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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Jordan"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/jo-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/jo-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/jo-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/jo-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/mde/jo_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/mde/jo_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Coat_of_Arms_of_Jordan.svg/396px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Jordan.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Coat_of_Arms_of_Jordan.svg/396px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Jordan.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Al_Khazneh.jpg/480px-Al_Khazneh.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Petra, Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Al_Khazneh.jpg/480px-Al_Khazneh.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Petra.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/PetraSandStoneRock-cut_tombs.jpg/800px-PetraSandStoneRock-cut_tombs.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Rock-cut tombs (Kokh) in Petra.''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/PetraSandStoneRock-cut_tombs.jpg/800px-PetraSandStoneRock-cut_tombs.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Rock-cut tombs (Kokh) in Petra.''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/AMMAN_2.jpg/514px-AMMAN_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Amman, Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/AMMAN_2.jpg/514px-AMMAN_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Amman.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Souk_Jara_4_Jul_2008_%287%29.JPG/800px-Souk_Jara_4_Jul_2008_%287%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Souk in Jara, Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Souk_Jara_4_Jul_2008_%287%29.JPG/800px-Souk_Jara_4_Jul_2008_%287%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Souk in Jara.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Abu_Darweesh_Mosque.jpg/800px-Abu_Darweesh_Mosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Abu Darweesh Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in Amman, Jordan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Abu_Darweesh_Mosque.jpg/800px-Abu_Darweesh_Mosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Abu Darweesh Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in Amman.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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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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Jordan 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 Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
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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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Note:  [[Adoption]] is not allowed by the law of Jordan.  However, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) may grant guardianship of children to people who are not the child’s parents and who intend to adopt the child in a different country.  [[Custody]] and Alternative Families is a [[system]] followed in Jordan.  This [[system]] is similar to [[adoption]], but differs in that it maintains the original parental relationship as mandated by Islamic Law.  This [[system]] is consistent with Jordanian Juvenile Law Number 24 of 1968 and amendments.
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=About Jordan=
  
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Following World War I and the [[dissolution]] of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain demarcated a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in the early 1920s. The area gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became The Hashemite Kingdom of [[Jordan]].  To learn more, please read [[About Jordan]].
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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To bring an adopted child to the United States from Jordan 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.
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[[Jordan]] 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 Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about [[Jordan and the Hague Convention]].
  
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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.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Under Jordanian law, a child is considered to be “abandoned” if the child is placed in the care of the MSD and (1) the parents are unknown OR (2) the child is born out of wedlock.
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Under Jordanian law, a child is considered to be “abandoned” if the child is placed in the care of the MSD and (1) the parents are unknown OR (2) the child is born out of wedlock. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Jordan]].
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to obtain a guardianship in Jordan:
 
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==Residency==
 
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None
 
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
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The [[guardian]] father must be 35-55, and the [[guardian]] mother 30-50 years old.
 
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==Marriage==
 
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Jordanian law stipulates that all prospective parents for legal guardianship MUST be Muslim, married for five or more years, and medically certified as infertile in order to obtain legal guardianship in Jordan.  (In select situations, and on a case by case basis, non-Muslims may be granted guardianship/custody by a juvenile court order issued through the civil court).  Single persons cannot acquire legal guardianship of children in Jordan.  Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Jordan, and therefore same-sex couples cannot gain guardianship as a couple.  However, the Juvenile Jordanian Act provides that a child may be placed as a foster child with a single person (male or female), or with a family with children by a court order, with the specification that the child be taken care  of  as if they are in his or her biological family.
 
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==Income==
 
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The guardians’ employer(s) must provide detailed information about their income and employment status, as explained below.
 
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==Other==
 
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The prospective family for legal guardianship may have up to two children total, including the child(ren) for the legal guardianship.  If the prospective guardians already have one child, then the Jordanian child legal guardianship must be of the same sex as that child.  Prospective [[guardian]] parents who have previously gotten legal guardianship in Jordan must wait a minimum of two years before seeking legal guardianship of another child of the same gender.  Prospective guardians who are U.S. citizens may also want to review the general information on [[Adoption]] of [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/adoption_of_children_countries_islamic_sharia_observed.php Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari'a law] is observed.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Jordan has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Jordan]] 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 Jordan]].
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'''[[Relinquishment]]:'''  There is no [[relinquishment]] in Jordan.  The MSD considers all Jordanian children under its care as abandoned.
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'''[[Abandonment]]:'''  The MSD considers all Jordanian children under its care as abandoned.  If the parents are unknown and the children are under the care of the MSD, they are considered abandoned.
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:'''  MSD may give legal guardianship for a child of any age.
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'''Sibling Adoptions:'''No sibling legal guardianship exists in Jordan.
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'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:'''  Children with [[Special Needs|special needs]] or medical conditions are eligible for guardianship.
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'''Waiting Period or [[Foster Care]]:'''  The period depends on the child’s availability, and could take up to one year.
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'''''Caution:  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an [[orphanage]] or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)’s [[adoption]].'''''
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''Jordan’s Guardianship Authority'''
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'''[[Jordan]]’s [[Guardianship]] Authority'''
  
