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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Mozambique"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mz-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/mz-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/mz-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/mz-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/afr/mz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/mz_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5281/5244564847_69ee7ca50a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Household women and girls take lunch of boiled sorghum in northern Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5281/5244564847_69ee7ca50a.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Household women and girls take lunch of boiled sorghum.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Gurue_Mount_Murresse.jpg/800px-Gurue_Mount_Murresse.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Murresse in Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Gurue_Mount_Murresse.jpg/800px-Gurue_Mount_Murresse.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Murress.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Mozambique_classroom.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A boy in his classroom, Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Mozambique_classroom.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A boy in his classroom.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3004/3912235854_5ca64f24de.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A fishing boat in Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/2010-10-18_10-55-00_Mozambique_Maputo_Macamo.jpg/800px-2010-10-18_10-55-00_Mozambique_Maputo_Macamo.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of capital city Maputo.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/2010-10-18_10-55-00_Mozambique_Maputo_Macamo.jpg/800px-2010-10-18_10-55-00_Mozambique_Maputo_Macamo.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of capital city Maputo, Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Mozambique025.jpg/800px-Mozambique025.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A family in Nampula.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Mozambique025.jpg/800px-Mozambique025.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A family in Nampula, Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Mozambique022.jpg/400px-Mozambique022.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Makhuwa children in Nampula.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Mozambique022.jpg/400px-Mozambique022.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Makhuwa children in Nampula, Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Quilimane.jpg/421px-Quilimane.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The old cathedral of Quelimane.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Quilimane.jpg/421px-Quilimane.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The old cathedral of Quelimane, Mozambique.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4052/5168029295_0f8dfc83a7.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Mozambique children.'''<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]].'''
 +
 
 +
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 Mozambique=
 +
 
 +
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on [[South Africa]], a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of [[Mozambique]] (Frelimo) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. To learn more please read [[About Mozambique]].
  
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Mozambique is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(the [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 [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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[[Mozambique]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]](the [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). To learn more please read about [[Mozambique and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be legal residents of Mozambique and must be present in the country for the duration of the adoption process. This includes a six month integration period after a prospective adoptive child is placed in the home, and before the adoption can be finalized by the court.  (Visit the Embassy of Mozambique website for current visa information.)  Additionally, married prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be married for three years prior to the initiation of the adoption process.  The marriage can be civil, religious, or traditional, as long as it is registered.  Civil marriages are registered with the civil registrar.  Religious marriages are registered with the office of the religious denomination chosen by the given couple.  This is done by having the community leader, married couple, and their witnesses sign a declaration and taking it to the relevant district office.  Traditional marriages require the presence of the community leader and at least two witnesses.  This is done by presenting witnesses to the appropriate district official.  In cases in which the marriage took place at least three years prior to the initiation of the adoption, but was not registered, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may invoke common law.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Mozambique]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Mozambique]].
 +
  
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The Government of Mozambique requires post-adoption monitoring until the child reaches 21 years of age.  This requirement may be waived at the judge’s discretion.  However, the courts may not grant an adoption if the child will be immediately taken out of Mozambique.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Mozambique]] 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 Mozambique]].
  
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Changes to Mozambique’s intercountry adoption laws are under consideration by Unidade Technica da Reforma Legal (UTREL), which drafts and proposes laws for the Government of Mozambique.  To date, no substantial amendments have been made to the existing laws.  Mozambican law does not make a distinction between intercountry and [[Domestic Adoption|domestic adoption]].  This may mean that foreigners will be expected to meet the same pre- and post-adoption monitoring requirements as Mozambican families, which may become an obstacle if the court decides the child cannot be monitored outside of Mozambique.
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''[[Mozambique]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Mozambique, 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.
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Social Services National Directorate (Direcção Nacional da Acçao Social)  
  
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php definition of orphan] under U.S. law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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==The Process==
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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The process for adopting a child from [[Mozambique]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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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 Mozambique:
 
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==Residency==
 
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be legal residents of Mozambique and must be physically present in Mozambique for the duration of the adoption process, including a six-month integration period after a prospective adoptive child is placed in the home and before the adoption can be finalized by the court.
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child
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# [[Adopt]] the child in [[Mozambique]]
 +
# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
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# Bring your child home
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Mozambique]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be over 25 years of age and less than 50 on the date the child is entrusted to them, unless the child is the biological son or daughter of one of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be married for three years prior to the initiation of the adoption process. Single people are not eligible to [[adopt]].  The Government of Mozambique does not legally permit same-sex couples to [[adopt]].
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Income==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Mozambique]]. 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 Mozambique]].
  
