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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Bosnia and Herzegovina"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/bk-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Bosnia and Herzegovina 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 Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/bk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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While there is nothing in Bosnian law that specifically prohibits foreigners from applying to adopt a Bosnian child, the law stresses that there must be overwhelming justification and exceptionally compelling reasons for a foreigner to be permitted to do so.  The definition of "overwhelming justification" is judged on a case-by-case basis. The law says specifically that a foreign citizen may be an adoptive parent "if the adoption is in the best interest of the child and if the child cannot be adopted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/bk_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/bk/images/BK_004.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Bosnia and Herzegovina have two distinct procedures for adoption: a full adoption implies a permanent relationship between the adopted child and adopting parents equal to a blood relationship. Only a child up to the age of 10 can be adopted fully. Partial adoption implies all the rights and duties that exist between the adopting parents and adopted children under the law, although it does not affect the rights and duties of the adopted child and his/her biological parents and other relatives. A partial adoption does not irrevocably terminate the biological parent(s) – child relationship and, therefore, a partial adoption is not an adoption for U.S. immigration purposes.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Treskavica.jpg/800px-Treskavica.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Treskavica.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/bk/images/BK_001.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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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 Bosnia and Herzegovina:
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Visegrad_bridge_by_Klackalica.jpg/797px-Visegrad_bridge_by_Klackalica.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Visegrad Bridge by Klackalica.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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While Bosnian law does not specifically prohibit foreigners from applying to adopt a Bosnian child, it does stress that there must be overwhelming justification and exceptionally compelling reasons for a foreigner to be permitted to do so.  The definition of "overwhelming justification" is judged on a case-by-case basis.  The law says specifically that a foreign citizen may be an adoptive parent "if the adoption is in the best interest of the child and if the child cannot be adopted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
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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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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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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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Prospective adoptive parents must be between 25 and 45 years old and must be at least 18 years older than the child.  If there are justified reasons, a prospective adoptive parent may be older than 45, but the age difference between the parent and child must not be greater than 45 years.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=About Bosnia Herzegovina=
  
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In addition to married couples, common-law marriage partners who have lived together for at least 5 years or single prospective adoptive parents may adopt; however, the latter cases are the exception. Bosnia and Herzegovina law does not provide for the possibility of adoption by LGBT persons or same sex couples.
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[[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] declared sovereignty in October 1991 and independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]] - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater [[Serbia]]." To learn more, read [[About Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
  
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==Income==
 
  
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This is not specified in the Family Law, however, it is considered by Social Services Centers when they conduct the home study.
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=Hague Convention Information=
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[[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] 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 Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). Learn more about [[Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Hague Convention]].
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Other==
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet several requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]].  To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Bosnia and Herzegovina]].
  
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Persons falling into any of the following groups are prohibited from adopting Bosnian children:
 
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persons whose parental rights have been taken away;
 
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persons with a limited or no ability to work;
 
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persons who provide insufficient guarantees that they will raise the child correctly;
 
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persons who are mentally ill, or suffering from any illness that could endanger the health and life of the adopted child;
 
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relatives of the first bloodline.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Bosnia and Herzegovina 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, [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more about these requirements, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Bosnia and Herzegovina]].
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'''Relinquishment:'''  For adoption, the approval of both or one parent, if there is only one parent, is required.  The parent(s) must state specifically whether he/she agrees to full or partial adoption.  (Please see the top of this country information sheet for information on full and partial adoptions.)
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=How to Adopt=
  
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[[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] consists of two entities:  the Federation of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] and Republika Srpska.  Family law governing [[adoption]] is within the competence of those entities, and, therefore, two ministries mentioned below are the [[adoption]] authorities for the relevant entity.  Learn more about  [[How to Adopt from Bosnia and Herzegovina]].
  
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'''Abandonment:'''  A child whose parents are unknown may be adopted only after 3 months have passed since his/her abandonment.
 
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:'''  A child less than three months old cannot be adopted.  A child of parents who are minors cannot be adopted under the age of one and may only be adopted after he/she reaches the age of one if there are no family members who may be able to raise the child.  Only a child up to the age of 10 can be adopted fully.  A child up to the age of 18 can be adopted partially.  Children older than age 10 must give their approval for the adoption. 
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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Learn more about [[Traveling Abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina]].
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:'''  If possible, the centers for social work will facilitate sibling adoptions.
 
