Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from the United Kingdom"

(→‎Who Can Be Adopted)
m (→‎SOURCE)
 
(6 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of the United Kingdom.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ae/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg/800px-Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/uk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of the United Kingdom.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/uk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/uk_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of the United Kingdom.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/uk_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Royal_Coat_of_Arms_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg/620px-Royal_Coat_of_Arms_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of the United Kingdom.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Royal_Coat_of_Arms_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg/620px-Royal_Coat_of_Arms_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Parliament_at_Sunset.JPG/800px-Parliament_at_Sunset.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The London House of Parliament.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Parliament_at_Sunset.JPG/800px-Parliament_at_Sunset.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''The London House of Parliament.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8311991236_0b711a3c90.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children feeding birds in Regent Park, London.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8311991236_0b711a3c90.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children feeding birds in Regent Park'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/West_Side_of_Westminster_Abbey%2C_London_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1406999.jpg/450px-West_Side_of_Westminster_Abbey%2C_London_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1406999.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Westminster Abbey, London.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/West_Side_of_Westminster_Abbey%2C_London_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1406999.jpg/450px-West_Side_of_Westminster_Abbey%2C_London_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1406999.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Westminster Abbey'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
−
 
+
−
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Stonehenge2007_07_30.jpg/800px-Stonehenge2007_07_30.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Stonehenge, United Kingdom.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/London_Big_Ben_Phone_box.jpg/448px-London_Big_Ben_Phone_box.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Classic red telephone box and London double-decker bus in front of the Houses of Parliament clocktower.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/London_Big_Ben_Phone_box.jpg/448px-London_Big_Ben_Phone_box.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Classic red telephone box and London double-decker bus in front of the Houses of Parliament clocktower.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6138/5972259026_d6294107ea.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''An [[ART|[[ART|[[ART|[[ART|art]]]]]]]] student at Whitby Abbey, United Kingdom.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6138/5972259026_d6294107ea.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A student at Whitby Abbey'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Harrods_at_Night%2C_London_-_Nov_2012.jpg/505px-Harrods_at_Night%2C_London_-_Nov_2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Harrods at night, London.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Harrods_at_Night%2C_London_-_Nov_2012.jpg/505px-Harrods_at_Night%2C_London_-_Nov_2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Harrods at night, London.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
−
=Hague Convention Information=
+
'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
The United Kingdom (UK) is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of the child’s country of origin.  
+
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.
  
  
−
The UK is generally not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption because UK children are usually not eligible for intercountry adoption.  Most intercountry adoptions in the UK are completed by UK residents who [[adopt]] while living in other countries.  The information provided below is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from the UK, including adoptions of UK children by relatives in the United States.  This information may also be useful to U.S. citizens considering adopting from another country while living in the UK.
+
=About The United Kingdom=
  
 +
The [[United Kingdom]] has historically played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two world wars and the Irish Republic's withdrawal from the union. To learn more please read [[About United Kingdom]].
  
−
'''U.S. Immigration Requirements for Intercountry Adoptions'''
 
  
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
 +
 +
The [[United Kingdom]] (UK) is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]](Hague [[Adoption]] Convention).  Intercountry [[adoption]] processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing [[legislation]], the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing [[legislation]] and regulations of the child’s country of origin.  To learn more please read about [[United Kingdom and the Hague Convention]].
  
−
To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from the UK, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.  Additionally, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
−
In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must meet the following UK requirements to [[adopt]] a child from the UK:
+
In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must meet multiple UK requirements to [[adopt]] a child from the UK. To learn more about these requirements please read [[Who Can Adopt from United Kingdom]].
  
−
: ==Residency==
 
  
−
UK residency is not a requirement for adoptions where the UK is the state of origin.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may apply for a Convention adoption order in the UK once they have lived with the child for a minimum of 10 weeks.  If they intend to [[adopt]] in the United States, they should apply to a UK court for an order under section 84 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which confers parental responsibility on the applicant and allows them to remove the child for the purposes of adoption.
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
−
The UK adoption law permits U.S. citizens resident in the UK for at least one year to apply to [[adopt]] from other countries through the UK intercountry adoption process.  These prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may contact the relevant city or county council that is the local child welfare authority for the area of their residence, or a registered voluntary [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] to initiate the process.
+
Because the UK is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from the UK must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  For example, the [[adoption]] may take place only if the competent authorities of the UK have determined that placement of the child within the UK has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from United Kingdom]].
  
