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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Barbados"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/bb-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Barbados'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/bb-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/bb-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Barbados.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/bb-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/cam/bb_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Barbados.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/bb_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/bb/images/BB_002.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Barbados as seen from space.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/bb/images/BB_002.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Coat_of_Arms_of_Barbados.svg/609px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Barbados.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for Barbados.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Coat_of_Arms_of_Barbados.svg/609px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Barbados.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Barbados_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A beach in Barbados.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Barbados_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A beach scene.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/High_street_Barbados.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''High Street in Barbados.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/High_street_Barbados.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''High Street.'''<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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Barbados is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Barbados did not change.  
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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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Only citizens of countries with which Barbados has diplomatic or consular relations may [[adopt]] Barbadian children. The United States has diplomatic relations with Barbados.
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=About Barbados=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. African [[slaves]] worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. To learn more, read [[About Barbados]].
  
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Barbados, you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
 +
[[Barbados]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Barbados]] did not change.
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Barbados also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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Only citizens of countries with which [[Barbados]] has diplomatic or consular relations may [[adopt]] Barbadian children. The United States has diplomatic relations with [[Barbados]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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The [[adoption]] of a Barbadian child can take place in Barbados or in the applicants' country of residence. Applicants wishing to [[adopt]] a child in Barbados will be required to reside on the island for a period of at least 18 months. If applicants wish the [[adoption]] to take place in their country of residence, the applicants are required to come to Barbados for at least a few weeks in order to receive the child into their care and must attend the High Court hearing for the license to take the child out of Barbados for the purpose of [[adoption]].
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Barbados]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more]. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Barbados]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are already related to the child they plan to [[adopt]] must be at least 18 years old. Otherwise, at least one prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be 25 years old and at least 18 years older than the child.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Both married and single people may apply.
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[[Barbados]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Barbados]] unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  
  
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==Income==
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In addition to the requirements set by [[Barbados]], a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more]about these U.S. requirements.
  
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N/A
 
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==Other==
 
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N/A
 
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
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Barbados has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Barbados unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.
 
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In addition to the requirements set by Barbados, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more]about these U.S. requirements.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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'''Barbados [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''[[Barbados]] [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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The [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] for all of Barbados is the Child Care Board. There are no private [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] operating in Barbados.
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The [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] for all of [[Barbados]] is the Child Care Board. There are no private [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] operating in [[Barbados]].  To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Barbados]].
  
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==The Process==
 
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The process for adopting a child from Barbados generally includes the following steps:
 
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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]] the Child in Barbados
 
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 
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# Bring Your Child Home
 
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Barbados is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your [[adoption]]. [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more] about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
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To bring an [[adopted]] child from Barbados to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how].
 
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In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Barbados as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
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If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Barbados will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child. .
 
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The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Barbadian requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Learn more.
 
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'''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Barbados'''
 
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Barbados generally includes the following:
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' The laws that govern adoptions in Barbados are the Child Care Act and the [[Adoption]] Act. The Child Care Board administers these laws. Upon being notified of a prospective parent's intent to [[adopt]], the Child Care Board will contract a social welfare agency abroad to do a [[Home Study|home study]]. The [[Home Study|home study]] conducted for U.S. immigration procedures (form [[I-600A]]) is acceptable. Upon completion of the [[Home Study|home study]], the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should submit it to the Child Care Board for review. After the Child Care Board approves the [[Home Study|home study]], the Child Care Board will identify a child based on the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' requests.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (using an attorney) will need to obtain an order from a Barbadian court authorizing the care and [[custody]] of the minor after they have been matched with a child by the Child Care Board. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to come to Barbados to attend the High Court hearing for the license and to receive the child into their care.
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' It will typically take non-Barbadians, including U.S. citizens, between six months and a year to [[adopt]] a Barbadian child, but it can take longer due to sometimes-lengthy Barbadian court procedures.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' The U.S. Embassy in Barbados discourages the payment of any fees that are not properly receipted, "donations," or "expediting" fees, that may be requested from prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Such fees have the appearance of "buying" a baby and put all future adoptions in Barbados at risk. Average [[Adoption Attorney|adoption attorney]] fees in Barbados are approximately U.S. $3000, which includes court fees. However, fees may vary depending on the attorney. It is necessary for the applicants to use an attorney in Barbados who will apply for the license on their behalf. There are no fees for filing [[adoption]] paperwork with the Child Care Board.
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' A completed [[Home Study|home study]] and supporting documents: 
 
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::1. Birth certificate of each prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]];
 
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::2. Marriage certificate and divorce documents (if applicable);
 
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::3. Medical report of each prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]], to be conducted in the parent's country of residence;
 
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::4. Police reference;
 
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::5. Three (3) personal references known for a period of at least five (5) years and not family members;
 
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::6. Statement of applicant(s) income.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
 
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'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
 
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After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Barbados, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] (Form [[I-600]]). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
 
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
 
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Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
 
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::1. Birth Certificate
 
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You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
 
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If the [[adoption]] is completed in Barbados, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should apply to the Office of the Registrar for a new birth certificate. If the [[adoption]] is to take place in the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' country of residence, the child must have a passport issued by Barbados Immigration in order to apply for an immigrant visa.
 
