Adopting from Dominica
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
Dominica 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 Dominica did not change.
About Dominica
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. To learn more please read About Dominica.
Who Can Adopt
To bring an adopted child to United States from Dominica, 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.
Residency
The Dominica government has no specific residency requirements for prospective adoptive parents.
Age of Adopting Parents
Adoptive parents should not be under the age of twenty-five (25) years old.
Marriage
N/A
Income
The adopting parent(s) should be employed or have means of supporting the child. There is no specific income requirement.
Other
N/A
Who Can Be Adopted
Dominica has no specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. 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.
How to Adopt
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Dominica generally includes the following steps:
- Choose an Adoption Service Provider
- Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
- Be Matched with a Child
- Adopt the Child in Dominica
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
- Bring Your Child Home
To read about steps 1-5 please read How to Adopt from Dominica. To read about step 6 please read How to Adopt from Dominica Part 2.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Dominica. 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 Dominica.
After Adoption
What does Dominica require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?
We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Dominica 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 Dominica's history of positive experiences with American parents.
What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
North American Council on Adoptable Children
NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Barabdos
Wildey Business Park St. Michael, BB 14006 Barbados, W.I. Phone: 246-431-0225
Mailing Address: U.S. Embassy P.O. Box 302 Bridgetown BB 11000 Bridgetown, Barbados Phone: 246-431-0225 Fax: 246-431-0179
Welfare Division Government Head Quarters Roseau, Dominica. Telephone: 767-448-2401, extensions 3019, 3020, 3334 or 3254.
Embassy of Dominica
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 Telephone: (202) 364-6781 Fax: (202) 364-6791
Dominica also has consulates in: New York.
Office of Children's Issues
U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]