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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Djibouti"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/dj-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/dj-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/dj-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/dj_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/dj_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Djibouti_Ville.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Aerial view of [[Djibouti]] Ville.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Djibouti_Ville.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Aerial view of Djibouti Ville.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Little_Somali_girl.jpeg/511px-Little_Somali_girl.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Little Somali girl.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Little_Somali_girl.jpeg/511px-Little_Somali_girl.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Little Somali girl in Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Old_man_in_Harar.jpg/448px-Old_man_in_Harar.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old man in Harar.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Old_man_in_Harar.jpg/448px-Old_man_in_Harar.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Old man in Harar, Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Djib_003.JPG/800px-Djib_003.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Lake Assal.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Djib_003.JPG/800px-Djib_003.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Lake Assal Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://www.sv-doodlebug.com/Pics2006/Djibouti_market.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Market.'''<BR/>Source: sv-doodlebug.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://www.sv-doodlebug.com/Pics2006/Djibouti_market.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Djibouti Market.'''<BR/>Source: sv-doodlebug.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Djibouti_Port.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Fishing Boats in a port.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Djibouti_Port.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Fishing Boats in a port in Djibouti.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Djibouti_mosque.JPG/763px-Djibouti_mosque.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Djibouti_mosque.JPG/763px-Djibouti_mosque.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mosque in Djibouti.'''<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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'''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=
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The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
  
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Djibouti 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).
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=About Djibouti=
  
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The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became [[Djibouti]] in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999. Unrest among the Afar minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 with a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Somali Issa-dominated government.  To learn more, please read [[About Djibouti]].
  
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'''''[[Adoption]] in Djibouti is a complicated, time consuming process with many legal hurdles.  There are no [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] to facilitate the process.  Many legal procedures must be completed in-person, and in French or Somali.  There is no clear, uniform [[adoption]] procedure.'''''  Generally, only non-Djiboutian children considered to be abandoned in Djibouti are available for [[adoption]]; and even in these cases, restrictions abound.  Djiboutian children can be [[adopted]] only in very exceptional cases (mostly by family members), and at the discretion of the Djiboutian government.  [[Adoption]] in Djibouti is divided into two types: simple and plénier.  Simple [[adoption]] is when someone cares for the child as his/her own, but the child’s name is not changed and the biological parents retain [[Parental Rights|parental rights]].  A plénier [[adoption]] is when the biological parents irrevocably relinquish [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] and the child’s last name is changed to match the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].  For the purposes of U.S. immigration law, a plénier [[adoption]] is required.
 
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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[[Djibouti]] 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 [[Djibouti and the Hague Convention]].
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Djibouti, 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.
 
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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-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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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 Djibouti:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet numerous requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Djibouti]].  To learn more, please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Djibouti]].
  
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==Residency==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be physically present in Djibouti at the time of the proposed [[adoption]], but need not be residents.  The child must be both physically present and a resident of Djibouti.
 
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 25 years of age and must be at least 15 years older than the child.  If the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] is a relative, he/she need only be 21 years old.  The prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must also be morally and physically sound, as determined by the Government of Djibouti.
 
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==Marriage==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] do not need to be married in order to complete the [[adoption]] process.  Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals adopting as individuals or couples are not eligible to [[adopt]] in Djibouti.
 
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==Income==
 
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Djiboutian law does not stipulate any specific income requirements; only that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should demonstrate that they have a steady, monthly income.
 
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==Other==
 
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Djiboutian Sharia law only allows for [[adoption]] of Djiboutian national children within a family or clan. '''''[[Adoption]] of Djiboutian children by non-family members is not permitted. It is unclear whether the Government of Djibouti would allow non-Muslim prospective parents to [[adopt]] a child that was born to Muslim biological parents - this has been historically prohibited.'''''
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Djibouti has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Djibouti]] has numerous specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  To learn about these requirements please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Djibouti]].
  
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'''RELINGQUISHMENT:'''Only children whose parents are willing to irrevocably relinquish their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] are eligible for [[adoption]] – the [[adoption]] must be a “plenary [[adoption]]”.
 
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'''[[Abandonment|ABANDONMENT]]:''' Only non-Djiboutian children are considered to be abandoned. Djiboutian children are automatically assigned a Djiboutian [[guardian]] within their family or clan if their parent or [[guardian]] is unable to care for them.  In the case of non-Djiboutian children, they must be declared abandoned by a court – standard criteria do not exist.
 
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'''AGE OF ADOPTIVE CHILD:''' Children must be 17 years of age or younger.  Please note, however, that in order for a child to meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law, a Form [[I-600]] petition must be filed while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if [[adopted]], or to be [[adopted]], together with a sibling under the age of 16).
 
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'''SIBLING ADOPTIONS:''' There are no known sibling requirements; however this may vary on a case by case basis.
 
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'''[[Special Needs|SPECIAL NEEDS]] OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS:''' There are no known requirements.
 
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'''WAITING PERIOD OR [[Foster Care|FOSTER CARE]]:''' There is no defined waiting period; however, the process may take a year or more.
 
