Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Burkina Faso"

(→‎Traveling Abroad)
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/uv-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
−
{{#eimage: http://stage.adoption.com/wp-content/themes/adoptionnew/images/landingpage_img2.gif |410x579px|thumb|'''!!TITLE!!'''<br />!!COMMENT!!}}
+
−
Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso.
+
  
 +
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/uv-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
'''PLEASE NOTE:''' It could take 12 to 18 months to complete the [[adoption]] process in Burkina Faso.
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/uv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Balga%2C_February_2010%2C_Women_around_the_water_pump.jpg/800px-Balga%2C_February_2010%2C_Women_around_the_water_pump.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A village water pump.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
'''NOTE:'''  Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.  Read about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Burkina_Faso_girl.jpg/619px-Burkina_Faso_girl.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Ouagadougou_place_nations_unies.JPG/800px-Ouagadougou_place_nations_unies.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Typical street scene in Ouagadougou.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''  
+
{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8054460625_98e16fe55f_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A large family.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
To bring an adopted child to the United States from Burkina Faso, 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 can 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 or IH-4 immigrant visa.
 
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
In addition to the U.S. requirements, Burkina Faso obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Burkina Faso:
+
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.
  
−
==Residency==
 
  
−
There is no residency requirement for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] residing outside of Burkina Faso.  There is a two-year residency requirement for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who live in Burkina Faso.
+
=About Burkina Faso=
  
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
[[Burkina Faso]] (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from [[France]] in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s.  To learn more, read [[About Burkina Faso]].
  
−
A prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be between 30-55 years old and at least 15 years older than the child sought for [[adoption]].  If the prospective [[adoptee]] is the biological child of one of the spouses, the age difference between the child and the spouse must be at least 10 years.
 
  
−
==Marriage==
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
Couples must be legally married for at least five years to be eligible to adopt.  Although not specified in law, common practice is that single applicants and same sex couples are not permitted to adopt children in Burkina Faso. '''NOTE:''' Married prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] without children of their own are given priority. In some cases, couples that already have two or more children may have greater difficulty with the [[adoption]] process.  
+
[[Burkina Faso]] 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 [[Burkina Faso]].  To learn more, read about [[Burkina Faso and the Hague Convention]].
  
−
==Income==
 
  
−
Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to have sufficient funds to be able to take care of their adoptive child.  Proof of income must be submitted with the initial application.
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
−
==Other==
+
There are many requirements to [[adopt]] from [[Burkina Faso]].  To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Burkina Faso]].
  
−
Although not specified in law, childless couples are given priority, followed by couples with one child.  The authorities must be convinced that an [[adoption]] will not generate a material profit for anyone involved in the [[adoption]] (except service providers such as lawyers).
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
 +
Because [[Burkina Faso]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Burkina Faso]] 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 [[Burkina Faso]] have determined that placement of the child within [[Burkina Faso]] has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests.  In addition to [[Burkina Faso]]’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.  To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Burkina Faso]].
  
−
=Who Can Be Adopted=
+
=How to Adopt=
 +
 
 +
'''WARNING:  [[Burkina Faso]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Burkina Faso]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Burkina Faso]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=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. 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.  Learn more about [[Traveling Abroad in Burkina Faso]].
  
−
Because Burkina Faso is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso have determined that placement of the child within Burkina Faso has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests.  In addition to Burkina Faso’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 Convention adoptee] to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.
+
=Contact Information=
  
 +
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Burkina Faso]]'''
 +
 
 +
Avenue Sembene Ousmane
 +
Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000
 +
01 BP 35, Ouagadougou 01
 +
Tel: [226] 50-49-53-00
 +
Fax: [226] 50-49-56-23
 +
Email: consularouaga@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://ouagadougou.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso]
  
  
−
'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
+
'''[[Burkina Faso]] [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
 +
Ministère de l'[[Action]] Sociale et de la Solidarité Nationale
 +
La Direction des Placements et des Adoptions
 +
Immeuble Baoghin, Secteur 10
 +
01 BP 515, Ouagadougou 01
 +
[[Burkina Faso]]
 +
Tel: [226] 50 30 68 80 (Switchboard)/ [226] 50 31 00 55 (Direct line)
 +
Fax: [226] 50 31 67 37
  
−
'''[[Relinquishment]]:'''  If the child’s biological parents are known, there must be a consent act, a family council report, or a declaration of [[abandonment]].
 