  
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''Caution:'''  Prospective 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, with the intention of returning for the child when they are able to do so.  In such cases, the birth parent(s) rarely would have relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
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We strongly urge you to comply with [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]’s post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner.  Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process.  Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s positive experiences with American parents.
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
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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. 
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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=After Adoption=
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
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'''NOTE:'''  Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]'''
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Address:  1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 SARAJEVO
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Tel:  +387 33 704-000
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Fax:  +387 33 221-837
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Email:  rws@state.gov
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Internet: [http://sarajevo.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina]
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'''[[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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'''FOR FEDERATION OF [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA]]:'''
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Ministarstvo rada i socijalne politike Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine
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Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of the Federation of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]])
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Address:  Vilsonovo setaliste 10, 71000 Sarajevo, [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
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Tel:  +387 33 661 782 
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Fax:  +387 33 661 783
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Email:  info@fmrsp.gov.ba
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Internet:  [http://fmrsp.gov.ba Ministry of Labor and Social Policy Bosnia and Herzegovina]
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'''FOR REPUBLIKA SRPSKA'''
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Ministarstvo zdravlja i socijalne zastite Republike Srpske
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(Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska)
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Address:  Trg Republike Srpske 1, 78000 Banja Luka
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Tel:  +387 51 339 486
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Fax:  +387 51 339-652
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Email:  ministarstvo-zdravlja@mzsz.vladars.net
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Internet:  [http://vladars.net/sr-SP-Cyrl/Vlada/Ministarstva/mzsz/Pages/Default.aspx Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska]
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'''Embassy of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]'''
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Address:  2109 E Street NW, [[Washington]], DC 20037
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Tel:  (1 202) 337-1500
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Fax:  (1 202) 337-1502
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Email:  info@bhembassy.org
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Internet:  [http://bhembassy.org/index.html Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina]
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[[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] also has a consulate in Chicago, Ill.
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State
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2201 C Street, N.W.
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SA-29
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[[Washington]], DC 20520
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Tel:  1-888-407-4747
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Email:  AskCI@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
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For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
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National Benefits Center
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Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
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Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=bosnia-herzegovina
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[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:01, 18 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

'
Source: cia.gov.

Treskavica.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: cia.gov.

Visegrad Bridge by Klackalica.
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 Bosnia Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina declared sovereignty in October 1991 and independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." To learn more, read About Bosnia and Herzegovina


Hague Convention Information

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). Learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet several requirements in order to adopt a child from Bosnia and Herzegovina. To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Bosnia and Herzegovina.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. Family law governing adoption is within the competence of those entities, and, therefore, two ministries mentioned below are the adoption authorities for the relevant entity. Learn more about How to Adopt from Bosnia and Herzegovina.


Traveling Abroad

Learn more about Traveling Abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina.


After Adoption

We strongly urge you to comply with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s positive experiences with American parents.


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

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons


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


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Address: 1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 SARAJEVO Tel: +387 33 704-000 Fax: +387 33 221-837 Email: rws@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina


Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Adoption Authority

FOR FEDERATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA:

Ministarstvo rada i socijalne politike Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) Address: Vilsonovo setaliste 10, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel: +387 33 661 782 Fax: +387 33 661 783 Email: info@fmrsp.gov.ba Internet: Ministry of Labor and Social Policy Bosnia and Herzegovina


FOR REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

Ministarstvo zdravlja i socijalne zastite Republike Srpske (Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska) Address: Trg Republike Srpske 1, 78000 Banja Luka Tel: +387 51 339 486 Fax: +387 51 339-652 Email: ministarstvo-zdravlja@mzsz.vladars.net Internet: Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska


Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Address: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 Tel: (1 202) 337-1500 Fax: (1 202) 337-1502 Email: info@bhembassy.org Internet: Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina


Bosnia and Herzegovina also has a consulate in Chicago, Ill.


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, N.W. SA-29 Washington, DC 20520 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=bosnia-herzegovina