Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Morocco"

(→‎Hague Convention Information)
m (→‎SOURCE)
 
(13 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mo-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mo-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mo-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mo-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/mo_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/mo_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Kasbahs_in_A%C3%AFt_Benhaddou.JPG/800px-Kasbahs_in_A%C3%AFt_Benhaddou.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Kasbahs_in_A%C3%AFt_Benhaddou.JPG/800px-Kasbahs_in_A%C3%AFt_Benhaddou.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Royal_Palace%2C_Rabat.jpg/800px-Royal_Palace%2C_Rabat.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Royal Palace, Rabat, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Royal_Palace%2C_Rabat.jpg/800px-Royal_Palace%2C_Rabat.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Royal Palace, Rabat.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5096/5429125249_830e4eec6d.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Sale, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5096/5429125249_830e4eec6d.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Sale..'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
−
 
+
−
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4093/5432398030_ef705b1dcd.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Rabat, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Maroc_%2C_dune_de_Chegaga.JPG/800px-Maroc_%2C_dune_de_Chegaga.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Moroccan Sahara.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Maroc_%2C_dune_de_Chegaga.JPG/800px-Maroc_%2C_dune_de_Chegaga.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The Moroccan Sahara.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
Line 17: Line 15:
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2786/4260760150_13a60f6133.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Moroccan girl.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2786/4260760150_13a60f6133.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Moroccan girl.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Casablanca_DSC1053EC.jpg/800px-Casablanca_DSC1053EC.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hassan II Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4018/4715422586_30891a4262.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in an alleyway in Fes.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Vue_medina_fes.jpg/800px-Vue_medina_fes.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of the Medina in Fes, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/mo/images/MO_002.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A large leather tannery in Fes.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4018/4715422586_30891a4262.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in an alleyway in Fes, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/mo/images/MO_002.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A large leather tannery in Fes, Morocco.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
'''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 Morocco=
 +
 
 +
In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in [[Morocco]]. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, [[Spain]] occupied northern [[Morocco]] and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw [[Morocco]]'s sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with [[France]] ended successfully in 1956. To learn more please read [[About Morocco]].
  
  
 
=Morocco Adoption Alert=
 
=Morocco Adoption Alert=
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Ministry of Justice Provides Prosecutors New Instructions on Kafala Guardianship Decrees (November 6, 2012)'''
+
There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for [[Morocco]]. To learn more please read the [[Morocco Adoption Alert]] page.
  
−
On September 21, 2012, Justice Minister El Mostapha Ramid published a notice instructing Moroccan Prosecutors to formally oppose a petition filed with a juvenile judge seeking the granting of Kafala guardianship decrees to prospective adoptive foreign parents who are not resident in Morocco.  In his notice, he asks the Prosecutors to emphasize the importance of in-country residency for the Kafala guardianship with the court judges, verify whether the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] reside in Morocco, and request that judges not issue Kafala orders to foreign prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (PAPs) who are not residing in Morocco.  The notice states that it is difficult for the courts to ensure that conditions of the Kafala guardianship are met when the child is taken abroad by foreign parents and notes it needs to be possible for courts to cancel the guardianship in cases of failure to comply.  The Minister’s notice appears to indicate that Kafala guardianship should only be granted to Muslim families who are long-term residents in Morocco.
 
  
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
The notice states that its purpose is to ensure the implementation of the existing law. It does not contain any provisions addressing already pending Kafala guardianship petitions. At this time, it is unclear whether prosecutors will formally oppose petitions for Kafala guardianship decrees filed by U.S. citizens which were already pending with the Court at the time the notice was issued.  
+
[[Morocco]] 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]). To learn more please read about [[Morocco and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
−
U.S. citizens wishing to obtain Kafala guardianship of Moroccan children should be aware that the Prosecutors are now obligated to confirm the prospective parents’ Moroccan residency and the courts are requested to deny Kafala orders to foreign PAPs who do not reside in Morocco.  Please continue to monitor [[adoption]].state.gov for updated information.
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
 +
There are multiple guidelines for [[Who Can Adopt from Morocco|who can adopt from Morocco]]. To learn more about these guidelines please read [[Who Can Adopt from Morocco]].
  
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Ministry of Justice Plans to Review Kafala Laws and Procedures (August 8, 2012)'''
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
−
On July 25, the Moroccan newspaper Akhbar al-Youm (Today's News) published a story on Justice Minister Mostafa Rahmid's views on the granting of kafala (guardianship) to non-Muslim, non-resident foreigners. The article quotes Minister Rahmid as saying that he has decided to "stop granting guardianship of Moroccan children to foreign families", insisting that "guardianship of abandoned children is for Muslims, and foreign Muslims residing in Morocco." The Minister subsequently stated that kafala guardianship would only be considered for those foreign families who are long-term residents in Morocco.
+
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Morocco]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for Kafala [[guardianship]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Morocco]].
  
  
−
The status of pending kafala petitions by U.S. citizens is unclear.
+
=How to Adopt=
  
 +
==Adoption Authority==
  
−
U.S. citizens wishing to obtain kafala of Moroccan children should be aware that is unclear at this time whether the courts will accept new kafala petitions.
+
'''[[Morocco]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 
 +
Ministry of Justice (Le Ministère de la Justice et des Libertés, Place el Mamounia, Rabat, [[Morocco]])
  
  
−
Please continue to monitor [[adoption]].state.gov for updated information.
+
==The Process==
  
 +
The process for adopting a child from [[Morocco]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
 +
# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to be found eligible to obtain legal [[guardianship]]
 +
# Be matched with a child
 +
# Obtain legal and physical [[custody]] of the child in [[Morocco]]
 +
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
 +
# Bring your child home
  
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Morocco]].
  
