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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Trinidad and Tobago"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/td-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/td-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/maps/td-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/td-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/td_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/cam/td_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Coat_of_Arms_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago.svg/647px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Coat_of_Arms_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago.svg/647px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Mayaro_Beach%3B_Trinidad_%26_Tobago.jpg/800px-Mayaro_Beach%3B_Trinidad_%26_Tobago.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mayaro Beach'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Mayaro_Beach%3B_Trinidad_%26_Tobago.jpg/800px-Mayaro_Beach%3B_Trinidad_%26_Tobago.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mayaro Beach, Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Orange_Carnival_Masqueraders_in_Trinidad.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Carnival Masqueraders'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Orange_Carnival_Masqueraders_in_Trinidad.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Carnival Masqueraders in Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Parlatuvier_Bay_view_%282009a%29.jpg/800px-Parlatuvier_Bay_view_%282009a%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' A view of Parlatuvier Bay'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Parlatuvier_Bay_view_%282009a%29.jpg/800px-Parlatuvier_Bay_view_%282009a%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' A view of Parlatuvier Bay in Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/POS_Redhouse.JPG/800px-POS_Redhouse.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Red House, seat of Parliament'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/POS_Redhouse.JPG/800px-POS_Redhouse.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Red House, seat of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7327729296_3270363269.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Port of [[Spain]], Trinidad and Tobago Nightscape.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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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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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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Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidad and Tobago did not change.
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=About Trinidad and Tobago=
  
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First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the [[slaves]] in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from [[India]] between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. To learn more please read [[About Trinidad and Tobago]].
  
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'''Please note: There are two ways of gaining [[custody]] of a child from Trinidad and Tobago: obtaining an Adoption Order or legal guardianship.'''
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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*'''Adoption Order:'''  The first option is to go through the adoption process and obtain an Adoption Order. If the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) is a resident of Trinidad and Tobago, then the Adoption Board acts as the lead agency in the adoption process. (See Adoption Authority Section below for contact information). If the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) are not residents of Trinidad and Tobago, they must contact an [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] that handles intercountry adoption. Since intercountry adoptions are adjudicated through the High Court and not the Adoption Board, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to contact an attorney since these are done through the High Court and not handled by the Adoption Board. An Adoption Order issued by the Court carries different rights to the adopting parents than Guardianship/custody Order, in the latter cases, the birth parents still retain [[Parental Rights|parental rights]]. With an Adoption Order the birth parents are required to relinquish their rights.
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[[Trinidad and Tobago]] 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 [[Trinidad and Tobago]] did not change. To learn more please read about [[Trinidad and Tobago and the Hague Convention]].
  
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*'''Legal Guardianship:'''  The second option is to seek legal guardianship of a child from the courts in Trinidad and Tobago for the purpose of adopting the child in the United States. While considerably less burdensome than seeking a formal adoption in Trinidad and Tobago, prospective parents need to keep in mind that legal guardianship is not as secure as an adoption order. Legal guardianship does not provide full [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] to the adopting party. Legal guardianship is also vulnerable to [[revocation]] by the courts if the biological parents or other relatives subsequently petition the courts for a change of guardianship.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Trinidad and Tobago, you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Trinidad and Tobago]], 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 Trinidad and Tobago]].
  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Trinidad and Tobago also has the following requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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[[Trinidad and Tobago]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Trinidad and Tobago]] unless he or she meets multiple requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Trinidad and Tobago]].
  
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Applicant(s) for Adoption Orders should be residents of Trinidad and Tobago and must have residential status proof from Trinidadian immigration authority in order to establish residency. Foreigners may apply to the High Court for an Adoption Order for a child born in Trinidad, Orders are granted in certain limited circumstances as outlined in Adoption of Children Act 2000. This act was amended with an updated definition of the word "court" in 2003.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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The [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must be at least 25 years old and 21 years older than the child they are adopting. Individuals seeking legal guardianship must be at least 25 years old and there is no specification as to an age difference between the guardian and the child.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==Marriage==
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'''[[Trinidad and Tobago]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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The government of Trinidad and Tobago allows married couples and single women to [[adopt]]. Single men may not [[adopt]]. A married couple or unmarried individuals, either male or female, are allowed to gain legal guardianship.
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==The Process==
  
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==Income==
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The process for adopting a child from [[Trinidad and Tobago]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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None.
 
