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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Mali"

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(Adoption Authority)
 
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ml-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Mali.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ml-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ml-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Mali.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ml-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ml_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Mali.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ml_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Hand_der_Fatima.jpg/800px-Hand_der_Fatima.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Mali landscape.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Hand_der_Fatima.jpg/800px-Hand_der_Fatima.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The [[Mali]] landscape.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 +
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Lyc%C3%A9ens_kati.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''High school students in Kati.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Lyc%C3%A9ens_kati.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''High school students in Kati, Mali.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6086/6076430247_94d78d1b9b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A woman and her baby.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6086/6076430247_94d78d1b9b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A woman and her baby in Mali.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Mosqu%C3%A9e_de_Diafarabe_%28Mali%29.JPG/800px-Mosqu%C3%A9e_de_Diafarabe_%28Mali%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Mosqu%C3%A9e_de_Diafarabe_%28Mali%29.JPG/800px-Mosqu%C3%A9e_de_Diafarabe_%28Mali%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A mosque in Mali.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5245/5217635254_d57880ff4b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Family in a carriage in the village Bouwéré.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5245/5217635254_d57880ff4b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Family in a carriage in the village Bouwéré in Mali.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Mali_football.jpg/800px-Mali_football.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children playing soccer, Dogon region.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Mali_football.jpg/800px-Mali_football.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children playing soccer, Dogon region, Mali.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Mali_-_Bozo_girl_in_Bamako.jpg/400px-Mali_-_Bozo_girl_in_Bamako.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bozo girl in Bamako.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Mali_-_Bozo_girl_in_Bamako.jpg/400px-Mali_-_Bozo_girl_in_Bamako.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bozo girl in Bamako, Mali.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/BamakoMali.jpg/800px-BamakoMali.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''People gathered on a Bamako hillside..'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8445489038_cb89dd05f4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A classroom full of students in Mali.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
  
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/BamakoMali.jpg/800px-BamakoMali.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''People gathered on a Bamako hillside..'''<BR/>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 Mali=
 +
 
 +
The Sudanese Republic and [[Senegal]] became independent of [[France]] in 1960 as the [[Mali]] Federation. When [[Senegal]] withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed [[Mali]]. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a military coup that ushered in a period of democratic rule. President Alpha KONARE won [[Mali]]'s first two democratic presidential elections in 1992 and 1997. To learn more please read [[About Mali]].
 +
 
  
 
=Mali Adoption Alert=
 
=Mali Adoption Alert=
  
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Malian Law Restricts Intercountry Adoptions (May 1, 2013)'''
+
There have been numerous [[adoption]] alerts for [[Mali]]. To learn more please read the [[Mali Adoption Alert]] page.
  
In December 2011, the Malian National Assembly passed a new Code of Person and the Family.  The Code includes a provision that only Malian citizens will be able to complete intercountry or domestic adoptions from Mali.  In the case of couples planning to [[adopt]], both members of the couple must be Malian citizens. Note:  We understand that the law may allow Malian citizens who are also dual U.S. citizens to [[adopt]].
 
  
The Department of State will provide updated information on [[adoption]].state.gov as it becomes available.  If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States.  Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov. 
+
=Hague Convention Information=
  
 +
[[Mali]] is a 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 [[adoption]] processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing [[legislation]], the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing [[legislation]] and regulations of [[Mali]]. To learn more please read [[Mali and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
<span style="color:red">'''Notice: New Malian Law Potentially Restricts Intercountry Adoptions (November 26, 2012)'''
+
=Who Can Adopt=
  
In December 2011, the Malian National Assembly passed a new Code of Person and the Family. The Code includes a provision that could be interpreted to mean that only Malian nationals would be allowed to complete intercountry adoptions of Malian children. While the Malian Presidency did not issue a decree that the law is in effect, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako notes that some local officials and judges are applying the law. U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are adopting from Mali may encounter delays because of the confusion about the Code.
+
In addition to the U.S. requirements, [[Mali]] obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Mali]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Mali]].
  
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is seeking clarification from the Malian central authority, Direction Nationale de l’Enfant et de la Famille, on when the law will take effect and whether the relevant provision would prevent U.S. citizens who are not also Malian nationals from adopting from Mali. We encourage [[adoption]] service providers and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] considering initiating new adoptions from Mali to refrain from starting the process until further information is available.
 
  
The Department of State will provide updated information on [[adoption]].state.gov as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States. Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.
+
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
 +
Because [[Mali]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Mali]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Mali]].
  
=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
Mali is a 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 [[adoption]] processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Mali. 
+
=How to Adopt=
  
 +
'''WARNING:'''  [[Mali]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention.  Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Mali]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case.  Read on for more information.
  
Types of [[adoption]] in Mali:  Malian law distinguishes between two types of [[adoption]].  It is imperative that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] understand this distinction and obtain the correct type of [[adoption]] in order for the child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States.
+
==Adoption Authority==
  
 +
'''[[Mali]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
*'''[[Adoption]] Protection''' gives the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] [[custody]] over the child and obligates the [[Custodial Parent|custodial parent]] to provide for the child's food, shelter, schooling, and medical needs.  In the interest of the child, [[Adoption]] Protection can be terminated at any time by the custodial party/parties, the Malian government, or the biological parent(s).  Under certain circumstances, [[Adoption]] Protection can form the basis to obtain a visa to bring the child to the United States and finalize the [[adoption]] in a U.S. state court.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain an attestation from the Direction de l’Enfant et de la Famille verifying that the [[Adoption]] Protection was obtained legally in order to secure the release of the child for emigration and [[adoption]].  Please consult the U.S. Embassy in Dakar before pursuing the [[Adoption]] Protection route for intercountry [[adoption]].
+
Direction Nationale de l’Enfant et de la Famille (Direction Nationale),  
 +
Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme, de l’Enfant et de la Famille (MPFEF)
  
 +
'''NOTE:'''  If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]: 1) you filed a Form [[I-600A]] identifying [[Mali]] as the country where you intended to [[adopt]]; 2) you filed a Form [[I-600]]; or, 3) the [[adoption]] was completed.  Under these circumstances, your [[adopted]] child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  For more information, read about [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/how-to-adopt/hague-transition-cases.html Transition Cases].
  
*'''[[Adoption]] [[Filiation]]''' allows for [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] to be established between the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the [[adoptee]].  Under Malian law, an [[adopted]] child with a [[filiation]] decree becomes a full heir with the same rights as a biological child.  Children under the age of five whose parents are either deceased or unknown are eligible for [[Adoption]] [[Filiation]].  The prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must not have any legitimate children or descendants to qualify for [[Adoption]] [[Filiation]].  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are encouraged to use [[Adoption]] [[Filiation]], rather than [[Adoption]] Protection, to complete an intercountry [[adoption]] in Mali. 
+
==The Process==
  
 +
Because [[Mali]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] 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.  Adoptions completed out of order may not confer immigration benefits on the [[adopted]] child (i.e. it is possible the child would not qualify for an immigrant visa if [[adopted]] out of order).
  
For guidelines on [[Adoption]] [[Filiation]], please read the information below.
 
  
 +
# Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child by authorities in [[Mali]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]]
 +
# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Mali]]
 +
# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
  
The Government of Mali gives priority to Malian citizens for [[adoption]] of Malian children, but can consider applications from foreigners wishing to [[adopt]] Malian children as well.  
+
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Mali]].
  
  
'''NOTE:'''  The Malian government has not authorized any U.S. [[adoption]] service providers to provide services in Mali.
+
=Traveling Abroad=
  
 +
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
'''NOTE:'''  Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. Read about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].  
+
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Mali]]. 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 Mali]].
  
 +
 +
=After Adoption=
  
'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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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. 
  
To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Mali, 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 [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php who can adopt] under U.S. immigration law.  Additionally, a child must meet the [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 definition of Convention adoptee] under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 immigrant visa.
 
  
=Who Can Adopt=
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
In addition to the U.S. requirements, Mali obliges prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Mali:
 
  
==Residency==
+
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
There are no residency requirements for [[adoption]]. However, the Malian authorities tend to view more favorably prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are currently living in or have previously lived in Mali.
+
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for adopting Persons]
  
For a married couple, either the husband or the wife must be at least 30 years old.  An unmarried woman may [[adopt]] a Malian child if she is at least 30 years old.
 
  
==Marriage==
+
'''NOTE:'''  Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
[[Adopted]] children are generally placed with married couples.  An unmarried woman may [[adopt]] a Malian child if she is at least 30 years old and can demonstrate proof of sufficient economic resources to support the child.  Unmarried men may not [[adopt]] Malian children.
 
  
==Income==
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=Contact Information=
  
None specified.
+
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Mali]]'''
  
==Other==
+
Ambassade des USA
 +
ACI 2000
 +
Rue 243 Porte 297
 +
B.P. 34
 +
Bamako
 +
Tel:  +(223)-20-70-23-00
 +
Email:  consularbamako@state.gov
 +
Internet:  [http://mali.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Mali]
  
The prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must not have any legitimate children or descendants to qualify for [[Adoption]] [[Filiation]].
 
  
=Who Can Be Adopted=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Senegal]]'''
  
 +
U.S. Embassy
 +
Avenue Jean XXIII, angle Rue Jacques Bugnicourt - BP 49
 +
Dakar, [[Senegal]]
 +
Tel:  +(221) 33-829-2100
 +
Fax:  +(221) 33-822-5903
 +
Email:  ConsularDakar@state.gov
 +
Internet:  [http://dakar.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Senegal] 
  
=How to Adopt=
 
  
 +
'''[[Mali]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
==    Adoption Authority==
+
Direction Nationale de l’Enfant et de la Famille
 +
Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme, de l’Enfant et de la Famille
 +
B.P. 2688
 +
Bamako, [[Mali]]
 +
Email: mpfef@cefib.com
  
==The Process==
 
  
=Traveling Abroad=
+
'''Embassy of [[Mali]]'''
  
 +
Embassy of the Republic of [[Mali]]
 +
2130 R Street NW
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
 +
Tel:  (202) 332-2249
 +
Fax:  (202) 332-6603
 +
Internet:  [http://maliembassy.us Embassy of Mali]
 +
 +
 +
'''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:  AdoptionUSCA@state.gov   
 +
Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov 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: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
  
=After Adoption=
 
  
 +
For questions about filing a Form I-800A or I-800 petition:
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==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=[[mali]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 13:45, 17 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The landscape.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

High school students in Kati.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A woman and her baby.
Source: flickr.com.

A mosque.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Family in a carriage in the village Bouwéré.
Source: flickr.com.

Children playing soccer, Dogon region.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Bozo girl in Bamako.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

People gathered on a Bamako hillside..
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 Mali

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 by a military coup that ushered in a period of democratic rule. President Alpha KONARE won Mali's first two democratic presidential elections in 1992 and 1997. To learn more please read About Mali.


Mali Adoption Alert

There have been numerous adoption alerts for Mali. To learn more please read the Mali Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Mali is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Mali. To learn more please read Mali and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, Mali obliges prospective adoptive parents to meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Mali. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Mali.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

WARNING: Mali is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Mali before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.

Adoption Authority

Mali’s Adoption Authority

Direction Nationale de l’Enfant et de la Famille (Direction Nationale), Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme, de l’Enfant et de la Famille (MPFEF)

NOTE: If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption: 1) you filed a Form I-600A identifying Mali as the country where you intended to adopt; 2) you filed a Form I-600; or, 3) the adoption was completed. Under these circumstances, your adopted child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. For more information, read about Transition Cases.

The Process

Because Mali is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, prospective adoptive parents 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. Adoptions completed out of order may not confer immigration benefits on the adopted child (i.e. it is possible the child would not qualify for an immigrant visa if adopted out of order).


  1. Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
  2. Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child by authorities in Mali
  4. Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the adoption
  5. Adopt the child in Mali
  6. Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Mali. 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 Mali.


After Adoption

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 Mali

Ambassade des USA ACI 2000 Rue 243 Porte 297 B.P. 34 Bamako Tel: +(223)-20-70-23-00 Email: consularbamako@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Mali


U.S. Embassy in Senegal

U.S. Embassy Avenue Jean XXIII, angle Rue Jacques Bugnicourt - BP 49 Dakar, Senegal Tel: +(221) 33-829-2100 Fax: +(221) 33-822-5903 Email: ConsularDakar@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Senegal


Mali’s Adoption Authority

Direction Nationale de l’Enfant et de la Famille Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme, de l’Enfant et de la Famille B.P. 2688 Bamako, Mali Email: mpfef@cefib.com


Embassy of Mali

Embassy of the Republic of Mali 2130 R Street NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 332-2249 Fax: (202) 332-6603 Internet: Embassy of Mali


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: AdoptionUSCA@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-800A or I-800 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=mali