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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/gv-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Guinea.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Flag_of_Guinea.svg/450px-Flag_of_Guinea.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/gv-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Guinea.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/gv-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/gv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Guinea.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} | + | {{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/gv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}} |
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| | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Guinee_Fouta_Djalon_Doucky.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Guinean children.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Guinee_Fouta_Djalon_Doucky.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Guinean children.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Fisher_women_on_River_Niger_in_Guinea%2C_Africa.jpg/800px-Fisher_women_on_River_Niger_in_Guinea%2C_Africa.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fisher women on the River [[Niger]] in Guinea.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Fisher_women_on_River_Niger_in_Guinea%2C_Africa.jpg/800px-Fisher_women_on_River_Niger_in_Guinea%2C_Africa.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Fisher women on the river.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Conakrymosque.jpg/450px-Conakrymosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Conakry Mosque, Guinea.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Conakrymosque.jpg/450px-Conakrymosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Conakry Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} |
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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Guinea_schoolgirls.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Guinea schoolgirls.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}} | + | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Guinea_schoolgirls.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Guinea]] schoolgirls.'''<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]].''' | + | '''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= | + | =About Guinea= |
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| | + | [[Guinea]] is at a turning point after decades of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from [[France]] in 1958. [[Guinea]] held its first free and competitive democratic presidential and legislative elections in 2010 and 2013 respectively. Alpha CONDE was elected to a five year term as president in 2010, and the National Assembly was seated in January 2014. To learn more please read [[About Guinea]]. |
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| − | Guinea is 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 [[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 Guinea.
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| | + | =Hague Convention Information= |
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| − | Guinea does not allow [[adoption]] service providers or orphanages to assist with intercountry adoptions. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must work with an accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] for U.S. processing elements, but should expect to work directly with Guinean authorities or a licensed Guinean attorney for services in Guinea.
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| | + | [[Guinea]] is 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 [[Guinea and the Hague Convention]]. |
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| − | '''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Read about Transition Cases].
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| − | '''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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| − | To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Guinea, 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. Additionally, a child must meet the [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 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.
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| | =Who Can Adopt= | | =Who Can Adopt= |
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| − | In addition to the U.S. requirements, Guinea obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Guinea: | + | In addition to the U.S. requirements, [[Guinea]] obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Guinea]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Guinea]]. |
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| − | ==Residency==
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| − | The Government of Guinea requires prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) to be present for the final step in the [[adoption]] process in order to witness the child's acceptance of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s). Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) should plan to be in Guinea for one to three weeks.
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| − | ==Age of Adopting Parents==
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| − | Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must be at least 15 years older than the child they propose to [[adopt]].
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| − | ==Marriage==
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| − | A married couple must have been together at least five (5) years.
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| − | ==Income==
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| − | None specified.
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| − | ==Other==
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| − | There is no statutory bar to [[adoption]] by a single parent or same-sex parents apart from the age requirement above.
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| | =Who Can Be Adopted= | | =Who Can Be Adopted= |
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| − | Because Guinea is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Guinea 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 Guinea have determined that placement of the child within Guinea has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests. In addition to Guinea’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 Convention adoptee] to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States. | + | Because [[Guinea]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Guinea]] 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 [[Guinea]] have determined that placement of the child within [[Guinea]] has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests. To learn more please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Guinea]]. |
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| − | '''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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| − | '''[[Relinquishment]]:''' An [[Affidavit]] of Consent must be obtained from the parent in the case of a single parent relinquishing a child for intercountry [[adoption]], or from a representative of the child's family if the parents are deceased or abandoned the child.
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| − | '''[[Abandonment]]:''' Local police authorities will obtain an Order of [[Abandonment]] from the court for any child found to be without parents or known family.
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| − | '''Age of Adoptive Child:''' To be [[adopted]], a child must be under the age of 15; a child age 13 or 14 must consent to a prospective [[adoption]].
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| − | '''Sibling Adoptions:''' Nothing specified.
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| − | '''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' Nothing specified.
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| − | '''Waiting Period or [[Foster Care]]:''' Nothing specified.