−
Morocco 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 [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
 
  
 +
=Traveling Abroad=
  
−
'''IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR [[Adoptive Parents|ADOPTIVE PARENTS]]:''' Although this website uses the term "[[adoption]]" throughout, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] considering adopting a Moroccan child should be aware that Moroccan law and process provide for a [[custody]]/guardianship certificate issued for the purpose of the child’s immigration and [[adoption]].  In Morocco, this guardianship is referred to as "Kafala" and is awarded by a Moroccan court.  Under these circumstances, an eligible child will be issued a category IR-4 immigrant visa, and will need to fulfill certain requirements, including the child’s [[adoption]] after arrival in the United States, before the child may acquire U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000
+
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
 +
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Morocco]]. 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 Morocco]].
  
−
'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
  
 +
=After Adoption=
  
−
To bring a [[guardian]] child to the United States for [[adoption]] from Morocco, 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.
+
'''Post-Placement Reporting Requirements'''
 +
 +
Although [[Morocco]] does not generally have post-placement reporting requirements, an individual Kafala court may impose certain post placement obligations on the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in the Kafala order.  If this is the case, we strongly urge you to comply with those obligations in a timely manner. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.
  
 +
'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
 +
 +
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.
  
−
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-4 immigrant visa.
 
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
+
Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
  
−
==Residency==
+
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
−
==Marriage==
+
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
−
==Income==
 
  
−
==Other==
+
'''NOTE:'''  Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
  
−
=Who Can Be Adopted=
+
=Contact Information=
  
 +
'''U.S. Consulate General'''
  
−
=How to Adopt=
+
8, Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca
 +
Tel: +212 (0) 522-264-550
 +
Fax: +212 (0) 522-204-127
 +
Email: ivcasablanca@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://morocco.usembassy.gov/casablanca.html U.S. Consulate General]
  
  
−
==    Adoption Authority==
+
'''[[Morocco]] ’s Kafala [[Guardianship]] Authority:'''
  
−
==The Process==
+
Ministry of Justice
 +
Le Ministère de la Justice et des Libertés
 +
Place el Mamounia, Rabat, [[Morocco]]
 +
Tel: +212 (0) 537-732-941 to 946
 +
Fax: +212 (0) 537-734-725
 +
Internet: [http://justice.gov.ma Ministery of Justice] (currently, in Arabic only)
  
−
=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
 +
'''Embassy of [[Morocco]] in the United States of America'''
 +
 +
1601 21st Street, NW [[Washington]], DC 20009
 +
Tel: 202-462-7979
 +
Fax: 202-265-0161
 +
Internet: [http://embassyofmorocco.us/ Embassy of Morocco]
 +
 +
 +
[[Morocco]] also has a consulate located in [[New York]] City at the following address:
 +
 +
10 East 40th Street,
 +
[[New York]], NY 10016
 +
(212) 758-2625
 +
Internet: [http://moroccanconsulate.com/ Moroccan Consulate NY]
 +
 +
 +
'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
 +
 +
CA/OCS/CI
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], D.C.  20522-1709
 +
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
 +
Email: AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov Office of Children's Issues]
 +
 +
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures:
 +
USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
 +
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 +
Internet: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
  
−
=After Adoption=
 
  
 +
For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
 +
USCIS National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=morocco
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:37, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Royal Palace, Rabat.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in Sale..
Source: flickr.com.

The Moroccan Sahara.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Moroccan girl.
Source: flickr.com.

Children in an alleyway in Fes.
Source: flickr.com.

A large leather tannery in Fes.
Source: cia.gov.


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 Morocco

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. To learn more please read About Morocco.


Morocco Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts for Morocco. To learn more please read the Morocco Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Morocco is not 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 Morocco and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

There are multiple guidelines for who can adopt from Morocco. To learn more about these guidelines please read Who Can Adopt from Morocco.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Morocco has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for Kafala guardianship. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Morocco.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Morocco’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Justice (Le Ministère de la Justice et des Libertés, Place el Mamounia, Rabat, Morocco)


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Morocco generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to obtain legal guardianship
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Obtain legal and physical custody of the child in Morocco
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

Post-Placement Reporting Requirements

Although Morocco does not generally have post-placement reporting requirements, an individual Kafala court may impose certain post placement obligations on the prospective adoptive parents in the Kafala order. If this is the case, we strongly urge you to comply with those obligations in a timely manner. 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. Consulate General

8, Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca Tel: +212 (0) 522-264-550 Fax: +212 (0) 522-204-127 Email: ivcasablanca@state.gov Internet: U.S. Consulate General


Morocco ’s Kafala Guardianship Authority:

Ministry of Justice Le Ministère de la Justice et des Libertés Place el Mamounia, Rabat, Morocco Tel: +212 (0) 537-732-941 to 946 Fax: +212 (0) 537-734-725 Internet: Ministery of Justice (currently, in Arabic only)


Embassy of Morocco in the United States of America

1601 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Tel: 202-462-7979 Fax: 202-265-0161 Internet: Embassy of Morocco


Morocco also has a consulate located in New York City at the following address:

10 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016 (212) 758-2625 Internet: Moroccan Consulate NY


Office of Children’s Issues

CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, D.C. 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: Office of Children's Issues


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: USCIS 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: USCIS National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.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=morocco