is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. In order for an American applicant to adopt a child from Switzerland, within the framework of the Hague Adoption Convention, a determination of eligibility must first be made 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 Switzerland.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Switzerland is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Switzerland must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be considered eligible for adoption. For example; the Convention requires that Switzerland attempt to place a child with a family in Switzerland before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Switzerland's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for a prospective adopter to bring him or her back to the United States.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Switzerland's Adoption Authority

The Government office responsible for adoptions in Switzerland is the Municipality (Gemeinde/Commune/Comuni) and/or the local Guardianship Board. The physical location of a prospective adopter directly affects which local governing authority will process their application. Each of the 26 Cantons in Switzerland now has a Central Authority. In order to determine which authority is most relevant, the prospective adopting parents or individual should contact the Cantonal Central Authority (CCA). A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy or on the Internet at www.bj.admin.ch.

The Process

As Switzerland is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, Switzerland must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. The requirements outlined in the Treaty must be followed to successfully prosecute an adoption from within Switzerland.


NOTE: The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Switzerland, including adoptions of Swiss children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Switzerland.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Apply for the child to be found eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the child in Switzerland
  6. Bring your child Home

To learn more please read about How to Adopt from Switzerland.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Switzerland

Sulgeneckstrasse 19 3007 Bern Internet: U.S. Embassy Switzerland


The Swiss Adoption Authority

Contact the appropriate Cantonal Central Authority (CCA). A list of approved agencies is available from the Embassy.


Embassy of Switzerland

2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 745-7900 Fax: (202) 387-2564 Internet: Embassy of Switzerland


Switzerland also has consulates in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.


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=switzerland