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| Overview |
There is likely no other country in the Western Hemisphere where the need for assistance to orphans and vulnerable children is more obvious. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Although the need is great, the process can be very long to adopt from Haiti. The main reason for the long wait to adopt from Haiti is that the Haitian-government agency in charge of processing adoptions is highly influenced by UNICEF. UNICEF has a world-wide policy and political agenda that in theory sounds good, "International adoption as a last resort. Keep children in their cultures and countries." In reality this policy keeps tens of thousands of children institutionalized in Haiti (and a growing number of countries due to the political influence of UNICEF) for their entire childhoods. Many die of curable illnesses, many simply emotionally give up. The timeline to adopt is controlled by the Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches (IBESR), the Haitian Adoption Authority, Haitian Civil Courts, other Haitian government offices and are subject to change. The children in Haiti need families willing to commit to the process. They are, most definitely, worth the wait!
Children Available:
Children are age 2 years and older at placement. There are many sibling groups available.
Parent Qualifications:
There are no ‘government’ orphanages in Haiti. The children who are cared for in orphanages are done so by humanitarian or religious groups. Single women and couples may adopt from Haiti. Couples must be married for 10 years.** Families with few or no children are preferred. