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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Serbia"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ri-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Serbia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ri-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/ri-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Serbia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ri-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/ri_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Serbia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/ri_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Coat_of_arms_of_Serbia.svg/481px-Coat_of_arms_of_Serbia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Serbia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Temple_Saint_Sava.jpg/250px-Temple_Saint_Sava.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Church of Saint Sava.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Temple_Saint_Sava.jpg/250px-Temple_Saint_Sava.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Church of Saint Sava.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Golubaccas.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Golubac Fortress, Serbia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Golubaccas.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Golubac Fortress.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5308/5638563304_6df18232fc.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Serbia.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5308/5638563304_6df18232fc.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2039/2424062080_42958a8821.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Merrillville - St. Elijah Serbian orthodox church.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2039/2424062080_42958a8821.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Merrillville - St. Elijah Serbian orthodox church.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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=Serbia Adoption Alert=
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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]].'''
  
−
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Adoptions from Serbia to Begin Under the Hague Adoption Convention (March 19, 2014)'''
+
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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The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention) will enter into force for Serbia on April 1, 2014. The United States has determined that it should be able to process Convention intercountry adoptions from Serbia that are initiated on or after April 1, 2014.
 
  
 +
=About Serbia=
  
−
The Government of Serbia also notified the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade that accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc., is now authorized to provide services in Convention adoptions from Serbia. This is the only U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] currently authorized to operate in Serbia. U.S. adoption service providers interested in seeking authorization should contact Serbia’s Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy at: socijalna_zastita@minrzs.gov.rs or by calling +381 11 3631448.  
+
The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Communist Partisans resisted the Axis occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945 and fought nationalist opponents and collaborators as well. The military and political movement headed by Josip Broz "[[Tito|TITO]]" (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when their [[domestic]] rivals and the occupiers were defeated in 1945. To learn more please read [[About Serbia]]
  
  
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U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and adoption service providers are reminded that adoption services in Serbia can only be completed either through direct contact with the Ministry or with the assistance of a U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] authorized to provide intercountry adoption services in Serbia. 
+
=Serbia Adoption Alert=
  
 +
There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for [[Serbia]] over the years. To learn more please read the [[Serbia Adoption Alert]] page.
  
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Adoption cases can proceed under the non-Convention adoption process after April 1 if the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in the United States filed Form [[I-600A]] with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) designating Serbia before April 1, 2014, filed Form [[I-600]] with USCIS or the Department of State before April 1, 2014, or completed the adoption before April 1, 2014. All other cases will be processed as Convention adoption cases and will require Form I-800 and I-800A.
 
  
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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The Department of State will provide updated information on adoption.state.gov as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States. Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.  
+
[[Serbia]] 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 [https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
  
  
 +
'''NOTE:''' [[Adoption]] services in [[Serbia]] can be completed either through direct contact with the Serbian Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Policy (“Ministry”) or with the assistance of an authorized U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].  Contact information for the Ministry is provided in the “Contact Information” section below.  A small number of U.S. [[adoption]] service providers are authorized by the Ministry to provide services related to intercountry adoptions in [[Serbia]].  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who decide to use an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] should verify the agency’s authorization by contacting the Ministry.
  
 +
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Alert: Serbia Adoption Reports of Misleading Guidance on Intercountry Adoptions from Serbia (May 9, 2013)'''
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple  requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Serbia]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Serbia]].
  
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This Adoption Alert is a follow up to the Alert of March 29, 2013.
 
  
 +
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade has received reports that one or more U.S. adoption service providers may be providing prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] misleading information about the Serbian adoption process.  Specifically, there may be misleading information as to who is authorized to provide adoption services and which children are eligible for intercountry adoption.  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Serbia]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Serbia]].
  
  
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Serbia places a priority on [[Domestic Adoption|domestic adoption]].  Generally, only children with [[Special Needs|special needs]] are available for intercountry adoption.  Adoption services in Serbia can be completed either through direct contact with the Ministry or with the assistance of an authorized U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].  A small number of U.S. adoption service providers are authorized by the Serbian Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Policy to provide services related to intercountry adoptions in Serbia.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who decide to use an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] may wish to verify the agency’s authorization by contacting the Ministry at socijalna_zastita@minrzs.gov.rs or by calling +381 11 3631448. 
+
=How to Adopt=
  
 +
==Adoption Authority==
  
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The Department strongly encourages prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to read the procedures for completing an intercountry adoption from Serbia on the Department’s Serbia adoption information page.  There is no legal alternative to the Serbian adoption process.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who received contradictory or misleading information from a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] are encouraged to register a complaint about the provider online through the Hague Complaint Registry, at: adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/agency_accreditation/complaints.php.
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'''[[Serbia]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy
  
 +
==The Process==
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are also encouraged to report such activity by an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] that is not accredited or approved to the licensing authority of the state where the agency is located.  A record of the complaint may also be submitted to the Office of Children’s Issues via email to AskCI@state.gov.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Serbia]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child
 +
# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Serbia]]
 +
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
 +
# Bring your child home
  
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Serbia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
+
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Serbia]].
  