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| | =How to Adopt= | | =How to Adopt= |
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| − | '''WARNING: Guinea is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in Guinea before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.''' | + | '''WARNING: [[Guinea]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Guinea]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.''' |
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| | ==Adoption Authority== | | ==Adoption Authority== |
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| − | '''Guinea’s [[Adoption]] Authority''' | + | '''[[Guinea]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority''' |
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| | Ministry of Social Affairs, Women and Children | | Ministry of Social Affairs, Women and Children |
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| − | '''NOTE:''' If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]: 1) you filed a Form [[I-600A]] identifying Guinea as the country where you intended to [[adopt]]; 2) you filed a Form [[I-600]]; or, 3) the [[adoption]] was completed. Under these circumstances, your [[adopted]] child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. For more information, read about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].
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| | ==The Process== | | ==The Process== |
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| − | Because Guinea is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from Guinea 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 not confer immigration benefits on the [[adopted]] child (i.e. it is possible the child would not qualify for an immigrant visa if [[adopted]] out of order). | + | Because [[Guinea]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Guinea]] 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 not confer immigration benefits on the [[adopted]] child (i.e. it is possible the child would not qualify for an immigrant visa if [[adopted]] out of order). |
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| | # Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] | | # Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] |
| | # Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]] | | # Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]] |
| − | # Be matched with a child by authorities in Guinea | + | # Be matched with a child by authorities in [[Guinea]] |
| | # 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]] | | # 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]] the child in Guinea | + | # [[Adopt]] the child in [[Guinea]] |
| | # Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home | | # Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home |
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| | + | To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Guinea]]. |
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| − | '''1. Choose a U.S. Accredited or Approved [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
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| − | The recommended first step in adopting a child from Guinea is to select an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that has been accredited or approved to provide services to U.S. citizens in Convention cases. Only accredited or approved [[adoption]] services providers may provide [[adoption]] services between the United States and Guinea. The U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] will act as the primary provider in your case. The primary [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] is responsible for ensuring that all [[adoption]] services in the case are done in accordance with The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention and U.S. laws and regulations. Learn more about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/accreditation.php Agency Accreditation].
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| − | '''NOTE:''' No [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or [[orphanage]], foreign or domestic, is approved or accredited to assist prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with the in-country process.
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| − | '''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]:'''
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| − | After you choose an accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the responsible U.S. government agency, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), by submitting [http://www.uscis.gov/i-800a Form I-800A]. Read more about [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Eligibility Requirements].
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| − | Once USCIS determines that you are “eligible” and “suited” to [[adopt]] by approving the Form I-800A, you should provide your approval notice, [[Home Study|home study]], and any other required information to the [[adoption]] authority in Guinea as part of your [[adoption]] [[dossier]]. Guinea’s [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under Guinea’s law.
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| − | '''3. Be Matched with a Child:'''
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| − | If both the United States and Guinea determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and the central authority for Convention adoptions has determined that a child is available for [[adoption]] and that intercountry [[adoption]] is in that child’s best interests, the central authority for Convention adoptions in Guinea may provide you with a referral for a child. The referral is a proposed match between you and a specific child based on a review of your [[dossier]] and the needs of a specific child in Guinea. The [[adoption]] authority in Guinea will provide a background study and other information, if available, about the child to help you decide whether to accept the referral or not. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs and provide a permanent home for a particular child. If you accept the referral, the [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] communicates that to the [[adoption]] authority in Guinea. Learn more about this [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php critical decision].
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| − | '''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]]:'''
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| − | After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval for the child to immigrate to the United States ([http://www.uscis.gov/i-800 Form I-800]). USCIS will make a provisional determination as to whether the child meets the definition of a Convention [[Adoptee]] and will be eligible to enter the United States and reside permanently as an immigrant.
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| − | After provisional approval of Form I-800, your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or you will submit a visa application to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, [[Senegal]], that is responsible for issuing immigrant visas to children from Guinea. A consular officer will review the Form I-800 and the visa application for possible visa ineligibilities and advise you of options for the waiver of any noted ineligibilities.
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| − | '''WARNING:''' The consular officer will send a letter (referred to as an “Article 5 Letter”) to the Guinean Central Authority in any intercountry [[adoption]] involving U.S. citizen parents and a child from Guinea where all Convention requirements are met and the consular officer determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States. This letter will inform the Guinean Central Authority that the parents are eligible and suited to [[adopt]], that all indications are that the child may enter and reside permanently in the United States, and that the U.S. Central Authority agrees that the [[adoption]] may proceed.
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| − | Do not attempt to [[adopt]] or obtain [[custody]] of a child in Guinea before a U.S. consular officer issues the Article 5 Letter in any [[adoption]] case.