−
==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
−
Applicants must be at least 21 years old to [[adopt]].  The UK does not have a statutory upper age limit.  However, in making decisions on placement, each council or local authority has the power to consider age as a factor in determining whether placement with a prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] is in the best interest of the child. 
+
=How to Adopt=
  
−
==Marriage==
+
'''WARNING:'''  The UK is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in the UK before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case.  Read on for more information.
  
−
Married or single persons may apply to [[adopt]].  Married couples must [[adopt]] jointly unless one partner cannot be found, is incapable of making an application, or if a separation is likely to be permanent.  Unmarried couples may not [[adopt]] jointly, although one partner of that couple may [[adopt]] as a single parent.  Adoption by gay or lesbian married couples and/or single persons is permitted under UK law.
+
==Adoption Authority==
  
−
==Income==
+
'''UK [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
−
There are no specific income requirements related to adoption.
+
The Department for Education
  
−
==Other==
+
The Department for Education (formerly the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Education and Skills) is the UK Central Authority for the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention and is responsible for children’s social services, including [[adoption]] policy.  However, each [[adoption]] case is handled by the relevant council or voluntary [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] in the area where the adoptive child is located.  Contact information for the local councils and local [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] is available on the Department for Education’s webpage A guide to intercountry [[adoption]]:  Apply to [[adopt]] a child through your council, and Apply to [[adopt]] a child through a voluntary [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]]. 
 +
 
  
−
None.
+
==The Process==
  
−
=Who Can Be Adopted=
+
Because the UK is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from the UK 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.  Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.
  
−
Because the UK is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from the UK must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption.  For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of the UK have determined that placement of the child within the UK has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests.  In addition to UK requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention adoptee to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.
 
  
 +
# Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child by authorities in the UK.
 +
# Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]]
 +
# [[Adopt]] (or Gain [[Legal Custody]] of child in the UK.
 +
# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
  
−
'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
+
To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from United Kingdom]].
  
  
−
'''[[Relinquishment]] or [[Abandonment]]:''' Birthparents or legal guardians must consent, except in cases where consent may be waived in accordance with UK law.  See  Adoption and Children Act 2002.  A court ruling declaring adoptability is also required for a child to be eligible for adoption.  The birth mother is not considered legally competent to give consent to her child’s placement for adoption until the child is six weeks old.
+
=Traveling Abroad=
  
−
'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' A child can be [[adopted]] until age 19 provided that the appropriate UK authorities receive the application for adoption before the child reaches age 18.
+
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
−
'''Sibling Adoptions:''' There are no specific legal requirements. The local authority gives consideration to adoption of siblings together on a case by case basis depending on the needs of the children.  
+
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave the [[United Kingdom]]. 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 United Kingdom]].
  
−
'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' There are no specific legal requirements.  The local authority assesses the ability of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to care for a particular child’s needs during the adoption process. 
 
  
−
'''Waiting Period or Foster Care:''' There is a mandatory 10-week pre-adoptive care period in each adoption case.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) generally should plan to remain in the UK for the 10-week period. 
+
=After Adoption=
  
 +
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
−
In certain circumstances UK authorities may place the child with relatives who live abroad under a fostering arrangement prior to possible adoption. In these cases, if the child’s legal custodians wish to travel to the United States with the child then they may apply at the U.S. Embassy in London for a B-2 non-immigrant visa for the child to travel to the United States during the pre-adoptive care period.
+
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.
  