  
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==Other==
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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 [[Trinidad and Tobago]]
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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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First preference is given to citizens/nationals of Trinidad and Tobago to [[adopt]] a child.
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Trinidad and Tobago]].
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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Trinidad and Tobago has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Trinidad and Tobago unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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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. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. 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 Trinidad and Tobago]].
  
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' The adoption board confirms consent of the birth parent(s) or current guardian(s) to relinquish [[custody]] of the child.
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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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'''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:'''  If the child is orphaned due to the death of the birth parent(s), the official death certificate of the parent(s) must be provided.
 
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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'''Waiting Period:'''  Adoption in Trinidad and Tobago includes a probationary period, during which the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are granted temporary [[custody]] and the Adoption Board keeps close supervision of the child and monitors the child's reactions to the new family.
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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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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==The Process==
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=Contact Information=
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Trinidad and Tobago]]'''
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15 Queen's Park West (PO Box 752)
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Port of [[Spain]] , Trinidad
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Tel: 868-622-6371 through 6
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Trinidad and Tobago. 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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'''[[Trinidad and Tobago]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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[[Adoption]] Board
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55-57 St. Vincent Street
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Port of [[Spain]], Trinidad
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Tel: (868) 627-4447
  
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Probation Office (The [[Adoption]] Board is not responsible for legal [[guardianship]] cases. To seek legal [[guardianship]], the prospective guardians need to contact the Clerk of the Peace through the courts in [[Trinidad and Tobago]].)
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3 rd Floor ANSA House
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Corner of Queen and Henry Streets
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Port of [[Spain]], Trinidad
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Telephone: (868) 623-8180
  
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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 Trinidad and Tobago, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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'''Embassy of [[Trinidad and Tobago]]'''
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1708 [[Massachusetts]] Ave, NW
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[[Washington]], DC 20036
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Tel: 202-467-6490
  
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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[[Trinidad and Tobago]] also has consulates in: Miami and [[New York]].
  
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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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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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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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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 Trinidad and Tobago, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
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=After Adoption=
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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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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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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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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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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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==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=trinidad_and_Tobago
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:56, 24 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

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

Mayaro Beach
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Carnival Masqueraders
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A view of Parlatuvier Bay
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Red House, seat of Parliament
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 Trinidad and Tobago

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. To learn more please read About Trinidad and Tobago.


Hague Convention Information

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


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Trinidad and Tobago, 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 Trinidad and Tobago.


Who Can Be Adopted

Trinidad and Tobago has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Trinidad and Tobago unless he or she meets multiple requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Trinidad and Tobago.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Trinidad and Tobago's Adoption Authority

The Process

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

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Trinidad and Tobago.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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 Trinidad and Tobago

15 Queen's Park West (PO Box 752) Port of Spain , Trinidad Tel: 868-622-6371 through 6


Trinidad and Tobago's Adoption Authority

Adoption Board 55-57 St. Vincent Street Port of Spain, Trinidad Tel: (868) 627-4447

Probation Office (The Adoption Board is not responsible for legal guardianship cases. To seek legal guardianship, the prospective guardians need to contact the Clerk of the Peace through the courts in Trinidad and Tobago.) 3 rd Floor ANSA House Corner of Queen and Henry Streets Port of Spain, Trinidad Telephone: (868) 623-8180


Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago

1708 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-467-6490


Trinidad and Tobago also has consulates in: Miami and New York.


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=trinidad_and_Tobago