 
Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family Directorate  
 
Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family Directorate  
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==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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The process for obtaining guardianship of a child from Jordan generally includes the following steps:
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The process for obtaining [[guardianship]] of a child from [[Jordan]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
 
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
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# Apply to be found eligible to adopt
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 
# Be matched with a child
 
# Be matched with a child
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# Obtain guardianship of the child in Jordan
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# Obtain [[guardianship]] of the child in [[Jordan]]
 
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
 
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
 
# Bring your child home
 
# Bring your child home
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# Adopt your child in the United States
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# [[Adopt]] your child in the United States
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Jordan]].
  
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'''1.  Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
  
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The recommended first step in adopting a child from Jordan is to decide whether or not to use a licensed [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that can help you with your [[adoption]].  [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate.  The Department of State provides information on selecting an [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]] on its website.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Jordan. Under [[Custody]] and Alternative Families, Jordan does not permit adoptions. In certain cases, the MSD will award guardianship of a child to people who are not the child’s parents. The Embassy maintains a list of attorneys practicing in Jordan, which can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s web site at jordan.usembassy.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. 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 Jordan]].
  
  
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'''2.  Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt'''
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=After Adoption=
  
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In order to obtain legal guardianship of a child from Jordan, you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Jordan and U.S. immigration law.  You must submit an application to be found eligible for a guardianship with the Jordanian MSD.
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After the child has immigrated to the United States, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to inform the nearest Jordanian Embassy or consulate of any change in address.  This facilitates the follow-up that the MSD performs for all [[adopted]] Jordanian children abroad.  
  
  
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There are two types of [[custody]]:
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We strongly urge you to comply with Jordanian law and to complete all 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 positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.
  
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# [[Custody]] inside Jordan:  For Jordanian or permanent resident families in Jordan, an application may be submitted to the Ministry of Social Development branch with [[jurisdiction]] in your place of residence, where all the procedures and required documents will be performed and given to the Ministry to make the decision according to the applicability of the conditions.
 
  
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# [[Custody]] outside Jordan: Families living outside Jordan may submit a request to the Jordanian embassy in their country, where all the procedures and required documents will be performed and sent for the decision to be made by the MSD.  
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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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To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may also file an [[I-600A]], Application for Advance Processing of an [[Orphan]] Petition with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to adopt.
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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If you are eligible and a child is available for guardianship with the goal of completing an intercountry [[adoption]], the MSD in Jordan will provide you with a referral. Each family must decide for itself whether it will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a particular child. The child must be eligible for guardianship according to Jordan’s requirements, as described in the Who Can Be Adopted section.  The child must also meet the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration 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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'''4.  Adopt or Obtain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in Jordan'''
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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The process for obtaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] in Jordan generally includes the following:
 