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'''''Caution: Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an [[orphanage]] or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)’s [[adoption]].'''''
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
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'''DJIBOUTI'S [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY'''
 
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Tribunal de Première Instance de Djibouti
 
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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The process for adopting a child from Djibouti generally includes the following steps:
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The process for adopting a child from [[Djibouti]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 
# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 
# Be matched with a child
 
# Be matched with a child
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# [[Adopt]] the child in Djibouti
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Djibouti]]
 
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
 
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
 
# Bring your child home  
 
# Bring your child home  
  
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To learn more please read about [[How to Adopt from Djibouti]].
  
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The recommended first step in adopting a child from Djibouti is to decide whether or not to use a licensed [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that can help you with your [[adoption]].  [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate.  The Department of State provides information on selecting an [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php adoption service provider] on its website.  '''There are no [[adoption]] service providers in Djibouti to assist with the Djiboutian portion of the [[adoption]] process.''' A U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] can assist in the U.S. immigration portion of an [[adoption]] from Djibouti. According to court officials, adoptions do not require the participation of a lawyer, but may be beneficial to engage someone familiar with Djiboutian family law.
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
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In order to [[adopt]] a child from Djibouti; you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Djibouti and U.S. immigration law.  You must submit an application to be found eligible to [[adopt]] with the Tribunal de Première Instance de Djibouti.  Please see instructions below under [[Adoption]] Application.  To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may also file an [[I-600A]], [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600a [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600a Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition] with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to [[adopt]].
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
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There is no official process for [[matching]] you with a Djiboutian child, and there are no agencies available to assist you in Djibouti.  Most matches are done through family connections.  Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a particular child.  The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Djibouti’s requirements, as described in the Who Can Be [[Adopted]] section.  The child must also meet the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law. 
 
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'''4. [[Adopt]] or Gain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in Djibouti'''
 
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Djibouti generally includes the following: Role of [[Adoption]] Authority: All adoptions are facilitated through the Tribunal de Première Instance de Djibouti, which serves as Djibouti's [[adoption]] authority.
 
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*'''Role of the Court:''' The court will issue final paperwork stating that the child has been [[adopted]] and that [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] has been transferred to the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
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*'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' There are no [[adoption]] service providers in Djibouti to assist with an [[adoption]].
 
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*'''[[Adoption]] Application:''' Once a child has been identified, [[adoption]] procedures must be initiated with a written request from the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) to the President of Tribunal de Première Instance to open an [[adoption]] case on their behalf.  The court has two responsibilities:  it must verify whether the necessary legal conditions have been met, and that the [[adoption]] is in the best interest of the child.  To that effect, it is mandatory that [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) attach the U.S. documents listed in the section below to their application.  The court can order an additional social investigation report to complement the one already attached to the initial request (see below), and one or more types of specific medical examinations.  The clerk of the District Court will then forward the request to the police for a background check to be performed (if the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are resident in Djibouti).
 
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::::'''''Procedures for a child with identified biological parent(s):''''' The biological parents must agree to irrevocably relinquish their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] (i.e. a plénier [[adoption]]). The biological parents must appear before the court with their identification and the child's birth certificate and sign a consent document.  A three-month appeal period follows, during which time the biological parents may reclaim their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may decide to cancel the [[adoption]]. At the end of that period, if no appeal is made, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must submit a request to the court to continue the process, at which time the court will fix a hearing date.  At the hearing, the judge will rule whether to grant a delegation of parental authority, which technically shifts parental authority from the biological to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].  If the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are residents of Djibouti, or if they plan to stay for some time, they may be granted temporary [[custody]] of the child, to allow the child to physically live with them.  The biological parents then have an additional two-month window within which they may reclaim the child.  If they do not, the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have to submit to the court a request for finalizing the [[adoption]].  At the hearing, the court will make a final ruling to grant the [[adoption]].  However, for an additional two months the Public Ministry (Office of the District Attorney) or any other concerned individual (family member), excluding the natural parents, may appeal for [[reversal]] if they can provide “serious evidence” that the [[adoption]] will adversely affect the child.  '''NOTE:''' The court can refuse to grant an [[adoption]] and may order the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] not to break the child's bonds with its biological family. The judgment is always given in a public hearing. Whether the [[adoption]] is approved or rejected, the decision can be appealed, and the ensuing appeal may also be subject to a final appeal at the Supreme Court.
 
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::::'''''Procedure for an abandoned child with unknown parents:''''' The process is similar to that of a child with identified biological parents, excluding steps pertaining to the biological parents. Instead, after the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have submitted a written request to the court, the court will order a police investigation to try and find the biological parents and establish their identity (this may take up to a month). If biological parents cannot be found and no one claims the child, the police will deliver a certificate of [[abandonment]] to the court, after which the court will proceed with the case.
 
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*'''Time Frame:''' It may take a year or more from the time the [[adoption]] application is submitted to the Tribunal de Première Instance until the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] receive the final documents. Factors bearing on the length of time may include court-ordered investigations, parents' citizenship, court calendar, appeals, and individual case anomalies.
 
