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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Burundi"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/by-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Burundi is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Burundi.
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/by-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/by_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Burundian courts may issue guardianship orders, but not for the purpose of immigrating to the United States for adoption. Prospective adoptive parents therefore should expect to finalize the adoption in Burundi and for the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi to only issue IH-3 visas to Burundian children who are legally adopted in Burundi.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Karuzi_Burundi_goats.jpg/800px-Karuzi_Burundi_goats.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Burundian women rearing goats.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Children_in_Bujumbura.jpg/800px-Children_in_Bujumbura.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Bujumbura.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.  Read about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Burundi_-_Lake_Tanganyika_fisheries.jpg/800px-Burundi_-_Lake_Tanganyika_fisheries.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fishermen on Lake Tanganyika.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Carolus_Magnus_Schule-Burundi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Charlemagne School.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/11291452906_12119c37c6.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A baby receiving medicine.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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To bring an adopted child to the United States from Burundii, 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) determines [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php who is eligible to adopt] under U.S. immigration law.  Additionally, a child must meet the [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 definition of Convention adoptee] under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 immigrant visa.
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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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=About Burundi=
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[[Burundi]]'s first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years.  To learn more, read [[About Burundi]].
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=Hague Convention Information=
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[[Burundi]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]).  Intercountry [[adoption]] processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing [[legislation]], the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing [[legislation]] and regulations of [[Burundi]]. For more information, read [[Burundi and the Hague Convention]].
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to U.S. requirements, Burundi obliges prospective adoptive parents to meet the following requirements to adopt a child from Burundii:
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In addition to U.S. requirements, [[Burundi]] obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet multiple requirements to [[adopt]] a child from [[Burundi]].  To learn more about these requirements, please read [[Who Can Adopt from Burundi]].
  
  
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==Residency==
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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There is no residency requirement in Burundian adoption law.  
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Because [[Burundi]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Burundi]]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  For example, the [[adoption]] may take place only if the competent authorities of [[Burundi]] have determined that placement of the child within [[Burundi]]] has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests.  To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Burundi]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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Prospective adoptive parents must be at least age 30.  The minimum age does not apply when adopting the child of a spouse.  Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 15 years older than the prospective adoptee(s).  Age requirements may be waived by the local High County Court (Tribunal de Grand Instance) with jurisdiction over the adoption.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Marriage==
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'''WARNING:  [[Burundi]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Burundi]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Burundi]].
  
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Spouses may apply for adoption after being married for a minimum of five years.  Spouses should not be separated, and both must give consent unless one is incapable of giving consent.  Although Burundian adoption law is silent on the issue of same-sex couples and adoption, in practice, singles and unmarried partners are not allowed to adopt.
 
  
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==Income==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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Prospective adoptive parents must demonstrate sufficient material resources for adoption and support of the children.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Other==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Burundi]]. 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://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help.html 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. To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Burundi]].
  
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The presence of biological children in the home does not prevent prospective adoptive parents from adopting.
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=After Adoption=
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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'''Post-[[Adoption]]/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements''' 
  
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Because Burundi is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Burundi] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption.  For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Burundi have determined that placement of the child within Burundi] has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests.  In addition to Burundi’s requirements, a child must meet the [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 definition of Convention adoptee] to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.  
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Burundian post-[[adoption]] procedures require [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to notify the Burundian Embassy in the United States of an [[adopted]] child’s presence in the United States and submit annual reports on the child.  Children from [[Burundi]] maintain Burundian citizenship after immigrating to the United States and the Burundian Embassy may seek to conduct periodic welfare/whereabouts visits with Burundian adoptees and their adoptive families until the children reach age 18.
  
  
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Burundian adoption law specifies that local adoption by Burundian nationals, including dual U.S.-Burundian citizens, is preferred.  Preference is given to Burundian nationals resident in Burundi.  However, if no such adoption is available for a child, intercountry adoption is possible.  The law does not specify what efforts must be made or how much time must elapse to determine that the child could not be placed with Burundian nationals.
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We strongly urge you to comply with [[Burundi]]’s post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner.  Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process.  Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s history of positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.
  