  
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*'''Role of [[Adoption]] Authority:'''  MSD  is the authority in Jordan for legal guardianship,and its role may be summarized in the following points:
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=Contact Information=
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::1. Receives the legal guardianship application from the prospective [[guardian]] family.
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::2. Conducts [[Home Study|home study]] for the family.
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::3. Sends the legal guardianship application and the pertaining documents to the foster department for Ministry approval.
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::4. Puts the family on the waiting list.
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::5. When an appropriate child is available, the MSD will contact the family and give them an official letter to come see the child in the [[orphanage]].
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::6 Sends an official letter to the Juvenile Court to issue an order to grant the family legal guardianship of the child.
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::7. Contacts the Ministry’s directorates in Jordan and the Jordanian embassies and consulates abroad to provide the Ministry with periodical reports on the welfare of the children.
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*'''Role of the Court:'''  After receiving an official letter from MSD’s Family and Children Section stating that the family has been granted legal guardianship, the Juvenile Court issues an order to give [[custody]] of the child to the family to take care of as their foster child. 
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*'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:'''  There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Jordan.  Families work directly with MSD or through a specialized lawyer.
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*'''[[Adoption]] Application:'''  Applications for legal guardianship are available at the Ministry itself or in the Jordanian embassies and consulates abroad.  Unfortunately, the application is not yet available online.
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*'''Time Frame:'''  MSD reports that prospective guardianship parents can expect to wait an average of three months from the time they initiate contact with the MSD to when they are given [[custody]] of a child.
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*'''[[Adoption]] Fees:'''  The MSD does not charge any fees.  However, prospective [[guardian]] parents can expect to pay fees for the baby’s birth certificate, passport, and Family Book issuance.  The “Family Book,” issued by the Jordanian government, contains biographical information about each member of the family.  In the case of an abandoned child, the Family Book only contains the child’s fictitious name.  The fictitious name is explained below.  The fee for obtaining a Jordanian passport for a child (under 16) is 10 JD, for the birth certificate is 1 JD, and for the Jordanian family book is 2 JD.  More details about current fees and required documents can be found at the MSD website at cspd.gov.jo.  (Please note that this website is currently only in Arabic.)
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*'''Documents Required:'''  The following documents are required:
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::::1. Copies of the marriage certificate
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::::2. Copies of each prospective [[guardian]]’s valid passport
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::::3. Social (home) study (forms will be provided through the Jordanian embassy in [[Washington]])
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::::4. Employment letters with detailed information about prospective [[guardian]]’s income, employment status, etc.
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::::5. Original doctor’s reports about the health of both prospective guardians’ must also be provided, including medical proof of their [[infertility]].
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If a U. S. citizen is resident in Jordan, then these documents must be translated into Arabic and certified directly by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MFA) Authentication Department, located in Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle, Amman.  The current fee for certifying documents is between 1-5 JD. If either or both prospective guardians convert to Islam, a copy of the conversion certificate must be provided.  All of these documents must be translated into Arabic and certified by the Jordanian embassy in [[Washington]], which will forward them to the MSD (through the Foreign Ministry).
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Once received, an MSD committee reviews the request to foster a child. If all conditions are met, the Minister of Social Development issues his/her approval or denial. [[Foster Parents|Foster parents]] are notified by mail that they are approved and invited to travel to Jordan to locate a child.  Couples who are approved will then be escorted to a government-run [[orphanage]] to choose from children whose parents are unknown.
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Jordan]]'''
  
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The MSD is the only entity authorized to grant guardianship through the Juvenile Court.  According to the precepts of Islam and the laws of Jordan governing the guardianship of infants of unknown parentage, the [[guardian]] parents are permitted to choose the first name of the child. The Ministry of Interior’s Department of Civil Status chooses fictitious first and last names for the unknown mother and father, which along with the child's first name, are placed on the Jordanian birth certificate. These “fictitious names,” which are chosen at random and do not identify with any common Jordanian family or tribal names, are required for issuance of a Jordanian birth certificate. The child, per Jordanian law, will carry the names of the fictitious father. Once a birth certificate has been issued, the child is also issued a Jordanian Family Book and a Jordanian passport. At this point, the [[guardian]] parents may petition for an immigrant visa for their child at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan.
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al Umawayeen Street, Abdoun
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Tel: 962-6-590-6000
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Fax: 962-6-592-4102
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Email: Amman-IV@state.gov or ACSAmman@state.gov
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Internet: [http://jordan.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy in Jordan]
  
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Regardless of nationality, all couples are required to apply to the MSD to qualify to become guardians.  The pre-qualification process is similar to that in most U.S. states.  To begin this process, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are asked to submit a fostering request to the appropriate authorities, based on the criteria below:
 
  
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# [[Custody]] inside Jordan:  For Jordanians or permanent resident families in Jordan, an application may be submitted to the MSD branch with [[jurisdiction]] of their place of residence, where all the procedures and required documents will be completed and given to the MSD to make a decision.  
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'''[[Jordan]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority:  Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family and Childhood Section/Fostering Program'''
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# [[Custody]] outside Jordan:  Families living outside Jordan may submit a request to the Jordanian Embassy in their country, where all the procedures and required documents will be completed and sent to the MSD to make a decision.
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P.O. Box 6720
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Arjan 11118
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Amman, [[Jordan]]
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Tel:  5679327
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Family Manager:  Ext. 399
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[[Custody]] Section:  Ext. 334
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Fax:  5679961
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Family Directorate Fax:  5694291
  
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This request should include the following information: name, age, profession, and religion of both parents, plus their contact information, including full mailing address. Once the MSD has received and processed the request, it will direct the Jordanian Embassy in [[Washington]] (through the Foreign Ministry) to request additional documentation from the prospective [[Foster Parents|foster parents]].  '''NOTE:'''  Additional documents may be requested.
 
