Adopting from Afghanistan
Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
Contents
Hague Convention Information
Afghanistan is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Read more about Afghanistan and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Afghanistan (Read more about Who Can Adopt from Afghanistan")
Who Can Be Adopted
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Afghanistan has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. (Read more about Who Can Be Adopted from Afghanistan).
How to Adopt
There is no central government adoption authority. Guardianship proceedings are handled by the Afghan Family Court. (Read more about How to Adopt from Afghanistan.)
After Adoption
Guardians are not required to provide periodic reports on the child’s adjustment and welfare to the Afghan Family Court.
Post-Adoption Resources
Many 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.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
American Council on Adoptable Children
Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Kabul Great Massoud Road, Kabul, Afghanistan Tel: +011 0700 108 499 Email: KabulACS@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Kabul
Embassy of Afghanistan
2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Suite #216
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 298-9125
Fax: (202) 298-9127
Email: consulate@embassyofafghanistan.org
Internet: Embassy of Afghanistan
Afghanistan also has consulates in New York and Los Angeles.
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
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)
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@uscis.dhs..gov
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption. Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State. Country Information. [1] Last updated July 2013