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
  
  
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'''RELINQUISHMENT:'''  Consent to adoption must be given by either birth parents or the legal guardian(s).  The consent of only one parent, or legal guardian, is accepted when the other parent is deceased or incapable of giving consent.  Birth parents, or legal guardians can withdraw consent for a period of three months or until the child is placed with prospective adopting parents.
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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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'''ABANDONMENT:'''  The local High County Court can deem a child “abandoned” if the child was obviously neglected by the biological parent(s) for a period of more than one year.
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
  
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'''AGE OF ADOPTIVE CHILD:'''  Children under age 15 are eligible for adoption. Children aged 13 or older must consent to the proposed adoption.
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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'''SIBLING ADOPTIONS:'''  Not addressed in Burundian law.
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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:'''  Not addressed in Burundian law.
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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:'''  Burundian law only specifies a waiting period in cases of relinquishment and abandonment.  An abandoned newborn cannot be adopted until he/she reaches one-year old, unless consent was given by the biological parents in advance so that the government knows that the child is abandoned for adoption at birth.
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=Contact Information=
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Burundi]]'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Avenue Des Etats Unis, Bujumbura, [[Burundi]]
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Tel:  +257 22 20 7000
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Fax:  +257 24 34 67
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Email:  BujumburaC@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://Burundi.USEmbassy.gov U.S. Embassy in Burundi]
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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'''[[Burundi]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Ministry of Solidarity, Human Rights, and Gender
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Address:  Boite Postale 6518, Bujumbura, [[Burundi]]
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Tel:  +257 22 216 303
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Fax:  +257 22 218 201
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Email:  solidaritegenre@yahoo.fr
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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'''Embassy of [[Burundi]]'''
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2233 [[Wisconsin]] Avenue N.W. Suite 212; [[Washington]] D.C. 20007
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Tel:  202 342 2574
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Fax:  202 342 2578
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Email:  BurundiEmbassy@erols.com
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Internet: [http://BurundiEmbassy-usa.org Embassy of Burundi]
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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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Email:  AdoptionUSCA@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:
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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: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
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For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:
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National Benefits Center
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Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
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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=[[burundi]]
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[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 13:17, 1 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Burundian women rearing goats.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in Bujumbura.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Fishermen on Lake Tanganyika.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Charlemagne School.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A baby receiving medicine.
Source: flickr.com.


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 Burundi

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years. To learn more, read About Burundi.


Hague Convention Information

Burundi is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Burundi. For more information, read Burundi and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. requirements, Burundi obliges prospective adoptive parents to meet multiple requirements to adopt a child from Burundi. To learn more about these requirements, please read Who Can Adopt from Burundi.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Burundi is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Burundi] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Burundi have determined that placement of the child within Burundi] has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Burundi.


How to Adopt

WARNING: Burundi is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Burundi before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. To learn more, read about How to Adopt from Burundi.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Burundi. 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 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. To learn more, read about Traveling Abroad in Burundi.

After Adoption

Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements

Burundian post-adoption procedures require adoptive parents to notify the Burundian Embassy in the United States of an adopted child’s presence in the United States and submit annual reports on the child. Children from Burundi maintain Burundian citizenship after immigrating to the United States and the Burundian Embassy may seek to conduct periodic welfare/whereabouts visits with Burundian adoptees and their adoptive families until the children reach age 18.


We strongly urge you to comply with Burundi’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s history of positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.


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 Burundi

Avenue Des Etats Unis, Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: +257 22 20 7000 Fax: +257 24 34 67 Email: BujumburaC@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Burundi


Burundi’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Solidarity, Human Rights, and Gender Address: Boite Postale 6518, Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: +257 22 216 303 Fax: +257 22 218 201 Email: solidaritegenre@yahoo.fr


Embassy of Burundi

2233 Wisconsin Avenue N.W. Suite 212; Washington D.C. 20007 Tel: 202 342 2574 Fax: 202 342 2578 Email: BurundiEmbassy@erols.com Internet: Embassy of Burundi


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: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: 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


For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 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=burundi