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*'''Authentication of Documents:'''  You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic.  If so, the Department of State, Authentications Office may be able to assist.
 
  
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'''Embassy of [[Jordan]]: Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of [[Jordan]]'''
  
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'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status'''
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3504 [[International]] Drive, N.W. [[Washington]], D.C. 20008
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Tel:  (202) 966-2664
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Fax:  (202) 966-3110
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Email:  HKJEmbassyDC@jordanembassyus.org
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Internet:  [http://jordanembassyus.org Embassy of Jordan]
  
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After you gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] in Jordan, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law.  You will need to file a Form [[I-600]], Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as an Immediate Relative.  Contact Amman’s USCIS Field Office directly at uscis.amman@dhs.gov.
 
  
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
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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]], D.C.  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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Once you gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child, you need to apply for several documents for the child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States to finalize the [[adoption]]:
 
  
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
  
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::1. Birth Certificate
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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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If you have been granted [[custody]] for the purpose of adopting the child in the United States, the birth certificate you obtain will, in most cases, not yet include your name.  You must obtain the new Jordanian birth certificate and Family Book from the Civil Status Department, Ministry of Interior. 
 
  
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::2. Jordanian Passport  
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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
  
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Jordan.  Use the birth certificate and Family Book to obtain a Jordanian passport for your child from the Civil Status and Passport Department.  The passport is usually issued the same day and costs 10 JD.  How to obtain a Passport for your child in Jordan:
 
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Civil Status and Passport Department
 
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Ministry of Interior
 
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Jabal Amman, First Circle
 
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Zahran Street (behind Iraqi Embassy), Amman, Jordan
 
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Tel:  962-6-463-6378 (or 463-6370, 463-6379 or 464-4496
 
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Mailing address:
 
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Civil Status and Passport Department
 
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P.O. Box 3102
 
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Amman, Jordan
 
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form [[I-600]], Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as an Immediate Relative, you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from the U.S. Embassy in Amman.  This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you.  As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician’s medical report on the child.  You can find instructions for applying for an immigrant visa on the U.S. Embassy in Amman’s website, Amman-IV@state.gov . 
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s entry into the United States:'''''  A child will acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry into the United States if the [[adoption]] was finalized prior to entry and the child otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States:'''''  Now that you have acquired legal guardianship for your child, an [[adoption]] will need to be completed following your child’s entry into the United States for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
 
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'''''Please be aware that since your child does not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible.  Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
 
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Read more about the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
 
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
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=After Adoption=
 
  
  
 
==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=jordan
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:03, 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.

Petra.
Source: Wikipedia.org

'Rock-cut tombs (Kokh) in Petra.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Amman.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Souk in Jara.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Abu Darweesh Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in Amman.
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 Jordan

Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain demarcated a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in the early 1920s. The area gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. To learn more, please read About Jordan.


Hague Convention Information

Jordan is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(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 Jordan and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Under Jordanian law, a child is considered to be “abandoned” if the child is placed in the care of the MSD and (1) the parents are unknown OR (2) the child is born out of wedlock. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Jordan.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Jordan 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 Jordan.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Jordan’s Guardianship Authority

Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family Directorate


The Process

The process for obtaining guardianship of a child from Jordan 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. Obtain guardianship of the child in Jordan
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home
  7. Adopt your child in the United States

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


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. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Jordan.


After Adoption

After the child has immigrated to the United States, adoptive parents are required to inform the nearest Jordanian Embassy or consulate of any change in address. This facilitates the follow-up that the MSD performs for all adopted Jordanian children abroad.


We strongly urge you to comply with Jordanian law and to complete all 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 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 Jordan

al Umawayeen Street, Abdoun Tel: 962-6-590-6000 Fax: 962-6-592-4102 Email: Amman-IV@state.gov or ACSAmman@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Jordan


Jordan’s Adoption Authority: Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family and Childhood Section/Fostering Program

P.O. Box 6720 Arjan 11118 Amman, Jordan Tel: 5679327 Family Manager: Ext. 399 Custody Section: Ext. 334 Fax: 5679961 Family Directorate Fax: 5694291


Embassy of Jordan: Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

3504 International Drive, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 966-2664 Fax: (202) 966-3110 Email: HKJEmbassyDC@jordanembassyus.org Internet: Embassy of Jordan


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, D.C. 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=jordan