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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Lithuania"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/lh-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/lh-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/lh-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Lithania.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/lh-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/eur/lh_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/lh_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2013/05/27/18/49/lithuania-114047_640.jpg?i|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Catherines Church, Vilnius, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: pixabay.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Trakai-Troki.jpg/800px-Trakai-Troki.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Island castle of Trakai.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Trakai-Troki.jpg/800px-Trakai-Troki.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Island castle of Trakai, Lituania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Vilnius_montage.jpg/288px-Vilnius_montage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of capital city Vilnius.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Vilnius_montage.jpg/288px-Vilnius_montage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of capital city Vilnius, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg/412px-Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Vilnius Old Town.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg/412px-Vilnius_Old_Town%2C_Lithuania%2C_Sept._2008_-_Flickr_-_PhillipC.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg/800px-Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old Town Kaunas.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg/800px-Old_Town_of_Kaunas_%288119921886%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old Town Kaunas, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG/450px-Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Hill of Crosses.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG/450px-Berg_der_kreuze_01.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Hill of Crosses, Lithuania.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
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Lithuania 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]). Therefore all adoptions between Lithuania and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
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=About Lithuania=
  
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Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, [[Lithuania]] extended its territory to include most of present-day [[Belarus]] and [[Ukraine]]. By the end of the 14th century [[Lithuania]] was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with [[Poland]] in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]] formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.  To learn more please read [[About Lithuania]].
  
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According to Lithuanian law, only children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] taken away are eligible for [[adoption]]. There are few such children and the Lithuanian families interested in adopting are given precedence.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Two U.S. embassies play complementary roles in the immigrant visa process for Lithuanian citizens, including [[adopted]] orphans. The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, [[Poland]] ultimately issues all immigrant visas for citizens and residents of Lithuania. The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania conducts the mandatory I-604 [[Orphan]] Investigation interview for all [[orphan]] cases.  
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[[Lithuania]] 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]). Therefore all adoptions between [[Lithuania]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Lithuania and the Hague Convention]].
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Lithuania is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Lithuania, you must first 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_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn more].  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Lithuania]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Lithuania]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Lithuania]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Lithuania also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
  
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==Residency==
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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There are no residency requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in Lithuania.
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Because [[Lithuania]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Lithuania]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Lithuania]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] generally cannot be over 50 years of age. There must be a minimum age difference of 18 years between the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Marriage==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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Intercountry adoptions are usually limited to married couples. A single parent may be considered in exceptional cases when 1) the individual has been the [[Foster Parent|foster parent]] of the particular child to be [[adopted]], 2) the child has extremely serious health problems and no married couple wishes to [[adopt]] the child, or 3) the child is eight years of age or older and unable to be placed with another family.
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'''[[Lithuania]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==Income==
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The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service
  
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N/A
 
  
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==Other==
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==The Process==
  
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Certain medical conditions can disqualify prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. The Government of Lithuania publishes a list of medical conditions. The list is maintained on the State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service website. Some of the conditions are dipsomania (alcoholism), drug addiction "absent steady remission," mental diseases (not specified), AIDS, HIV positive status, infectious tuberculosis, chronic kidney insufficiency when dialysis is obligatory, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), epilepsy with mental and personality changes, multi-[[system]] degeneration and third or fourth stage cancers.
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Because [[Lithuania]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Lithuania]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.  
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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Because Lithuania is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Lithuania must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Lithuania attempt to place a child with a family in Lithuania before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Lithuania's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.  
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Note: If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Lithuania]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Lithuania.html Learn more].  
  
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[http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about the Convention's requirements for adoptable children.
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
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# Choose an Accredited [[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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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Lithuania]]
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# Bring your Child Home
  
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Lithuania]].
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==The Process==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Lithuania]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Lithuania]].
  
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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'''What does [[Lithuania]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
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[[Lithuania]] does not have any post-[[adoption]] requirements.
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Lithuania]]'''
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Akmenu 6
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Vilnius, [[Lithuania]]
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Tel: 011-370-5-266-5500
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Fax: 011-370-5-266-5590
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Email: consec@state.gov
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Internet: [http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/service.html U.S Embassy Lithuania]
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'''[[Lithuania]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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The State Child Rights Protection and [[Adoption]] Service
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Ministry of Social Security and Labour:
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Sodu g. 15
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LT-03211 Vilnius, [[Lithuania]]
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Tel: 370-5-231-0928
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Fax: 370-5-231-0927
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Email: info@ivaikinimas.lt
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'''Embassy of [[Lithuania]]'''
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Embassy of the Republic of [[Lithuania]]
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2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302
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Arlington, VA 22201
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Tel: (202) 234-5860
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Fax: (202) 328-0466
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Email: info@ltembassyus.org
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[[Lithuania]] also has consulates in Chicago and [[New York]].
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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==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=[[lithuania]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 15:18, 29 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Island castle of Trakai.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of capital city Vilnius.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Vilnius Old Town.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Old Town Kaunas.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Hill of Crosses.
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 Lithuania

Lithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and Poland formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. To learn more please read About Lithuania.


Hague Convention Information

Lithuania is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between Lithuania and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about Lithuania and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Lithuania is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Lithuania, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Lithuania.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Lithuania is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Lithuania must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Lithuania.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Lithuania's Adoption Authority

The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service


The Process

Because Lithuania is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Lithuania must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.


Note: If you filed your I-600a with Lithuania before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Learn more.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child in Lithuania
  6. Bring your Child Home

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

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Lithuania. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Lithuania.


After Adoption

What does Lithuania require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Lithuania does not have any post-adoption requirements.


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 Lithuania

Akmenu 6 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: 011-370-5-266-5500 Fax: 011-370-5-266-5590 Email: consec@state.gov Internet: U.S Embassy Lithuania


Lithuania's Adoption Authority

The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service Ministry of Social Security and Labour: Sodu g. 15 LT-03211 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel: 370-5-231-0928 Fax: 370-5-231-0927 Email: info@ivaikinimas.lt


Embassy of Lithuania

Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302 Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: (202) 234-5860 Fax: (202) 328-0466 Email: info@ltembassyus.org


Lithuania also has consulates in Chicago 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=lithuania