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::2. Barbados Passport
 
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Barbados.
 
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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, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S. Embassy for final review and approval of the child's [[I-600]] petition and to obtain a visa for the child. 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" [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should contact the U.S. Embassy in Barbados as soon as they receive their approved [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] from the Department of Homeland Security's division of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
 
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Upon receipt of the approved [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] cable or fax approval from the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Embassy will send the petitioner instructions on how to apply for the immigrant visa. After the petitioner returns the completed forms, DS-260 Part 1 and DS-2001, the U.S. Embassy will schedule the visa appointment and mail the appointment letter to the petitioner. The petitioner can also call the Embassy at: 246-431-0225 and request an appointment to coincide with their visit to the island when they complete the [[adoption]]. The petitioner must present the following documents at the visa interview:
 
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# Certified [[Adoption Certificate|adoption certificate]];
 
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# Court documents;
 
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# Release documents from the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s)
 
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# Child's valid passport;
 
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# (4) full face color photographs of the child (2 x 2 on white background);
 
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# Copy of the child's medical examination (instructions will be given to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]); and
 
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# The immigrant visa fee.
 
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If the U.S. Embassy is does not have the approved [[I-600]], the petitioner must present a copy of their [[Home Study|home study]] and evidence of support. If the petitioner has all the required documents and the applicant does not have any ineligibility, the visa can be issued the same day as the application.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes at least 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should verify current processing times at the appropriate consulate or embassy before making final travel arrangements.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
 
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did 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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Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
  
 +
Read more about [[Traveling Abroad in Barbados]].
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Barbados. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
 
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Getting or renewing a passport is easy. [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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.
 
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.
 
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To find information about obtaining a visa for Barbados, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.
 
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The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
 
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Barbados registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
 
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Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
 
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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=Contact Information=
  
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==Contact Information==
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Barbados]]'''  
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'''U.S. Embassy in Barbados'''  
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Consular Section  
 
Consular Section  
 
Wildey Business Park  
 
Wildey Business Park  
 
Wildey  
 
Wildey  
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St. Michael, Barbados  
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St. Michael, [[Barbados]]
 
Tel: (246) 227-4000  
 
Tel: (246) 227-4000  
 
Fax: (246) 431-0179  
 
Fax: (246) 431-0179  
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Child Care Board  
 
Child Care Board  
 
The Fred Edghill Building  
 
The Fred Edghill Building  
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Cheapside, Fontabelle, Barbados  
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Cheapside, Fontabelle, [[Barbados]]
 
Tel: 1 (246) 426-2577  
 
Tel: 1 (246) 426-2577  
  
  
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'''Embassy of Barbados'''  
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'''Embassy of [[Barbados]]'''  
  
 
2144 [[Wyoming]] Avenue, NW  
 
2144 [[Wyoming]] Avenue, NW  
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''Barbados also has consulates in Los Angeles, Miami, and [[New York]].''
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''[[Barbados]] also has consulates in Los Angeles, Miami, and [[New York]].''
  
  
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=barbados]
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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=barbados
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 01:46, 18 February 2018

The official flag
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

'
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A beach scene.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

High Street.
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 Barbados

The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. African slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. To learn more, read About Barbados.


Hague Convention Information

Barbados is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Barbados did not change.

Only citizens of countries with which Barbados has diplomatic or consular relations may adopt Barbadian children. The United States has diplomatic relations with Barbados.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Barbados, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more. To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Barbados.


Who Can Be Adopted

Barbados has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Barbados unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.

In addition to the requirements set by Barbados, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn moreabout these U.S. requirements.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Barbados Adoption Authority

The adoption agency for all of Barbados is the Child Care Board. There are no private adoption agencies operating in Barbados. To learn more, read about How to Adopt from Barbados.


Traveling Abroad

Read more about Traveling Abroad in Barbados.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children


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

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Barbados

Consular Section Wildey Business Park Wildey St. Michael, Barbados Tel: (246) 227-4000 Fax: (246) 431-0179 Email: consularbridge2@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Barbados


Barbadian Adoption Authority

Child Care Board The Fred Edghill Building Cheapside, Fontabelle, Barbados Tel: 1 (246) 426-2577


Embassy of Barbados

2144 Wyoming Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 939-9200 Fax: (202) 332-7467


Barbados also has consulates in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.


Office of Children's Issues

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


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)


1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

SOURCE

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