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Adopting from Jamaica
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: flickr.com.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: flickr.com.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: flickr.com.
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.
Contents
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
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:
- Apply to be found eligible to adopt;
- Be matched with a child;
- Adopt [or gain custody of] the child in Jamaica;
- Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status;
- 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. 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.
Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Jamaica
In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Jamaica, see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information.
Staying Safe on Your Trip
Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
Staying in Touch on Your Trip
When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State. Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Jamaica, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Enrollment is free and can be done online via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
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
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[1]