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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Zambia"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/za-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/za-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/za-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/za-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/afr/za_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/za_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Victoriaf%C3%A4lle.jpg/800px-Victoriaf%C3%A4lle.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Victoria Falls, Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Victoriaf%C3%A4lle.jpg/800px-Victoriaf%C3%A4lle.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Victoria Falls'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/A_small_girl_from_small_village_-_Zambia.jpg/450px-A_small_girl_from_small_village_-_Zambia.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A little girl in a rural village, Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/A_small_girl_from_small_village_-_Zambia.jpg/450px-A_small_girl_from_small_village_-_Zambia.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A little girl in a rural village'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Chisokone_Market_Kitwe.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Chisokone Market in Kitwe/Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Chisokone_Market_Kitwe.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Chisokone Market in Kitwe'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Children_outside_a_school_in_southern_Zambia%2C_March_2012_%288405084723%29.jpg/800px-Children_outside_a_school_in_southern_Zambia%2C_March_2012_%288405084723%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children outside Lukamantano school, near Monze, in southern Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Children_outside_a_school_in_southern_Zambia%2C_March_2012_%288405084723%29.jpg/800px-Children_outside_a_school_in_southern_Zambia%2C_March_2012_%288405084723%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children outside Lukamantano school, near Monze'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3029/2614392573_2030ea4f49.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''South Luangwa, Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3029/2614392573_2030ea4f49.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''South Luangwa'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/12240318024_1b1781abf0.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Livingstone, Zambia .'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/12240318024_1b1781abf0.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Livingstone'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Lunsemfwa_Wonder_Gorge.JPG/397px-Lunsemfwa_Wonder_Gorge.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Wonder Gorge, Lunsemfwa, Zambia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Lunsemfwa_Wonder_Gorge.JPG/397px-Lunsemfwa_Wonder_Gorge.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Wonder Gorge, Lunsemfwa'''<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.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=About Zambia=
 +
 
 +
The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the [British] [[South Africa]] Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to [[Zambia]] upon independence in 1964. To learn more please read [[About Zambia]].
  
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
Zambia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], including those considering adoption of a Zambian family member, are advised to carefully consider whether that child will meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law.
+
[[Zambia]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about [[Zambia and the Hague Convention]].
  
 +
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Zambia is in the process of reviewing its child welfare-related laws, including those pertaining to adoption. This review is a lengthy process, and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that adoption procedures may be amended at any time.  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements, you must also be found eligible to [[adopt]] by [[Zambia]]. [[Zambia]] requires that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] meet multiple additional requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Zambia]].
 +
  
 +
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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U.S. citizens living outside Zambia may find it particularly challenging to [[adopt]] a Zambian child. Currently, there are no registered U.S. [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] authorized to work in Zambia. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may wish to hire a local attorney to assist with local adoption procedures. Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia cannot represent prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] before the Zambian government or courts or act as a liaison for parents during the adoption process.
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Zambia]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Zambia]].
  
  
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Zambian courts do not issue [[custody]]/guardianship orders for the purpose of finalizing adoptions abroad. Both prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], if married, must physically appear before the court in order to [[adopt]] a child, though the court may subsequently permit one parent to return home while the other stays behind to conclude the process.
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=How to Adopt=
  
 +
==    Adoption Authority==
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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'''[[Zambia]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
 +
Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Zambia, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements . The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines Who Can [[Adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
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'''NOTE:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may contact Social Welfare Officers and [[Juvenile]] Inspectors of the Provincial and District Social Welfare Offices to apply for [[adoption]].
  
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the 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.
+
==The Process==
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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The process for adopting a child from [[Zambia]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements, you must also be found eligible to [[adopt]] by Zambia. Zambia requires that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] meet the following:
 
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==Residency==
 
  
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Based on the Zambian Adoption Act, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must foster a child in Zambia for three months (the fostering phase). The fostering period for a “foreign” (non-Zambian) child is 12 months. This requirement is only reduced at a magistrate’s discretion upon presentation of a “certificate of urgency.”   
+
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Zambia]]
 +
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
 +
# Bring your child home
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Zambia]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must be at least 25 years of age. If the prospective parents are a couple, at least one parent must be 25 years of age and at least 21 years older than the child. If prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are related to the child, the age requirement is 21 years of age.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may be married or single. There is no provision in the law for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered couples or individuals to [[adopt]].  
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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 [[Zambia]]. 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 Zambia]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be able to demonstrate adequate finances. An acceptable home study, a requirement of both U.S. and Zambian law, will usually suffice.
 
