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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Ghana"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/gh-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/gh-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/gh_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Coat_of_Arms_of_the_Republic_of_Ghana.svg/720px-Coat_of_Arms_of_the_Republic_of_Ghana.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official Coat of Arms.'''<BR/>. Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Kent_wove.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kente cloth weaving.'''<BR/>.Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6639984473_237b932f7a_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fishing village on the Cape Coast'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Forests_and_Woodlands%2C_Ashanti_region%2C_South_Ghana.jpg/800px-Forests_and_Woodlands%2C_Ashanti_region%2C_South_Ghana.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Forest and woodlands in the Ashanti region.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Kumasi_Street_and_Taxicabs_%E2%80%93_Panorama.jpg/800px-Kumasi_Street_and_Taxicabs_%E2%80%93_Panorama.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Panoramic photo of Kumasi Street with taxicabs.'''<BR/> Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Mountains_of_Volta_region.jpg/800px-Mountains_of_Volta_region.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mountains of the Volta region.'''<BR/> Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5089/5374405455_2f51f77d22_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Woman and her baby.'''<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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=About Ghana=
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Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, [[Ghana]] in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. [[Ghana]] endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state, but he died in July 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the December 2012 presidential election.
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=Ghana Adoption Alert=
 
=Ghana Adoption Alert=
  
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'''Alert: Guidance on Processing of Emergency Adoption Cases during Ghana’s Suspension (October 15, 2013)'''
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There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for [[Ghana]]. To learn more about these please read the [[Ghana Adoption Alert]] page.
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On April 30, 2013, the Government of Ghana suspended processing of all adoption cases, including intercountry adoptions, pending Ghana’s review of its current adoption procedures.  This alert provides additional information on how the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare (DSW) is implementing the suspension and how the suspension impacts processing of related Forms I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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''Cases Subject to the Suspension''
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[[Ghana]] is not 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]).  For more information please read about [[Ghana and the Hague Convention]].
  
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All adoption cases that received final approval by the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare (DSW) or were filed with a court before April 30, 2013, are not subject to this suspension.  For cases filed with a court on or after April 30, 2013, only emergency cases may proceed to final adoption in Ghana.  Emergency cases include children who have special needs or medical conditions, children who could “age out” of adoption eligibility, and children adopted by biological relatives.  These emergency cases must be submitted to the Acting Director of DSW for approval before being submitted to a Ghanaian court.
 
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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We strongly encourage prospective adoptive parents not to proceed with an adoption in Ghana unless you meet the suspension exceptions described above.  If you wish to pursue an adoption in another country due to the suspension, please see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for more information at www.uscis.gov/adoption.
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet numerousrequirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Ghana]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Ghana]].
  
  
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''Guidance Regarding Form I-600 Petition Processing''
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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When filing any Form I-600 petition, U.S. prospective adoptive parents must establish that the adoption or grant of custody took place in accordance with the law of the child’s country.  For all Form I-600 petitions filed on behalf of a child from Ghana USCIS and the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Accra require evidence that the Minister or Acting Director of DSW has approved the adoption case filed with the court after April 30 to ensure it was completed in accordance with the regulated exceptions to the suspension.  In an effort to efficiently process these cases, USCIS Accra will continue to contact the DSW directly for petitions filed in Accra, when necessary, to confirm whether the case was approved by DSW.  Prospective adoptive parents may also choose to obtain this evidence directly from DSW and submit it with their Form I-600 petition.  The address for the Acting Director of the Department of Social Welfare is P.O. Box MB 230, Accra, Ghana.
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Ghana]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Ghana]].  
  
  
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Please note there is no fee by DSW or USCIS for confirmation that a specific case was approved by the DSW.  If prospective adoptive parents are unable to obtain this information from the DSW, please notify USCIS Accra at uscis.accra@uscis.dhs.gov. 
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==The Process==
  
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The Department of State and USCIS will continue providing updated information on adoption.state.gov as it becomes available.  If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States.  Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Ghana]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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'''Alert: All Adoption Cases with the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare are Subject to Suspension (May 20, 2013)'''
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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]] (or gain [[custody]] of) the child in [[Ghana]]
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
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# Bringing Your Child Home
  
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The Government of Ghana has temporarily suspended processing of all adoption cases, including intercountry adoptions, pending Ghana's review of its current adoption procedures. All adoption cases which have not received final approval by the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare are subject to this suspension.
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Ghana]].
  
