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Adopting from Greece
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: flickr.com
Source: cia.gov.
Source: flickr.com
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Greece
Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. To learn more, please read About Greece.
Hague Convention Information
Greece Adoption Notice: On September 2, 2009, Greece signed and ratified the Hague Adoption Convention; it will enter into force for Greece on January 1, 2010. Greece is 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 Greece and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
Adoption between the United States and Greece is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Greece, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Greece.
Who Can Be Adopted
Because Greece is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Greece must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For more information please read Who Can Be Adopted from Greece.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity
Aristotelous 17 104 33 Athens, Greece Tel. 210-5232821-9 Fax 210-5234768 website: Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity
The Process
Because Greece is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Greece 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.
NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Greece before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Learn more.
- Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
- Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
- Be Matched with a Child
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
- Adopt the Child in Greece
- Bringing your Child Home
To learn more please read about How to Adopt from Greece.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Greece. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. For more information, please read about Traveling Abroad in Greece.
After Adoption
What does Greece require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?
There are no post-adoption reporting requirements. However, within Greece, there is mutual cooperation between adopted parents and the social workers from Governmental institutions. Psychologists assist adopted parents with any problems that may arise. The welfare Department of the Ministry of Health follows up on the wellbeing of adopted children in their new homes for as long as needed.
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 is a good place to start your support group search:
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 Greece
Vasilissis Sophias 91 101 60 Athens, Greece 210-7202404, uscis.athens@dhs.gov (Dept of Homeland Security) 210-7202452, athensconsul@state.gov (Immigrant Visa Unit)
Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity Aristotelous 17 104 33 Athens, Greece Tel: 210-5232820-9 Fax: 210-5234768
Kentro Vrefon MITERA (Ages 0-4)
Dimokratias 65 131 22 Ilion Tel: 210-2619700
Idrima Agios Andreas (Ages 6-12)
Thoukididou 82, 174 55 Alimos Tel: 210-9811067 & 210-9838168
Anarotirio Pendelis - Monada Kinonikis Frodidas (Ages 0-6)
Terma Ippokratous 152 36 00 Pendeli Tel. 210-8109900 Fax: 210-8043230
Agios Stylianos Center (Ages 0-4)
28is Oktovriou 99 546 42 Thessaloniki Tel. 2310-940057 Fax: 2310-939860
Embassy of Greece
2217 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-939-1300 Fax: 202-234-2803
Greece also has Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Florida.
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 adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=greece