−
::*Consent Act:  Parents willing to relinquish their rights must introduce a request in court.  They must sign a legal act giving their consent for the child to be adopted.  In most cases, the child is already in [[Foster Care|foster care]] or in an [[orphanage]].
 
−
::*Family Council Report:  The family council report is issued in cases where a parent is unfit to make decisions regarding his/her child or when the parents are deceased.  At least four family members make up the family council.  They must go before a court clerk to sign a document stating that they give their consent for the child to be adopted. 
 
  
 +
'''Embassy of [[Burkina Faso]]'''
 +
   
 +
2340 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
 +
Tel: (202) 332-5577
 +
Fax: (202) 667 1882
 +
Email: ambawdc@verizon.net
 +
Internet: [http://burkina-usa.org Embassy of Burkina Faso]
  
−
'''[[Abandonment]]:'''  Under local law, children can be considered abandoned when they are taken into care by someone else, a private or public institution (nursery or [[orphanage]]), and their parents have had no contact for more than a year.  A Declaration of [[Abandonment]] is confirmed through a [[Home Study|home study]] by the local social action office and the final document granting parental authority is issued in court.  In such cases, the parental authority is given to the institution or the person/family that is fostering the child.
 
  
 +
'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
−
'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' Under local law, children can be adopted up to age 18. If the adoptive child is aged 15 or older, however, he/she must give his/her personal consent before the [[adoption]] can take place. Important Note: U.S. citizens considering adopting a child aged 16 or older should contact the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou prior to initiating the [[adoption]] process; U.S. law requires a child to be under the age of 16 at the time the petition is filed to qualify for a U.S. immigrant visa, unless the child is the natural sibling of another child who was adopted by the same parents while under the age of 18.
+
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]
  
  
−
'''Sibling Adoptions:''' Sibling adoptions are encouraged.  In the case of twins, sibling twins will be placed with the same adoptive family.
+
'''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: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
  
−
'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:'''  In the cases of [[Special Needs Children|special needs children]] and those with serious medical conditions, priority is given to parents who are specifically willing and ready to adopt children with the same needs or condition.  On the initial application form addressed to the Office of Placements and Adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must specify whether they seek to adopt a child with [[Special Needs|special needs]] such as a blind or physically handicapped child.
 
  
 +
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
  
−
'''Waiting Period:'''  It usually takes 12 to 18 months to finalize an [[adoption]] from the time the application is received by the Central Authority to the time the final decree is issued.  The local social action offices maintain lists of adoptable children from local orphanages and nurseries under their [[jurisdiction]].  Home studies are conducted on potentially adoptable children and submitted to the Central Authority only when there is no possibility to adopt locally.  The Central Authority matches these cases with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. The timing for each child can vary widely.
+
==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=burkina_faso
  
−
'''[[Foster Care]]:'''  Adopted children are often placed with host families but can also remain in the public or private institution in which they were placed (nursery, [[orphanage]], etc).  Children can be placed in foster families from the time the Central Authority issues the Article 16 Report and has received the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]].  The Article 16 Report specifies that medical and maintenance fees will be covered by the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], or their [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], may contact the Office of Placements and Adoptions for more information about the child.
+
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 06:49, 1 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

A village water pump.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Typical street scene in Ouagadougou.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A large family.
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 Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. To learn more, read About Burkina Faso.


Hague Convention Information

Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso. To learn more, read about Burkina Faso and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

There are many requirements to adopt from Burkina Faso. To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Burkina Faso.

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Burkina Faso is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso have determined that placement of the child within Burkina Faso has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests. In addition to Burkina Faso’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Burkina Faso.

How to Adopt

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


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. 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. Learn more about Traveling Abroad in Burkina Faso.

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso

Avenue Sembene Ousmane Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000 01 BP 35, Ouagadougou 01 Tel: [226] 50-49-53-00 Fax: [226] 50-49-56-23 Email: consularouaga@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso


Burkina Faso Adoption Authority

Ministère de l'Action Sociale et de la Solidarité Nationale La Direction des Placements et des Adoptions Immeuble Baoghin, Secteur 10 01 BP 515, Ouagadougou 01 Burkina Faso Tel: [226] 50 30 68 80 (Switchboard)/ [226] 50 31 00 55 (Direct line) Fax: [226] 50 31 67 37


Embassy of Burkina Faso

2340 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 332-5577 Fax: (202) 667 1882 Email: ambawdc@verizon.net Internet: Embassy of Burkina Faso


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: 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=burkina_faso