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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Zimbabwe"

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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg/800px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg/800px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/zi-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/zi-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/zi_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/zi_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Coat_of_Arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg/380px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Coat_of_Arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg/380px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Curled_trunk.jpg/800px-Curled_trunk.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Male elephant at water hole in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Curled_trunk.jpg/800px-Curled_trunk.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Male elephant at water hole in Hwange National Park'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4034/4596050707_097894ac5c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Village in Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4034/4596050707_097894ac5c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Shona_witch_doctor_%28Zimbabwe%29.jpg/410px-Shona_witch_doctor_%28Zimbabwe%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Witch doctor of the Shona people close to Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Shona_witch_doctor_%28Zimbabwe%29.jpg/410px-Shona_witch_doctor_%28Zimbabwe%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Witch doctor of the Shona people'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1307/781572043_26a046eb09.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Women_and_children_at_a_borehole.jpg/800px-Women_and_children_at_a_borehole.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Norton'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Women_and_children_at_a_borehole.jpg/800px-Women_and_children_at_a_borehole.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Norton, Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Conical_tower.jpg/800px-Conical_tower.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Conical tower'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Conical_tower.jpg/800px-Conical_tower.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Conical tower at Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
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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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Zimbabwe is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the 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).
 
  
 +
=About Zimbabwe=
  
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'''Intercountry adoption in Zimbabwe is rare.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be prepared to face significant bureaucratic hurdles and delays when attempting to [[adopt]] in Zimbabwe.'''
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The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] [[South Africa]] Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). To learn more please read [[About Zimbabwe]].
  
  
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Zimbabwe’s adoption authority, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, prefers to place Zimbabwean children with parents of the same race.  The Minister of Labour and Social Services must approve all interracial adoptions.  In addition, the Zimbabwean government discourages intercountry adoptions and may make additional demands before finalizing an adoption for parents who are not citizens of Zimbabwe.  Some of these additional demands include counseling for the prospective adoptive child and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], and requiring prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to submit a completed home study report which includes visits by a Zimbabwean [[Social Worker|social worker]] to their place of residence.  The home study that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submit to USCIS with their Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] normally suffices.
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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[[Zimbabwe]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (the 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 [[Zimbabwe and the Hague Convention]].
  
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'''NOTE:'''  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] not living in Zimbabwe must obtain a residency waiver from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare before their adoption application is approved.
 
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Adoptions where the birth parent(s) relinquish a child directly to the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are referred to as “nominated” or “directed” adoptions.  Nominated or directed adoption is legal in Zimbabwe.  However, this type of adoption may not meet the guidelines for immigration to the United States.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] involved in nominated or directed adoption should contact the U.S. Embassy in Harare before formalizing an adoption agreement to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed that will make it possible for the Embassy to issue a U.S. immigrant visa to the [[adopted]] child.
 
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Zimbabwe, you must meet 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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Additionally, a child must meet the 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.
 
  
 
=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 Zimbabwe:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Zimbabwe]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Zimbabwe]].
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be either citizens or legal residents of Zimbabwe.  If the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] do not live in Zimbabwe, they must request a waiver of the residency requirement from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
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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, [[Zimbabwe]] 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 Zimbabwe]].
  
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Married prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 25 years older than the prospective adoptive child.  Single women must be at least 21 years older.  There are no other age restrictions for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].  Please note, however, that an unmarried U.S. citizen must be at least 25 years of age when the Form [[I-600]] Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative is filed.  If the unmarried U.S. citizen was not 25 years of age at the time of the actual adoption, the unmarried U.S. citizen must wait until his or her 25th birthday to file the petition.  Form [[I-600]] filing instructions.
 
  
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==Marriage==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] adopting as a couple must be married.  The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare must approve any exception to this requirement.  With approval, single women may [[adopt]] any child eligible for adoption, but single men may only [[adopt]] family members.
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Income:  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must prove financial stability.
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==Income==
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'''[[Zimbabwe]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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None.
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Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare
  
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==Other==
 
  
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Adoption by gay, lesbian, or same-sex couples is not permitted.  The approval of the Minister of Social Welfare is required for all interracial adoptions.  All prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must have a clean criminal record.
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==The Process==
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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The process for adopting a child from [[Zimbabwe]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Zimbabwe has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption:
 
  
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1.Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
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2.Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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3.Be matched with a child
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4.Adopt the child in [[Zimbabwe]]
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5.Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
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6.Bring your child home
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]]:'''  Written consent to the adoption must be provided by each of the prospective adoptive child’s birth parents, who is living and can be located.  The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare determines whether a child is eligible for adoption.
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Zimbabwe]].
  
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'''[[Abandonment]]:'''  A child whose birth parents are deceased, or who was abandoned, is available for adoption at the determination of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.  Death certificates are normally required in cases where the birth parents are deceased, to demonstrate the child’s orphan status.  If the child was abandoned, evidence of [[abandonment]] may be required.
 
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:'''  The prospective child must be under 18 years of age.  A waiver from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare is required for children over the age of 18.  Please note that in order for a child to meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law, a Form [[I-600]] petition must be filed while the child is under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 if [[adopted]] or to be [[adopted]] together with a natural sibling under the age of 16).
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:''' None.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' Zimbabwean law does not require [[disclosure]] of a child’s HIV status.
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Zimbabwe]]. 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 Zimbabwe]].
  
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'''Waiting Period or Foster Care:'''  The waiting period is normally a minimum of six months.
 
  
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'''Caution:'''  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
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=After Adoption=
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Zimbabwe. 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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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 
  
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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 Zimbabwe, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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=Contact Information=
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Zimbabwe]]'''
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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American Embassy
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172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue
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Harare, [[Zimbabwe]]
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Tel:  263-4-250593/4
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Fax:  263- 4-250343
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Email:  consularharare@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://harare.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe]
  
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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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'''[[Zimbabwe]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
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Harare Central District
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Social Welfare Office
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P.O. Box CY 562
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Causeway
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Bulawayo:  +236-9-465-567
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Gweru:  +263-54-225-526/223-037/226-742
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Masvingo:  +263-39-263-476/263-478
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Mutare :  +263-20-64-416/60-805
  
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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 Zimbabwe, 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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'''Embassy of [[Zimbabwe]]'''
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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1608 [[New Hampshire]] Ave., N.W.
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[[Washington]] D.C.  20009
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Tel:  (202) 332-7100, (301) 263-9826
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Email:  info33@zimbabwe-embassy.us
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Internet:  [http://zimbabwe-embassy.us/ Embassy of Zimbabwe]
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
 
  
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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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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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
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==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=zimbabwe
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:29, 24 February 2018

The official flag
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Male elephant at water hole in Hwange National Park
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Witch doctor of the Shona people
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Norton
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Conical tower
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 Zimbabwe

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South Africa Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country (then called Rhodesia). To learn more please read About Zimbabwe.


Hague Convention Information

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


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Zimbabwe’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe

American Embassy 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: 263-4-250593/4 Fax: 263- 4-250343 Email: consularharare@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe


Zimbabwe’s Adoption Authority

Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Harare Central District Social Welfare Office P.O. Box CY 562 Causeway Bulawayo: +236-9-465-567 Gweru: +263-54-225-526/223-037/226-742 Masvingo: +263-39-263-476/263-478 Mutare : +263-20-64-416/60-805


Embassy of Zimbabwe

1608 New Hampshire Ave., N.W. Washington D.C. 20009 Tel: (202) 332-7100, (301) 263-9826 Email: info33@zimbabwe-embassy.us Internet: Embassy of Zimbabwe


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 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)


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=zimbabwe