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*'''[[Adoption]] Fees:''' The Government of Djibouti processes all adoptions. All procedures undertaken by the court ([[Adoption]] Authority) are free of charge. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should expect to pay for any/all required medical examinations for the child, as well as for their own travel expenses.  The Government of Djibouti processes all adoptions. All procedures undertaken by the court ([[Adoption]] Authority) are free of charge. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should expect to pay for any/all required medical examinations for the child, as well as for their own travel expenses.
 
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*'''Documents Required:''' Police clearance (indicating no arrest record), [[Home Study|home study]] report, proof of adequate financial means and stability (last three pay slips, tax return, etc.).  '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
 
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*'''Authentication of Documents:''' You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic. If so, the Department of State, Authentications Office may be able to assist.
 
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'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status'''
 
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After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Djibouti, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law.  You will need to file a Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative]. 
 
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
 
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Once your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), you need to apply for several documents for your child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States:
 
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::1. Birth Certificate
 
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If you have finalized the [[adoption]] in Djibouti you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate. If you have been granted [[custody]] for the purpose of adopting the child in the United States, the birth certificate you obtain will, in most cases, not yet include your name. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must go to the Djiboutian Office of Vital Records (Bureau d'Etat Civile) to apply for a new birth certificate.
 
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::2. Djibouti 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 Djibouti. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] who are not also Djiboutian citizens cannot apply for Djiboutian passports for their adoptive children. The biological parents will need to apply for the passport, or in the cases of abandoned and orphaned children, the U.S. Consular Officer processing the Immigrant Visa must request authorization for a passport waiver or travel letter from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
 
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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 and you have filed Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative], you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti City.  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.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Because a passport waiver must be obtained from DHS, immigrant visas for children without Djiboutian passports may take up to six weeks to issue.
 
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To schedule an immigrant visa appointment with the Embassy, please call +(253) 35-39-95.  You can find instructions for applying for an immigrant visa on the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti City’s website.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s entry into the United States:'''''  A child will acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry into the United States if the [[adoption]] was finalized prior to entry and the child otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States:'''''  An [[adoption]] will need to be completed following your child’s entry into the United States for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship. 
 
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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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Read more about the [http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations.html Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. 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 [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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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in Djibouti]].
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'''Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Djibouti'''
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you may 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 affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Djibouti, 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 is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country.  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 is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Djibouti, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.  
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Enrollment is free and can be done online via the [https://step.state.gov/step/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)].
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
−
Djibouti does not have any post [[adoption]] requirements.
+
[[Djibouti]] does not have any post [[adoption]] requirements.
  
 
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
Line 229: Line 87:
  
  
−
==Contact Information==
+
=Contact Information=
  
−
'''U.S. Embassy in Djibouti'''
+
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Djibouti]]'''
  
 
Lot Number 350-B
 
Lot Number 350-B
 
Lotissement Haramous
 
Lotissement Haramous
−
Djibouti City  
+
[[Djibouti]] City  
 
Tel: (253) 21-453-000
 
Tel: (253) 21-453-000
 
Fax: (253) 21-453-340
 
Fax: (253) 21-453-340
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−
'''Djibouti’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
+
'''[[Djibouti]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
 
Office of the Secretary  
 
Office of the Secretary  
Line 248: Line 106:
 
Ministère de la Justice
 
Ministère de la Justice
 
B.P. 12
 
B.P. 12
−
Djibouti
+
[[Djibouti]]
−
République de Djibouti
+
République de [[Djibouti]]
 
Tel: (253) 21-353-389  
 
Tel: (253) 21-353-389  
  
  
−
'''Embassy of Djibouti'''
+
'''Embassy of [[Djibouti]]'''
  
−
Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti
+
Embassy of the Republic of [[Djibouti]]
 
1156 15th St., NW, Suite 515
 
1156 15th St., NW, Suite 515
 
[[Washington]], DC 20005  
 
[[Washington]], DC 20005  
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''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=djibouti]
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=djibouti
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:16, 18 February 2018

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Aerial view of Ville.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Little Somali girl.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Old man in Harar.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Lake Assal.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Market.
Source: sv-doodlebug.com.

Fishing Boats in a port.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mosque.
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 Djibouti

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999. Unrest among the Afar minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 with a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Somali Issa-dominated government. To learn more, please read About Djibouti.


Hague Convention Information

Djibouti 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 Djibouti and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

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


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Djibouti 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 Djibouti
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

To learn more please read about How to Adopt from Djibouti.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in Djibouti.


After Adoption

Djibouti does not have any post adoption requirements.

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:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

North American Council on Adoptable Children


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Djibouti

Lot Number 350-B Lotissement Haramous Djibouti City Tel: (253) 21-453-000 Fax: (253) 21-453-340 E-mail: ConsularDjibouti@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Djibouti


Djibouti’s Adoption Authority

Office of the Secretary Tribunal de Première Instance Ministère de la Justice B.P. 12 Djibouti République de Djibouti Tel: (253) 21-353-389


Embassy of Djibouti

Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti 1156 15th St., NW, Suite 515 Washington, DC 20005 Tel: 202-331-0270


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=djibouti