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None.
 
  
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==Other==
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=After Adoption=
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must undergo a home study evaluation by Mozambican social and health workers from the country’s child welfare office and must be certified approved for adoption.
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The Government of [[Mozambique]] requires post-[[adoption]] monitoring until the child reaches 21 years of age. This requirement may be waived by the [[Juvenile]] court.  However, the courts may not grant an [[adoption]] if the child will be immediately taken out of [[Mozambique]].
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
 +
We strongly urge you to comply with [[Mozambique]]’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 American parents.
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
 +
'''[[Post-Adoption Resources]]'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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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.
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Mozambique. 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 [https://pptform.state.gov/ 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.
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
  
 +
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you 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 attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Mozambique, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 
  
 +
'''NOTE:'''  Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html 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.
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=Contact Information=
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Mozambique]]'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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U.S. Embassy
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Consular Section
 +
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda 193
 +
Maputo, [[Mozambique]]
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Tel:  (258) 21 49 2797
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Fax:  (258) 21 49 0448
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Email:  ConsularMaputo@state.gov
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Internet:  maputo.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Mozambique
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Mozambique, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
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=After Adoption=
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'''[[Mozambique]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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 +
[[Adoption]] information may be requested from this office by postal mail, [[international]] courier or phone using the following contact information
 +
Direcção Nacional de Acção Social
 +
Departamento da Crianca (Social Services National Directorate, Children’s Department)
 +
Av. Ahmed  Sékou Touré 908,
 +
Tel:  +258 21 350300/301 064
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Ms. Francisca Sales is the Director of the Social Services National Directorate at the federal level.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Embassy of [[Mozambique]]'''
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 +
Embassy of the Republic of [[Mozambique]]
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1525 [[New Hampshire]] Avenue, N.W.
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Suite 570
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[[Washington]], D.C.  20036
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Tel:  (202) 293-7146
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Email:  embamoc@aol.com
 +
 
 +
 
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
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 +
U.S. Department of State 
 +
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:  adoption.state.gov
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 +
 
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'''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.gov 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==
 
==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=mozambique
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:38, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Household women and girls take lunch of boiled sorghum.
Source: flickr.com.

Mount Murress.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A boy in his classroom.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

View of capital city Maputo.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A family in Nampula.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Makhuwa children in Nampula.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The old cathedral of Quelimane.
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 Mozambique

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid 1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. To learn more please read About Mozambique.


Hague Convention Information

Mozambique is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(the Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Mozambique 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 Mozambique. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Mozambique.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Mozambique’s Adoption Authority

Social Services National Directorate (Direcção Nacional da Acçao Social)


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Mozambique 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. Adopt the child in Mozambique
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

The Government of Mozambique requires post-adoption monitoring until the child reaches 21 years of age. This requirement may be waived by the Juvenile court. However, the courts may not grant an adoption if the child will be immediately taken out of Mozambique.


We strongly urge you to comply with Mozambique’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 American 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 Mozambique

U.S. Embassy Consular Section Avenida Kenneth Kaunda 193 Maputo, Mozambique Tel: (258) 21 49 2797 Fax: (258) 21 49 0448 Email: ConsularMaputo@state.gov Internet: maputo.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Mozambique


Mozambique’s Adoption Authority

Adoption information may be requested from this office by postal mail, international courier or phone using the following contact information Direcção Nacional de Acção Social Departamento da Crianca (Social Services National Directorate, Children’s Department) Av. Ahmed Sékou Touré 908, Tel: +258 21 350300/301 064 Ms. Francisca Sales is the Director of the Social Services National Directorate at the federal level.


Embassy of Mozambique

Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Suite 570 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 293-7146 Email: embamoc@aol.com


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: adoption.state.gov


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.gov 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=mozambique