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| − | '''''Remember: The consular officer will make a final decision about a child’s eligibility for an immigrant visa later in the [[adoption]] process.'''''
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| − | '''5. [[Adopt]] (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) of Child in Guinea:'''
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| − | '''''Remember: Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Guinea, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the [[adoption]] or grant of [[custody]] for the purposes of [[adoption]] in Guinea.'''''
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Guinea generally includes the following:
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| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption]] Authority:''' Adoptions from Guinea begin with a letter addressed to the Minister of Social Affairs. After conducting an investigation into the background of the child to be [[adopted]] and determining that the child is eligible for [[adoption]], the Ministry will send an Article 16 report on the child for inclusion with the Form I-800 filed with USCIS. After an [[adoption]] is finalized, the Ministry will certify that everything was done according to the provisions of the Hague Convention (Article 23 Certificate). You will need to take this certificate with you when you appear for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, [[Senegal]].
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| − | *'''Role of the Court:''' A court in Conakry, called the Tribunal of First Instance, will issue the [[Decree of Adoption]]. The Tribunal can also issue a Jugement Suppletif in place of a birth certificate, if needed.
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| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' An [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or [[orphanage]] in Guinea may offer or attempt to assist in processing your application for [[adoption]] in Guinea. Note that no [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or [[orphanage]] in Guinea is approved or accredited to assist you, and no payment should be made to anyone other than a Guinean attorney hired by you to undertake specific tasks, or to the Government of Guinea for specific assessed fees.
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| − | *'''Time Frame:''' There is no set time frame for an [[adoption]] from Guinea.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Application:''' Adoptions from Guinea begin with a letter addressed to the Minister of Social Affairs, accompanied by your [[dossier]] and the Form I-800A approval notice. If you have already identified a child that you would like to [[adopt]], you should be prepared to supply the Guinean Central Authority with all known information about the child and the child's family.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Fees:''' The Government of Guinea is working to publish a schedule of fees. In the meantime, fees are assessed on a case-by-case basis according to an estimation of actual costs. For example, an investigation that requires travel to a distant location would incur a higher fee that an investigation undertaken in the capital. In the [[adoption]] services contract that you sign at the beginning of the [[adoption]] process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your [[adoption]] process. Some of the fees specifically associated with adopting from Guinea include those charged by the Government of Guinea for investigations.
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| − | *'''Documents Required:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) should provide a letter addressed to the Minister of Social Affairs stating the desire to [[adopt]] a child in Guinea. The letter must be signed by both prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (if a married couple), and by every child in the household age 13 or older. The letter should accompany your [[dossier]] and the Form I-800A approval notice. '''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. Read more about [http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-of-documents/office-of-authentications.html Authenticating U.S. Documents].
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| − | '''6. Obtain an Immigrant Visa for your Child and Bring Your Child Home:'''
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| − | Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child for the purpose of adopting the child in the United States), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents before your child can travel to the United States:
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| − | ::1. Birth Certificate
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| − | If you have finalized the [[adoption]] in Guinea, you will first need to apply for a birth certificate for your child so that you can later apply for a passport. 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. Birth certificates are issued by the Civil Register in the community in which the child was born based on a Declaration of Birth, which is issued by a hospital. If no birth certificate was ever issued for a child, or the child was not born in a hospital, a "Jugement Suppletif tenant lieu d'acte de naissance" can be requested from the court.
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| − | ::2. Guinean 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 Guinea. An application for a Guinean passport should be submitted to the Central Immigration Office in Conakry, along with the child's birth certificate (or Jugement Suppletif), a residency statement for either the child or the child's parents (or a Police Report of [[abandonment]]), and two passport-sized photographs. An application for a Guinean passport may be submitted at any point prior to or after the [[adoption]]. The fee for a passport is the equivalent of approximately 20 USD, and the passport will be available within two to four weeks.
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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 finalize your application for a U.S. visa for your child from the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, [[Senegal]]. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S Embassy in Dakar for final review of the case, issuance of a U.S. Hague [[Adoption Certificate]] or Hague [[Custody]] Certificate, final approval of the child’s I-800 petition, and to obtain your child’s visa. 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” medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. Read more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Medical Examination].
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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].
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| | =Traveling Abroad= | | =Traveling Abroad= |
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| | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' | | '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport''' |
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| − | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Guinea. 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. | + | A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Guinea]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Guinea]]. |
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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. To find information about obtaining a visa for Guinea, 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 Guinea, 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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| − | Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services. | + | Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services. |
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