  
−
'''NOTE:''' U.S. immigration law applies to the issuance of non-immigrant visas.  There is no guarantee that the child will qualify for a non-immigrant visa, nor is it advisable for the child to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) during the pre-adoptive care period.  In order to be eligible for a non-immigrant B-2 visa or travel under the Visa Waiver Program, the child must have a residence abroad that he or she has no intention of abandoning and cannot be an intending immigrant who is coming to live permanently in the United States.  A person cannot be [[adopted]] if he or she is married.
+
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
−
=How to Adopt=
 
  
 +
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
−
==    Adoption Authority==
+
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
−
==The Process==
+
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
−
=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
−
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
+
=Contact Information=
  
−
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave the United Kingdom. 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.
+
'''U.S. Embassy in the [[United Kingdom]]'''
  
 +
24 Grosvenor Square
 +
London, W1K 6AH, UK
 +
Tel:  [44] (0)20 7499-9000 
 +
Internet:  [http://usembassy.org.uk U.S. Embassy United Kingdom]
  
−
'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 
  
−
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 the United Kingdom, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].  
+
The United States has additional Consulates-General in Belfast and Edinburgh.
  
  
−
'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
+
'''[[United Kingdom]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
−
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.  
+
The Department for Education
 +
Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT
 +
Tel: 0870 000 2288
 +
Fax:   01928 794248
 +
Email: info@education.gsi.gov.uk
  
  
−
'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
+
'''Embassy of the [[United Kingdom]]'''
 +
 +
The British Embassy
 +
3100 [[Massachusetts]] Avenue, NW
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20008
 +
Tel:  (202) 588-7800           
 +
Internet: [http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk.com/ Embassy of the United Kingdom]
  
−
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 the United Kingdom, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
−
=After Adoption=
+
The [[United Kingdom]] has Consulates-General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, [[New York]], Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle.
  
−
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
  
−
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.
+
'''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: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
−
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
  
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  
−
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
+
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
−
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 
−
 
−
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
 
  
  
Line 133: Line 153:
 
==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=united_kingdom
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:53, 21 February 2018

The official flag
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The London House of Parliament.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children feeding birds in Regent Park
Source: flickr.com.

Westminster Abbey
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Classic red telephone box and London double-decker bus in front of the Houses of Parliament clocktower.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A student at Whitby Abbey
Source: flickr.com.

Harrods at night, London.
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 The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has historically played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two world wars and the Irish Republic's withdrawal from the union. To learn more please read About United Kingdom.


Hague Convention Information

The United Kingdom (UK) is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of the child’s country of origin. To learn more please read about United Kingdom and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective adoptive parents must meet multiple UK requirements to adopt a child from the UK. To learn more about these requirements please read Who Can Adopt from United Kingdom.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because the UK is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from the UK must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of the UK have determined that placement of the child within the UK has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from United Kingdom.


How to Adopt

WARNING: The UK is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in the UK before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.

Adoption Authority

UK Adoption Authority

The Department for Education

The Department for Education (formerly the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Education and Skills) is the UK Central Authority for the Hague Adoption Convention and is responsible for children’s social services, including adoption policy. However, each adoption case is handled by the relevant council or voluntary adoption agency in the area where the adoptive child is located. Contact information for the local councils and local adoption agencies is available on the Department for Education’s webpage A guide to intercountry adoption: Apply to adopt a child through your council, and Apply to adopt a child through a voluntary adoption agency.


The Process

Because the UK is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from the UK 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. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.


  1. Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
  2. Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child by authorities in the UK.
  4. Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the adoption
  5. Adopt (or Gain Legal Custody of child in the UK.
  6. Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave the United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom.


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 the United Kingdom

24 Grosvenor Square London, W1K 6AH, UK Tel: [44] (0)20 7499-9000 Internet: U.S. Embassy United Kingdom


The United States has additional Consulates-General in Belfast and Edinburgh.


United Kingdom’s Adoption Authority

The Department for Education Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT Tel: 0870 000 2288 Fax: 01928 794248 Email: info@education.gsi.gov.uk


Embassy of the United Kingdom

The British Embassy 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 588-7800 Internet: Embassy of the United Kingdom


The United Kingdom has Consulates-General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle.


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=united_kingdom