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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Madagascar"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ma-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/flags/large/ma-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ma-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ma_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ma-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Beach_in_Madagascar_with_pirogues_and_palm_trees.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Beach in [[Madagascar]] with pirogues and palm trees.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Madagascar_woman_with_child.jpg/400px-Madagascar_woman_with_child.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A mother and her child.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ma_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/All%C3%A9e_des_Baobabs_near_Morondava%2C_Madagascar.jpg/799px-All%C3%A9e_des_Baobabs_near_Morondava%2C_Madagascar.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baobab trees.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Malagasy_girls_Madagascar_Merina.jpg/800px-Malagasy_girls_Madagascar_Merina.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Merina girls of highland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Beach_in_Madagascar_with_pirogues_and_palm_trees.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Beach in Madagascar with pirogues and palm trees.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Antananarivo06.jpg/800px-Antananarivo06.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Antananarivo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/155/393875589_6b74273272.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Madagascar_woman_with_child.jpg/400px-Madagascar_woman_with_child.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A mother and her child in Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Madagascar_Kids_5_%284814978342%29.jpg/800px-Madagascar_Kids_5_%284814978342%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/12412065114_a95f7682de.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baobab trees.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/All%C3%A9e_des_Baobabs_near_Morondava%2C_Madagascar.jpg/799px-All%C3%A9e_des_Baobabs_near_Morondava%2C_Madagascar.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baobab trees in Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Malagasy_girls_Madagascar_Merina.jpg/800px-Malagasy_girls_Madagascar_Merina.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Merina girls of highland Madagascar.'''<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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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Antananarivo06.jpg/800px-Antananarivo06.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Antananarivo is the political and economic capital of Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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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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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/155/393875589_6b74273272.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Child getting water in Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Madagascar_Kids_5_%284814978342%29.jpg/800px-Madagascar_Kids_5_%284814978342%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Madagascar child.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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=About Madagascar=
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/12412065114_a95f7682de.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Baobab trees in Madagascar.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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Formerly an independent kingdom, [[Madagascar]] became a French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. To learn more please read [[About Madagascar]].
  
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Madagascar 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 Madagascar and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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[[Madagascar]] 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]). To learn more please read about [[Madagascar and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
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The Government of Madagascar has ratified the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]]. A new [[adoption]] law in Madagascar went into effect in 2007, which closely follows Hague Convention processing requirements. Practical implementation of the new law is still being tested as cases work their way through the [[system]]. Therefore, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to read the below requirements, particularly regarding timing of documents required in the initial application, and follow developments closely.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Madagascar]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Madagascar]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Madagascar]].
  
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[[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] are advised to follow legal [[adoption]] procedures carefully. Madagascar adheres strictly to the law. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are also advised that Madagascar has two [[adoption]] processes: simple [[adoption]] and plenary [[adoption]]. Only international plenary [[adoption]], involving a long and sometimes difficult legal process, is recognized by both Madagascar and the United States as valid for intercountry [[adoption]]. Simple [[adoption]], involving the mayor of the town where the child is located, is not a valid [[adoption]] for U.S. visa or Malagasy passport purposes.
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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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].
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Because [[Madagascar]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Madagascar]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Madagascar]] attempt to place a child with a family in [[Madagascar]] before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Malagasy 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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=Who Can Adopt=
 
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Madagascar is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Madagascar, 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.php Learn more].
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Madagascar also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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'''Malagasy [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
The Malagasy Central Authority is coordinated by the Director of the Protection of the Family and Children (le Directeur de la Protection de la Famille et de l'Enfance) under the Ministry of Health and Family Planning and Social Protection (Ministère en charge de la Santé, du Planning Familial et de la Protection Sociale)
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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Under Malagasy law, once the case moves from the administrative to the judicial phase, at least one of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must come to Madagascar and live with, or otherwise become familiar with the child for a one-month probationary period. After the end of this period, the final court proceedings will take place, and one parent will need to be present for these as well. The [[adoption]] is not final until these proceedings are complete, and the child will not be able to receive a passport or a visa until after the end of the court proceedings. Although the new law imposes several specific time requirements that govern the timing of each step in the process. However, past experience under the old law suggests these time periods could be much longer. Under the old law, cases often took four to six months or longer after the probationary period.
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==The Process==
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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Because [[Madagascar]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Madagascar]] 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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At least one spouse must be over the age of 30 to [[adopt]] in Madagascar.
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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Madagascar]] 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/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/how-to-adopt/hague-transition-cases.html Learn more].  
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
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Only married heterosexual couples can [[adopt]] in Madagascar. If either spouse dies before the [[adoption]] is finalized, the process will be terminated.
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
 +
# 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 [[Madagascar]]
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# Bring your Child Home
  
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==Income==
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Madagascar]].
  