  
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==Other==
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=After Adoption=
  
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Adoption by gay, lesbian, transgendered or same-sex persons or couples is not permitted under Zambian law.
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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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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=How to Adopt=
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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==The Process==
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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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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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
  
−
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Zambia. 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.
+
=Contact Information=
  
 +
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Zambia]]'''
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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Ibex Hill Road
 +
Lusaka, [[Zambia]]
 +
Tel: (260)-211-357-000
 +
E-mail: consularlusaka@state.gov
 +
Website: [http://Zambia.USEmbassy.gov U.S. Embassy Zambia]
  
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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 Zambia, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
  
 +
'''[[Zambia]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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The Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, oversees adoptions. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may contact the Department of Social Welfare office of the Commissioner for [[Juvenile]] Welfare to begin the [[adoption]] process.
  
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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.
 
  
 +
'''Commissioner for [[Juvenile]] Welfare'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
+
Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health
 +
P.O. Box 31958
 +
Lusaka, [[Zambia]]
 +
Tel: (26)-021-123-5343, (26)-021-122-3319, (26)-021-123-6967
 +
Fax: (26)-021-123-6968, (26)-021-123-5343
 +
Email: sw@gov.za, mcdss@zamnet.zm
  
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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 Zambia, 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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'''Lusaka Provincial Social Welfare Office'''
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+
Boma House Church Road
 +
P.O. Box 30281
 +
Lusaka, [[Zambia]]
 +
Tel: (26)-021-122-5770
  
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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.
 
  
 +
'''Luapula Provincial Social Welfare Office'''
 +
 +
Provident House
 +
P.O. 710041
 +
Mansa, [[Zambia]]
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
  
 +
'''Northern Provincial Social Welfare Office'''
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
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Provident House
 +
P.O. 410013
 +
Kasama, [[Zambia]]
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 
  
−
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
+
'''Northwestern Provincial Social Welfare Office'''
 +
 
 +
Provincial Community Development Centre
 +
P.O. 110013
 +
Solwazi, [[Zambia]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Zambian Registrar General'''
 +
 
 +
Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship
 +
Corner of Independence and Dedan Kimathi Road
 +
P.O. Box 32311
 +
Lusaka, [[Zambia]]
 +
Tel: 260-211-228196/7
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Zambian Embassy'''
 +
 +
2419 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20008
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Tel: (202) 265-9717
 +
Fax: (202) 265-9718
 +
E-mail: embzambia@aol.com
 +
Internet: [http://zambiaembassy.org Zambian Embassy]
 +
 +
 
 +
'''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: [http://adoption.state.gov 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)
  
  
Line 117: Line 189:
 
==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=zambia
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:16, 24 February 2018

The official flag
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Victoria Falls
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A little girl in a rural village
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Chisokone Market in Kitwe
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children outside Lukamantano school, near Monze
Source: Wikipedia.org.

South Luangwa
Source: flickr.com.

Livingstone
Source: flickr.com.

The Wonder Gorge, Lunsemfwa
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 Zambia

The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the [British] South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. To learn more please read About Zambia.


Hague Convention Information

Zambia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Zambia and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to these U.S. requirements, you must also be found eligible to adopt by Zambia. Zambia requires that prospective adoptive parents meet multiple additional requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Zambia.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Zambia has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Be Adopted from Zambia.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Zambia's Adoption Authority

Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health

NOTE: Prospective adoptive parents may contact Social Welfare Officers and Juvenile Inspectors of the Provincial and District Social Welfare Offices to apply for adoption.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Zambia 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 Zambia
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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 Zambia

Ibex Hill Road Lusaka, Zambia Tel: (260)-211-357-000 E-mail: consularlusaka@state.gov Website: U.S. Embassy Zambia


Zambia’s Adoption Authority

The Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, oversees adoptions. Prospective adoptive parents may contact the Department of Social Welfare office of the Commissioner for Juvenile Welfare to begin the adoption process.


Commissioner for Juvenile Welfare

Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health P.O. Box 31958 Lusaka, Zambia Tel: (26)-021-123-5343, (26)-021-122-3319, (26)-021-123-6967 Fax: (26)-021-123-6968, (26)-021-123-5343 Email: sw@gov.za, mcdss@zamnet.zm


Lusaka Provincial Social Welfare Office

Boma House Church Road P.O. Box 30281 Lusaka, Zambia Tel: (26)-021-122-5770


Luapula Provincial Social Welfare Office

Provident House P.O. 710041 Mansa, Zambia


Northern Provincial Social Welfare Office

Provident House P.O. 410013 Kasama, Zambia


Northwestern Provincial Social Welfare Office

Provincial Community Development Centre P.O. 110013 Solwazi, Zambia


Zambian Registrar General

Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship Corner of Independence and Dedan Kimathi Road P.O. Box 32311 Lusaka, Zambia Tel: 260-211-228196/7


Zambian Embassy

2419 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 265-9717 Fax: (202) 265-9718 E-mail: embzambia@aol.com Internet: Zambian Embassy


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=zambia