Latest revision as of 16:43, 9 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Volcanic plugs near Thumski, Far North Region.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Fulani herder drives his cattle.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Homes of the Musgumin in Far North Region are made of earth and grass.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Elephants in Waza National Park.
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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 Cameroon

French Cameroon became independent in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon. The following year the southern portion of neighboring British Cameroon voted to merge with the new country to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. To learn more, read About Cameroon.

Cameroon Adoption Alert

There have been several adoption alerts for Cameroon. To learn more, read Cameroon Adoption Alert.

Hague Convention Information

Cameroon 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 Cameroon did not change. To learn more, read about Cameroon and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Cameroon, 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). To learn more, read about Who Can Adopt from Cameroon.

Who Can Be Adopted

Cameroon has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Cameroon.

How to Adopt

The process for adopting a child from Cameroon 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 Cameroon
Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
Bring Your Child Home

To learn more, read about How to Adopt from Cameroon.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The 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. To learn more, read about Traveling Abroad in Cameroon.

After Adoption

What does Cameroon require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Cameroon does not require post-adoption reporting at this time.

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 Cameroon

Avenue Rosa Parks P.O. Box 817 Yaoundé, Cameroon Tel: (237) 2220-15-00 YaoundeACS@state.gov

Cameroonian Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social Affairs/High Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance) SubDepartment of Child Protection situationed at Meki Quarters Sous Direction de la Sauvegarde de L'Enfant-SDSE Tel: 2220-02-16

Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon

2349 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 265-8790 Fax: (202) 387-3826 Internet: Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon

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=cameroon

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-=Hague Convention Information=
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/cm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/cm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-Cameroon 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]). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Cameroon did not change.
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/cm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Coat_of_arms_of_Cameroon.svg/529px-Coat_of_arms_of_Cameroon.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-'''Fraud Warning: Recently many Americans have become victims of Cameroonian scam artists offering adoption services through the Internet. Americans should be very cautious about sending money or traveling to Cameroon to adopt a child from an orphanage they have only heard about through e-mails. Prospective adoptive parents MUST travel to Cameroon and participate in person in the legal procedures that govern Cameroonian adoptions. In order to protect themselves and the children from the possibility of fraud or other serious problems, prospective adoptive parents are advised to consider first the list of accredited orphanages available at the Ministry of Social Affairs. Should prospective adoptive parents wish to hire a Cameroonian attorney to assist with the adoption, they can obtain a list of attorneys from the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde.'''
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Rhumsiki_Peak.jpg/800px-Rhumsiki_Peak.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Volcanic plugs near Thumski, Far North Region.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-=Who Can Adopt=
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Fulani_herd_in_the_dust.jpg/800px-Fulani_herd_in_the_dust.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Fulani herder drives his cattle.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-To bring an adopted child to United States from Cameroon, 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). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Maison_obus.jpg/800px-Maison_obus.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Homes of the Musgumin in Far North Region are made of earth and grass.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-In addition to these U.S. requirements for adoptive parents, Cameroon also has the following requirements for adoptive parents:
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Elephants_around_tree_in_Waza%2C_Cameroon.jpg/800px-Elephants_around_tree_in_Waza%2C_Cameroon.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Elephants in Waza National Park.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-==Residency==
-The prospective adoptive parents must have the child in their care and custody for at least three consecutive months before the High Court will consider issuing an adoption decree.
+'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
-==Age of Adopting Parents==
+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.
-At least one adoptive parent in the couple must be older than 40 years of age. If neither parent meets the age requirement, at least one must be at least 35 years old and they must have been married for a minimum of 10 years. If neither of these requirements can be met, the couple can submit a medical certificate confirming their infertility in order to have the age requirement waived. The couple should bring a medical certificate from a U.S. or local doctor.
-==Marriage==
+=About Cameroon=
-Adoptive parents must be married . Single people can adopt - with certain restrictions on age. As homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon, gay or lesbian marriages are not recognized.
+French [[Cameroon]] became independent in 1960 as the Republic of [[Cameroon]]. The following year the southern portion of neighboring British [[Cameroon]] voted to merge with the new country to form the Federal Republic of [[Cameroon]].  To learn more, read [[About Cameroon]].
-==Income==
-The couple must provide evidence of financial capacity to support the adopted child. This evidence can be proven with a report of a home study from the U.S. along with bank statements, evidence of assets, pay slips, etc.
+=Cameroon Adoption Alert=
-==Other==
+There have been several [[adoption]] alerts for [[Cameroon]].  To learn more, read [[Cameroon Adoption Alert]].
-Both parties in a couple must be in agreement over the adoption. One spouse may not adopt without the other's consent. PAPs must submit a medical certificate from either a U.S. or local doctor showing that they are medically fit.  Evidence of consent of the birth parent(s) (if they are alive). The consent must be witnessed either in court, by a diplomatic consulate or by a public notary.  Evidence of the consent of the adoptee if s/he is 16 or older. The consent must be witnessed either in court, by a diplomatic consulate or by a public notary.  Prospective adoptive parents must come to Cameroon for an extended period of time and participate (in person) in the elaborate legal procedures.
-=Who Can Be Adopted=
+=Hague Convention Information=
+[[Cameroon]] 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]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Cameroon]] did not change. To learn more, read about [[Cameroon and the Hague Convention]].
-Cameroon has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Cameroon unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.
+=Who Can Adopt=
-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 immediately to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
+To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Cameroon]], 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). To learn more, read about [[Who Can Adopt from Cameroon]].
-'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
+=Who Can Be Adopted=
-::1. Adopted individuals cannot have children of their own at the time of the adoption, nor have any legal descendants.
+[[Cameroon]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Cameroon]].
-::2. Adopted individuals may not marry their adoptive parents or siblings.
 =How to Adopt=
+The process for adopting a child from [[Cameroon]] generally includes the following steps:
-==    Adoption Authority==
+# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
+# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
+# Be Matched with a Child
+# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Cameroon]]
+# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
+# Bring Your Child Home
+To learn more, read about [[How to Adopt from Cameroon]].
-==The Process==
 =Traveling Abroad=
+'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
+U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help.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. To learn more, read about [[Traveling Abroad in Cameroon]].
 =After Adoption=
+'''What does [[Cameroon]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
+[[Cameroon]] does not require post-[[adoption]] reporting at this time.
+'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+Many [[Adoptive Parents|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:
+[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
+[http://www.nacac.org/ 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 [[Cameroon]]'''
+Avenue Rosa Parks
+P.O. Box 817
+Yaoundé, [[Cameroon]]
+Tel: (237) 2220-15-00
+YaoundeACS@state.gov
+'''Cameroonian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
+Ministry of Social Affairs/High Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance)
+SubDepartment of Child Protection situationed at
+Meki Quarters
+Sous Direction de la Sauvegarde de L'Enfant-SDSE
+Tel: 2220-02-16
+'''Embassy of the Republic of [[Cameroon]]'''
+[[Massachusetts]] Avenue, N.W
+[[Washington]], D.C. 20036
+Tel: (202) 265-8790
+Fax: (202) 387-3826
+Internet: [http://www.ambacam-usa.org/ Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon]
+'''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: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
+'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
+For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
+-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 ==SOURCE==
-'''Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=[[cameroon]]
+[[Category: International Adoption]]

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Cameroon"