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Adopting from Jordan

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

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

Petra.
Source: Wikipedia.org

'Rock-cut tombs (Kokh) in Petra.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Amman.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Souk in Jara.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Abu Darweesh Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in Amman.
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.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 Jordan

Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain demarcated a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in the early 1920s. The area gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. To learn more, please read About Jordan.


Hague Convention Information

Jordan 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). To learn more please read about Jordan and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Under Jordanian law, a child is considered to be “abandoned” if the child is placed in the care of the MSD and (1) the parents are unknown OR (2) the child is born out of wedlock. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Jordan.


Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Jordan 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 Jordan.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Jordan’s Guardianship Authority

Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family Directorate


The Process

The process for obtaining guardianship of a child from Jordan generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Obtain guardianship of the child in Jordan
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home
  7. Adopt your child in the United States

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


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. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Jordan.


After Adoption

After the child has immigrated to the United States, adoptive parents are required to inform the nearest Jordanian Embassy or consulate of any change in address. This facilitates the follow-up that the MSD performs for all adopted Jordanian children abroad.


We strongly urge you to comply with Jordanian law and to complete all 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

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 Jordan

al Umawayeen Street, Abdoun Tel: 962-6-590-6000 Fax: 962-6-592-4102 Email: Amman-IV@state.gov or ACSAmman@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy in Jordan


Jordan’s Adoption Authority: Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Family and Childhood Section/Fostering Program

P.O. Box 6720 Arjan 11118 Amman, Jordan Tel: 5679327 Family Manager: Ext. 399 Custody Section: Ext. 334 Fax: 5679961 Family Directorate Fax: 5694291


Embassy of Jordan: Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

3504 International Drive, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 966-2664 Fax: (202) 966-3110 Email: HKJEmbassyDC@jordanembassyus.org Internet: Embassy of Jordan


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, D.C. 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=jordan