  
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At this time, adoption cases which have completed processing with the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare, and are either before a Ghanaian court or have a completed adoption order, are unaffected by the suspension.  Urgent or emergency cases subject to the suspension can be referred directly to the Ghanaian Director of Social Welfare in Accra for consideration.  The U.S. Embassy will continue accepting orphan petitions and approving qualified visa applications of those cases not subject to the suspension.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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The Department of State will continue providing updated information on adoption.state.gov as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children's Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States. Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.
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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more about this process please read [[Traveling Abroad in Ghana]].
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
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Ghana is not 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 adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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=After Adoption=
  
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[[Ghana]] has no post-[[adoption]] reporting requirements.
  
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The Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare has the sole legal authority to process adoptions in Ghana.  The Department of Social Welfare Head Office has oversight authority for all adoptions throughout Ghana.  Adoptions should be processed in the region of origin of the child.  Except under special circumstances, children should not be transported to another region for the purpose of processing an adoption.  There are no government fees for adoption in Ghana; however, adoptive parents pay for services rendered, such as court filing fees, the cost of obtaining official forms and reports, and legal fees, etc.
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]].  There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family— whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services. 
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
  
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To bring an adopted child to the United States from Ghana, 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 who can adopt under U.S. immigration law.  Additionally, a child must meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Ghana:
 
  
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==Residency==
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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Prospective adoptive parents must be resident in Ghana for a minimum of three months prior to the adoption of a child.  The prospective adoptive parents may request a waiver of the residency requirement through the court.  The courts may approve a waiver of the residency requirement with the recommendation of the Ministry of Social Welfare if it finds that to do so is in the best interests of the child.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=Contact Information=
  
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Adopting parents must be 25 years of age and at least 21 years older than the child.
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Ghana]]'''
  
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==Marriage==
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The Consular Section is located in the Embassy at:
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24 Fourth Circular Road.
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Cantonments, Accra
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Tel: (233) (21) 741-000
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Fax: (233) (21) 741-389
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E-mail: consulateaccra@state.gov or AccraAdoption@state.gov
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Internet: [[[ghana]].usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy [[Ghana]]]
  
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Generally, only married couples may adopt in Ghana.  A single person may adopt only if that person is a citizen of Ghana.  Single males may not adopt unless the child to be adopted is his child or the courts determine that special circumstances apply.  Same-sex couples may not adopt from Ghana. 
 
  
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==Income==
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'''[[Ghana]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Applicants must be gainfully employed.
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The Department of Social Welfare
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Client Services Unit
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P.O. Box M230
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Accra, [[Ghana]]
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Tel: 233-21-662-857
  
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==Other==
 
  
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The Department of Social Welfare in Ghana requires that applicants must be of sound mind and must undergo a medical exam as part of the pre-approval process.  Applicants must also prove their ability to care for a child that may be socially and culturally different from themselves and who may have experienced trauma due to family deaths, institutionalization, neglect, etc.
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'''Embassy of [[Ghana]]'''
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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3512 [[International]] Drive, N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
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Tel: 202-686-4520
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Email: Consular@ghanaembassy.org
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Internet: [ghanaembassy.org Embassy of [[Ghana]]]
  
  
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=How to Adopt=
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[[Ghana]] also has a consulate in Houston, TX and consular services are available at the [[Ghana]] Permanent Mission to the United Nations in [[New York]], NY.
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
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==The Process==
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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: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
  
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=After Adoption=
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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-600A]] or [[I-600]] 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=ghana
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[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:38, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official Coat of Arms.
. Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kente cloth weaving.
.Source: Wikipedia.org.

Fishing village on the Cape Coast
Source: flickr.com.

Forest and woodlands in the Ashanti region.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Panoramic photo of Kumasi Street with taxicabs.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mountains of the Volta region.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Woman and her baby.
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 Ghana

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state, but he died in July 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the December 2012 presidential election.


Ghana Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts for Ghana. To learn more about these please read the Ghana Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

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


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet numerousrequirements in order to adopt a child from Ghana. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Ghana.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Ghana 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 (or gain custody of) the child in Ghana
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bringing Your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more about this process please read Traveling Abroad in Ghana.


After Adoption

Ghana has no post-adoption reporting requirements.

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:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

North American Council on Adoptable Children


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


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Ghana

The Consular Section is located in the Embassy at: 24 Fourth Circular Road. Cantonments, Accra Tel: (233) (21) 741-000 Fax: (233) (21) 741-389 E-mail: consulateaccra@state.gov or AccraAdoption@state.gov Internet: [[[ghana]].usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Ghana]


Ghana’s Adoption Authority

The Department of Social Welfare Client Services Unit P.O. Box M230 Accra, Ghana Tel: 233-21-662-857


Embassy of Ghana

3512 International Drive, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-686-4520 Email: Consular@ghanaembassy.org Internet: [ghanaembassy.org Embassy of Ghana]


Ghana also has a consulate in Houston, TX and consular services are available at the Ghana Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, NY.


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: 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-600A or I-600 petition:

National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=ghana