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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Estonia"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/en-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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'''WARNING:''' Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Estonia before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." See the "How to Adopt" section for more information.
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/en-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/en_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Estonia is 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, all adoptions between Estonia and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA implementing regulations.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Estonia_1479_-_Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral.jpg/398px-Estonia_1479_-_Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aledander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Coat_of_arms_of_Estonia.svg/550px-Coat_of_arms_of_Estonia.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. Read About [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Tarvasj%C3%B5gi.jpg/800px-Tarvasj%C3%B5gi.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tarvasjogi at Korvemaa Nature Park.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Parnu01.jpg/800px-Parnu01.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Parnu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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Adoption between the United States and Estonia is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention.  Therefore to adopt from Estonia, you must first 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).  Read more on [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Who Can Adopt].
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/R%C3%BC%C3%BCtli_tn%2C_Tartu.jpg/800px-R%C3%BC%C3%BCtli_tn%2C_Tartu.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Ruutli Street in Tartu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Kakerdaja_raba_talvine_maastik.jpg/800px-Kakerdaja_raba_talvine_maastik.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bog landscape in winter, Kakerdaja Bog.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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According to the Estonian Family Law only those children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their parental rights taken away may be adopted.  There are few such children and long waiting lists of Estonian families who by law take precedence.  Consequently, identifying a child for adoption can be lengthy (several years or more) as the number of children that can be adopted by foreigners is quite limited (only about 20 children a year).  Since foreign parents with Estonian background are given preference over foreigners with no Estonian heritage, prospective adoptive parents should explain their ties to Estonia.
 
  
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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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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Estonia also has the following eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive 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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==Residency==
 
  
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There are no residency requirements for prospective adoptive parents in Estonia.
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=About Estonia=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, [[Estonia]] attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an [[action]] never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, [[Estonia]] has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and [[adopted]] the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011.
  
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A prospective adoptive parent must be at least 25 years old. In exceptional cases, the Court may give permission to a younger person.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Both single individuals and legally married couples can adopt. Married couples must have the written consent of the spouse. Per the Estonian Family Law Act, an adoption can occur without the consent of the spouse if the conjugal relations of the spouses have terminated and they live apart.
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'''WARNING:''' [[Estonia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Estonia]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter."  To learn more please read about [[Estonia and the Hague Convention]].
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Estonia does not have any income requirements for intercountry adoptions.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Other==
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Estonia]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Estonia]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government.  To learn more about this process please read [[Who Can Adopt from Estonia]].
  
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Same-sex couples cannot adopt in Estonia.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because Estonia is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Estonia must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption.  For example, the Convention requires that Estonia attempt to place a child with a family in Estonia before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Estonia’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States. 
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Because [[Estonia]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Estonia]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  To learn more please read [[Who Can Be Adopted from Estonia]].
  
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==The Process==
  
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'''Relinquishment Requirements:''' No known relinquishment requirements
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Because [[Estonia]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Estonia]] 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.
  
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'''Abandonment Requirements:''' According to the Estonian Family Law only those children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their parental rights taken away may be adopted.
 
  
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'''Age Requirements:''' No known age requirements
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Estonia]]
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# Bring your Child Home
  
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'''Sibling Requirements:''' No known sibling requirements
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For steps 1-4 of How to [[Adopt]] please read [[How to Adopt from Estonia]].  For steps 5-6 please read [[How to Adopt from Estonia Part 2]].
  
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'''Requirements for Special Needs or Medical Conditions:''' Unknown
 
  
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'''Waiting Period:''' Unknown
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport.  To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Estonia]].
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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=After Adoption=
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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[[Estonia]] does not have any post [[adoption]] requirements.
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=After Adoption=
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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.
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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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 [[Estonia]]'''
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Kentmanni 20
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Tallinn, [[Estonia]]
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Tel: 011-372-668-8100
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Fax: 011-372-668-8267
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Email: ACSTallinn@state.gov
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'''[[Estonia]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Ministry of Social Affairs
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(Sotsiaal Ministeerium)
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Gonsiori 29, 15027 Tallinn, [[Estonia]]
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Internet: [https://www.sm.ee/et Ministry of Social Affairs]
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'''Embassy of [[Estonia]]'''
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2131 [[Massachusetts]] Ave, N.W.
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[[Washington]] D.C. 20008
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Tel: (202) 588-0101
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Fax: (202) 588-0108
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'''Consulate General of [[Estonia]]'''
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600 Third Avenue, 26th Floor
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[[New York]], N.Y. 10016-2001
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Tel: (212) 883-0636
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Fax:(212) 883-0648
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Email: nyconsulate@nyc.estemb.org
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Internet: [http://www.nyc.estemb.org Consulate General of Estonia]
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: 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 intercountry [[adoption]] and related immigration procedures, call the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) 1-877-3424-8374.
  
 
==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=[[estonia]]
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[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 12:40, 12 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Aledander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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

Tarvasjogi at Korvemaa Nature Park.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Parnu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Ruutli Street in Tartu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Bog landscape in winter, Kakerdaja Bog.
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 Estonia

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011.


Hague Convention Information

WARNING: Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Estonia before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." To learn more please read about Estonia and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Estonia is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Estonia, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more about this process please read Who Can Adopt from Estonia.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Estonia is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Estonia must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read Who Can Be Adopted from Estonia.


How to Adopt

The Process

Because Estonia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Estonia 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.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  5. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Estonia
  6. Bring your Child Home

For steps 1-4 of How to Adopt please read How to Adopt from Estonia. For steps 5-6 please read How to Adopt from Estonia Part 2.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Estonia.


After Adoption

Estonia does not have any post adoption requirements.

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:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

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 Estonia

Kentmanni 20 Tallinn, Estonia Tel: 011-372-668-8100 Fax: 011-372-668-8267 Email: ACSTallinn@state.gov


Estonia's Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social Affairs (Sotsiaal Ministeerium) Gonsiori 29, 15027 Tallinn, Estonia Internet: Ministry of Social Affairs


Embassy of Estonia

2131 Massachusetts Ave, N.W. Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 588-0101 Fax: (202) 588-0108


Consulate General of Estonia

600 Third Avenue, 26th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016-2001 Tel: (212) 883-0636 Fax:(212) 883-0648 Email: nyconsulate@nyc.estemb.org Internet: Consulate General of Estonia


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 intercountry adoption and related immigration procedures, call the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) 1-877-3424-8374.

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=estonia