  
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'''NOTE:''' Adoption services in Serbia can be completed either through direct contact with the Serbian Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Policy (“Ministry”) or with the assistance of an authorized U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].  Contact information for the Ministry is provided in the “Contact Information” section below.  A small number of U.S. adoption service providers are authorized by the Ministry to provide services related to intercountry adoptions in Serbia.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who decide to use an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] should verify the agency’s authorization by contacting the Ministry.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Serbia:
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Serbia]]. 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 Serbia]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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None.
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=After Adoption=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 18 years older than the child, but no more than 45 years older.
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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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==Marriage==
 
  
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If there are two prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], they must be married.  A common-law marriage can qualify.  Single prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are also eligible to [[adopt]] a child in Serbia with special approval from the Ministry.  Same-sex couples are not permitted to [[adopt]].
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Serbian Family Law does not specify income requirements. The adoption authority relies on the U.S. home study when determining the eligibility of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
  
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==Other==
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder or infectious disease are disqualified from adopting. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with other serious health conditions must demonstrate to the Ministry their ability to raise the child.
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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=Contact Information=
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Serbia]]'''
  
 +
Address:  Kneza Miloša 50
 +
11000 Belgrade
 +
[[Serbia]]
 +
Tel:  +381 11 361 9344
 +
Fax:  +381 11 361 5989
 +
Email:  Belgradeadoptions@state.gov
 +
Internet: [http://serbia.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Serbia]
 +
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''[[Serbia]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==The Process==
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Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy
 +
Address:  Nemanjina 22-26
 +
11000 Belgrade
 +
Tel:  +381 11 363 1448 
 +
Email: socijalna_zastita@minrzs.gov.rs
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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'''Embassy of the Republic of [[Serbia]]'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Serbia. 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. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ 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.
+
Address:  2134 Kalorama Rd.,  
 +
NW [[Washington]], DC 20008
 +
Tel:  (202) 332-0333
 +
Fax:  (202) 332-3933
 +
Email: info@serbiaembusa.org
 +
Internet:  [http://serbiaembusa.org/ Embassy of the Republic of Serbia]
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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[[Serbia]] also has consulates in [[New York]] and Chicago
  
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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.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Serbia, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
  
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor 
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 +
Tel:  1-888-407-4747
 +
Email:  AskCI@state.gov
 +
Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
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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.  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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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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For questions about immigration procedures:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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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 Serbia, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet: [http://USCIS.gov USCIS]
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=After Adoption=
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+
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+
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+
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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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+
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+
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
+
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+
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+
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
+
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+
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
+
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+
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
+
  
  
 +
For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==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=[[serbia]]
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 14:28, 9 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Church of Saint Sava.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Golubac Fortress.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Merrillville - St. Elijah Serbian orthodox church.
Source: flickr.com.

Danube at the narrowest point of the Iron Gates, seen from the Serbian side.
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 Serbia

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Communist Partisans resisted the Axis occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945 and fought nationalist opponents and collaborators as well. The military and political movement headed by Josip Broz "TITO" (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when their domestic rivals and the occupiers were defeated in 1945. To learn more please read About Serbia


Serbia Adoption Alert

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


Hague Convention Information

Serbia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).


NOTE: Adoption services in Serbia can be completed either through direct contact with the Serbian Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Policy (“Ministry”) or with the assistance of an authorized U.S. adoption service provider. Contact information for the Ministry is provided in the “Contact Information” section below. A small number of U.S. adoption service providers are authorized by the Ministry to provide services related to intercountry adoptions in Serbia. Prospective adoptive parents who decide to use an adoption service provider should verify the agency’s authorization by contacting the Ministry.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Serbia. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Serbia.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Serbia’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy

The Process

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


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Adopt the child in Serbia
  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 Serbia.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Serbia

Address: Kneza Miloša 50 11000 Belgrade Serbia Tel: +381 11 361 9344 Fax: +381 11 361 5989 Email: Belgradeadoptions@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Serbia


Serbia’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy Address: Nemanjina 22-26 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 11 363 1448 Email: socijalna_zastita@minrzs.gov.rs


Embassy of the Republic of Serbia

Address: 2134 Kalorama Rd., NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 332-0333 Fax: (202) 332-3933 Email: info@serbiaembusa.org Internet: Embassy of the Republic of Serbia


Serbia also has consulates in New York and Chicago


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 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

SOURCE

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