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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Jamaica"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/jm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Jamaica.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/jm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/jm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Jamaica.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/jm-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/cam/jm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Jamaica.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/jm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Coat_of_Arms_of_Jamaica.svg/582px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Jamaica.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Jamaica.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Coat_of_Arms_of_Jamaica.svg/582px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Jamaica.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of [[Jamaica]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Doctors-Cave-Beach.jpg/800px-Doctors-Cave-Beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Doctors-Cave-Beach.jpg/800px-Doctors-Cave-Beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Street_in_Montigo_Bay_Jamaica_Photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg/800px-Street_in_Montigo_Bay_Jamaica_Photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A busy street in Montigo Bay, Jamaica.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5187/5577409878_5b6ba4b31e_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Elementary school children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Street_in_Montigo_Bay_Jamaica_Photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg/800px-Street_in_Montigo_Bay_Jamaica_Photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A busy street in Montigo Bay.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/23/Negril_Jamaica_2007-09.jpg/800px-Negril_Jamaica_2007-09.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Negril coastline, with the famous "7-Mile Beach" visible in the background.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/23/Negril_Jamaica_2007-09.jpg/800px-Negril_Jamaica_2007-09.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Negril coastline, with the famous "7-Mile Beach" visible in the background.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/St.-Jago-de-la-Vega.JPG/800px-St.-Jago-de-la-Vega.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Jago de la Vega Cathedral i Spanish Town, Jamaica.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/6918997020_1fb0573b72.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Jamaica]].'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/St.-Jago-de-la-Vega.JPG/800px-St.-Jago-de-la-Vega.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''St. Jago de la Vega Cathedral i Spanish Town'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6124/5979790363_92269c2e3f_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Jamaican boy.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6124/5979790363_92269c2e3f_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Jamaican boy.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5205/5375989579_727f69a9b6_o.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Jamaican schoolchildren.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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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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=Hague Convention Information=
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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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Jamaica 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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=Jamaica Adoption Alert=
  
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There are two types of adoptions in Jamaica - [[Adoption]] Licenses and [[Adoption]] Orders.  An [[Adoption]] License allows a Jamaican citizen child to be taken to a "scheduled country" (in this case, the United States) and to be adopted in that country (in this case, the United States).  Under Jamaican law, U.S. citizens residing in the United States who are not adopting a relative will only qualify for an [[Adoption]] License.  An [[Adoption]] Order signifies the full and final [[adoption]] under Jamaican law and is only available to prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are Jamaican citizens or who reside in Jamaica.  An Order legally replaces an [[Original Birth Certificate|original birth certificate]], as it shows date of birth, (new) parentage, and (new) name.  The child's Jamaican passport information may also be changed based on the new parentage and name.  
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To learn about [[adoption]] alerts for this country, please read [[Jamaica Adoption Alert]].
  
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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=About Jamaica=
 +
The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino, who had inhabited [[Jamaica]] for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African [[slaves]]. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million [[slaves]], many of whom became small farmers. To learn more, please read [[About Jamaica]].
  
  
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To bring an adopted child to the United States from Jamaica, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements].  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law.
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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[[Jamaica]] 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]).  To learn more please read about [[Jamaica and the Hague Convention]].
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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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 Jamaica:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Jamaica]]. To learn more about these requirements please read about [[Who Can Adopt fromJamaica]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] seeking an [[Adoption]] License can generally expect to travel to Jamaica at least twice, once to meet with the Child Development Agency (CDA) and again to apply for a visa.  However, they are not required to reside in Jamaica, nor are they required to attend the court hearing, though the judge can request their presence.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] seeking an [[Adoption]] Order are required by Jamaican law to reside with the child under the supervision of a local social worker for at least three months before the court will approve the full [[adoption]].  The court may waive the pre-[[Adoption Placement|adoption placement]] requirement if the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are Jamaican nationals adopting a relative.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Jamaica]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]].  To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Jamaica]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are not related to the potential adopted child must be 25 years of age or older.  If the child is a brother, sister, niece, or nephew of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s), at least one parent must be 18 years of age or older.  There are no laws establishing a required age difference between the [[adoptee]] and the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] when they are related.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Both single individuals and married couples can adopt, though Jamaica does not recognize same-sex marriage.  As such, a Jamaican court may not issue an [[Adoption]] Order or License to a same-sex couple.
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==Adoption Auhority==
  
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==Income==
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'''[[Jamaica]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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While there are no specific income requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will have to provide documents relaying their financial status.
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The CDA is the only entity legally authorized to provide [[adoption]] services in [[Jamaica]] and prospective parents must work with this Jamaican government agency when seeking to [[adopt]] a child in [[Jamaica]].  
  