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N/A
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==Other==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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The couple can have no more than three other children, either biological or [[adopted]].  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Madagascar]]. 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 Madagascar]].
  
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They must possess good moral character and demonstrate the means to care for the physical and educational needs of the child.
 
  
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They must agree to keep the Malagasy Central Authority informed, through regular written reports, of the child's well-being, and progress in integrating until the child reaches age 18.
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=After Adoption=
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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'''What does [[Madagascar]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' 
  
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[[Adoptive Parents]] must agree to keep the Malagasy Central Authority informed, through regular written reports, of the child's well-being, and progress in integrating until the child reaches age 18. Reports should be sent to the Malagasy Central Authority every six months during the first year after [[adoption]], and thereafter every year until the child reaches 18.
  
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=How to Adopt=
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We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of [[Madagascar]] and 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 history of positive experiences with American parents.
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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==The Process==
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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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=Traveling Abroad=
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
  
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=After Adoption=
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
 +
 
 +
[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.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=Contact Information=
 +
 
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'''The United States Embassy in Antananarivo'''
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 +
U.S. Embassy [[Madagascar]]
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Lot 207 A, Point Liberty-Andranoro, Antehiroka
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105 Antananarivo, [[Madagascar]]
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Tel: (261) 20 23 480 00
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Fax:(261) 33443 2835
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Email: ConsAntan@state.gov
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 +
 
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'''[[Madagascar]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
Coordinator of the Central Authority for [[Adoption]]
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Batiment Ex Population Ambohijatovo
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101 Antananarivo
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[[Madagascar]]
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Tel: 261-20-22-22-018
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Email: adoption_gasy@yahoo.fr
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'''Embassy of [[Madagascar]]'''
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 +
Embassy of the Republic of [[Madagascar]]
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2374 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue N.W.
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[[Washington]], DC 20008
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Tel: 202-265-5525
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Fax: 202 265 3034
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Email: malagasy@embassy.org
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[[Madagascar]] also has Honorary Consulates in Solana Beach, [[California]] and Philadelphia, [[Pennsylvania]]
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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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 +
 
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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)
  
  
 
==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=[[madagascar]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 11:49, 12 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Beach in with pirogues and palm trees.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A mother and her child.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Baobab trees.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Merina girls of highland.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Antananarivo.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Baobab trees.
Source: flickr.com.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Madagascar

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896 but regained independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. To learn more please read About Madagascar.


Hague Convention Information

Madagascar is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Madagascar and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

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


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Madagascar is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Madagascar must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Madagascar attempt to place a child with a family in Madagascar before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Malagasy requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Malagasy Adoption Authority

The Malagasy Central Authority is coordinated by the Director of the Protection of the Family and Children (le Directeur de la Protection de la Famille et de l'Enfance) under the Ministry of Health and Family Planning and Social Protection (Ministère en charge de la Santé, du Planning Familial et de la Protection Sociale)


The Process

Because Madagascar is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Madagascar 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 Madagascar 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 Madagascar
  6. Bring your Child Home

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

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Madagascar. 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 Madagascar.


After Adoption

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

Adoptive Parents must agree to keep the Malagasy Central Authority informed, through regular written reports, of the child's well-being, and progress in integrating until the child reaches age 18. Reports should be sent to the Malagasy Central Authority every six months during the first year after adoption, and thereafter every year until the child reaches 18.

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Madagascar and 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 history of positive experiences with American parents.


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

The United States Embassy in Antananarivo

U.S. Embassy Madagascar Lot 207 A, Point Liberty-Andranoro, Antehiroka 105 Antananarivo, Madagascar Tel: (261) 20 23 480 00 Fax:(261) 33443 2835 Email: ConsAntan@state.gov


Madagascar's Adoption Authority

Coordinator of the Central Authority for Adoption Batiment Ex Population Ambohijatovo 101 Antananarivo Madagascar Tel: 261-20-22-22-018 Email: adoption_gasy@yahoo.fr


Embassy of Madagascar

Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar 2374 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: 202-265-5525 Fax: 202 265 3034 Email: malagasy@embassy.org


Madagascar also has Honorary Consulates in Solana Beach, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


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=madagascar