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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Bahamas.svg/490px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Bahamas.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for The Bahamas.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Bahamas.svg/490px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Bahamas.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for The Bahamas.'''<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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| − | =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]].''' |
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| − | The Bahamas is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for The Bahamas did not change. | + | 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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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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| − | Bahamian law allows [[adoption]] by any person with legal status in The Bahamas (even foreign tourists). However, the number of children available for [[adoption]] is very small and the waiting list for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] is very long. Bahamian citizens or legal permanent residents are generally given preference in adopting children, especially if they have a blood relationship to the child.
| + | =About the Bahamas= |
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| − | =Who Can Adopt=
| + | Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. To learn more, read [[About Bahamas, The]]. |
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from The Bahamas, you must 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). Learn more.
| + | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| − | In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], The Bahamas also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
| + | The Bahamas is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for The Bahamas did not change. To learn more, read about [[The Bahamas and the Hague Convention]] |
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | There are no residency requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
| + | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
| + | To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from The Bahamas, you must 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). To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Bahamas, The]]. |
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| − | At least one prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be at minimum 25 years of age and more than 21 years older than the child except for cases of relative [[adoption]]. The Bahamas requires relatives who pursue [[adoption]] to be at least 18 years of age.
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | Single people as well as married couples may [[adopt]]. According to the laws of The Bahamas it is extremely difficult for single men to [[adopt]] girls, though the courts may make exceptions based on special circumstances.
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | N/A
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | N/A
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| | + | The Bahamas has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in The Bahamas unless he or she meets specific requirements. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Bahamas, The]] |
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| − | The Bahamas has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in The Bahamas unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.
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| − | In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
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| − | '''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' Children may be [[adopted]] by foreigners, if they are orphans (both or only known parent deceased), if they have been abandoned (the court must be satisfied that parents cannot be found), or released for [[adoption]] by their parents or [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] (if the child was born out-of-wedlock, only the mother needs to release the child for [[adoption]]).
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| − | '''Age Requirements:''' A child must be at least 6 weeks old to be eligible for release for [[adoption]].
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| | ==Adoption Authority== | | ==Adoption Authority== |
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| − | The Department of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development is the [[adoption]] authority in The Bahamas. | + | The Department of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development is the [[adoption]] authority in The Bahamas. To learn more about this process, please read about [[How to Adopt from Bahamas, The]] |
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| − | ==The Process==
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| − | The process for adopting a child from The Bahamas generally includes the following steps:
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| − | # Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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| − | # Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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| − | # Be Matched with a Child
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| − | # [[Adopt]] the Child in The Bahamas
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| − | # Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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| − | # Bring Your Child Home
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| − | '''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
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| − | The first step in adopting a child from The Bahamas is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your [[adoption]]. [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more] about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].
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| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child from The Bahamas to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how].
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| − | In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of The Bahamas as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
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| − | '''3.Be Matched with a Child'''
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| − | If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in The Bahamas will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
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| − | The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to The Bahamas requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more].
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| − | '''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in The Bahamas'''
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in The Bahamas generally includes the following:
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| − | *'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' The Department of Social Services acts as the representative of the child's interests and a lawyer is required to guide the process through the Supreme Court.
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| − | *'''TIME FRAME:''' The Bahamian [[adoption]] process typically takes a minimum of three months to complete, though can take longer.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' The U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas discourages the payment of any fees that are not properly receipted, "donations," or "expediting" fees, that may be requested from prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Such fees have the appearance of "buying" a baby and put all future adoptions in The Bahamas in jeopardy. The Bahamian government does not charge fees for adoptions. Attorneys will charge fees ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 which covers the work involved and the filing fees. The prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] (s) will also have to pay the costs of the [[Guardian Ad Litem|guardian ad litem]].
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| − | *'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must provide the following list of documents, through a Bahamian attorney, to the Supreme Court:
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| − | ::1. Originating Summons
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| − | ::2. [[Notice of Hearing]] of the Originating Summons
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| − | ::3. Consent to Act as the [[Guardian Ad Litem]]
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| − | ::4. Consent of the [[Birth Mother|birth mother]] and/or father or [[legal Guardian]]
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| − | ::5. Child's Birth Certificate
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| − | ::6. [[Affidavit]] of Applicants -the truth of the Statement in Support of the Application
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| − | ::7. Annex to Statement in Support of Application
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| − | ::8. Statement in Support of Application -- exhibits - birth certificate of applicant(s) Marriage certificate of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s)
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| − | ::9. First 5 pages of passport applicant(s)
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| − | ::10. Undertaking to pay costs of the [[Guardian Ad Litem]]
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| − | ::11. Appearance Report that is prepared by the [[Guardian Ad Litem]]
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| − | ::12. Letter of listing officer with [[Notice of Hearing]] for an [[Adoption]] Summons to go before the Judge on the AdoptionThe documents number 1 - 8 are filed and within fourteen (14) days of the date of the Originating Summons.
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
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| − | '''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]'''
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| − | After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in The Bahamas, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] (Form [[I-600]]). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
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| − | '''6. Bring Your Child Home''' Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
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| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
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| − | You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
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| − | ::2. The Bahamas Passport
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| − | Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from The Bahamas
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| − | ::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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| − | After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S. Embassy for final review and approval of the child's [[I-600]] petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician's [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Learn more].
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Visa issuance after the final interview now generally takes at least 24 hours and it will not normally be possible to provide the visa to [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the day of the interview. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] should verify current processing times at the appropriate consulate or embassy before making final travel arrangements.
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| − | '''Child Citizenship Act'''
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
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| − | '''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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| − | '''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
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| − | Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
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| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
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| | + | Learn more about [[Traveling Abroad Bahamas, The]]. |
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| − | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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| − | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave The Bahamas. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
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| − | Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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.
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| − | '''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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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.
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| − | To find information about obtaining a visa for The Bahamas, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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| − | '''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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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.
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| − | 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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| − | '''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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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 The Bahamas registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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| − | Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
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| | =After Adoption= | | =After Adoption= |
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| | '''What does The Bahamas require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' | | '''What does The Bahamas require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' |
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| − | ==Contact Information==
| + | =Contact Information= |
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| | ==SOURCE== | | ==SOURCE== |
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| − | '''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=the_bahamas] | + | '''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=the_bahamas |
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| | [[Category: International Adoption]] | | [[Category: International Adoption]] |
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.
Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. To learn more, read About Bahamas, The.
The Bahamas is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for The Bahamas did not change. To learn more, read about The Bahamas and the Hague Convention
The Bahamas has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in The Bahamas unless he or she meets specific requirements. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Bahamas, The
The Department of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development is the adoption authority in The Bahamas. To learn more about this process, please read about How to Adopt from Bahamas, The
We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of The Bahamas 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.
U.S. Embassy Nassau
42 Queen Street
Nassau
Phone: (242) 322-1181
Fax: (242) 356-7174
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