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==Other==
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==The Process==
  
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Each potential [[adoption]] is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the CDA and the Jamaican [[Adoption]] Board.  Under Jamaican law, the CDA and the Jamaican [[Adoption]] Board have the authority to take prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ medical conditions into consideration when evaluating their eligibility to adopt.  In practice, however, it is extremely rare for a prospective parent to be denied eligibility due to an existing medical condition.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Jamaica]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]];
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# Be matched with a child;
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# [[Adopt]] [or gain [[custody]] of] the child in [[Jamaica]];
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status;
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# Bring your child home.
  
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=How to Adopt=
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Jamaica]].
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==The Process==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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U.S. citizens are required by law 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 U.S. passports.  To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Jamaica]].
  
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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The CDA may, on a case-by-case basis, require the agency that conducted the [[Home Study|home study]] to submit reports to the CDA on a regular basis for up to two years after an [[Adoption]] License is issued.  Post-[[adoption]] reporting is not mandated in cases that receive [[Adoption]] Orders.
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 +
 +
We strongly urge you to comply with [[Jamaica]]’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 U.S. citizen parents.
 +
 +
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
 +
 +
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.
 +
 +
 +
Here are some places to start your support group search:
 +
 +
 +
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
 +
 +
 +
'''NOTE:'''  Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
 +
 +
 +
=Contact Information=
 +
 +
'''U.S. Embassy [[Jamaica]]'''
 +
 +
148 Old Hope Rd.
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Kingston 6
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[[Jamaica]], West Indies
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Tel:  875-702-6000
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Email:  KingstonIV@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://kingston.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy in Jamaica]
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 +
 +
Mailing Address:
 +
30 Munroe Road
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Kingston, 6
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[[Jamaica]]
 +
 +
 +
'''[[Jamaica]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
Child Development Agency (CDA)
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48 Duke Street
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Kingston, [[Jamaica]]
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Tel:  876-948-6678
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Fax:  876-924-9401
 +
 +
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'''Embassy of [[Jamaica]]'''
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 +
1520 [[New Hampshire]] Ave. NW
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[[Washington]], DC 20036
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Tel:  202-452-0660
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Internet:  [http:/embassyofjamaica.org Embassy of [[Jamaica]]]
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 +
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[[Jamaica]] also has Consulates and Consulate-Generals in Chicago, Miami, and [[New York]] City.
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 +
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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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Email:  AskCI@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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 +
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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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 +
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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=jamaica
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:02, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

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

Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Elementary school children.
Source: flickr.com.

A busy street in Montigo Bay.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Negril coastline, with the famous "7-Mile Beach" visible in the background.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

.
Source: flickr.com.

St. Jago de la Vega Cathedral i Spanish Town
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Jamaican boy.
Source: flickr.com.

Jamaican schoolchildren.
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.


Jamaica Adoption Alert

To learn about adoption alerts for this country, please read Jamaica Adoption Alert.


About Jamaica

The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. To learn more, please read About Jamaica.


Hague Convention Information

Jamaica is not 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 about Jamaica and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Jamaica. To learn more about these requirements please read about Who Can Adopt fromJamaica.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Auhority

Jamaica’s Adoption Authority

The CDA is the only entity legally authorized to provide adoption services in Jamaica and prospective parents must work with this Jamaican government agency when seeking to adopt a child in Jamaica.

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Jamaica generally includes the following steps:


  1. Apply to be found eligible to adopt;
  2. Be matched with a child;
  3. Adopt [or gain custody of] the child in Jamaica;
  4. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status;
  5. Bring your child home.

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Jamaica.


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. 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 Jamaica.


After Adoption

The CDA may, on a case-by-case basis, require the agency that conducted the home study to submit reports to the CDA on a regular basis for up to two years after an Adoption License is issued. Post-adoption reporting is not mandated in cases that receive Adoption Orders.


We strongly urge you to comply with Jamaica’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 U.S. citizen 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


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


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Jamaica

148 Old Hope Rd. Kingston 6 Jamaica, West Indies Tel: 875-702-6000 Email: KingstonIV@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Jamaica


Mailing Address: 30 Munroe Road Kingston, 6 Jamaica


Jamaica’s Adoption Authority

Child Development Agency (CDA) 48 Duke Street Kingston, Jamaica Tel: 876-948-6678 Fax: 876-924-9401


Embassy of Jamaica

1520 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-452-0660 Internet: [http:/embassyofjamaica.org Embassy of Jamaica]


Jamaica also has Consulates and Consulate-Generals in Chicago, Miami, and New York City.


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 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=jamaica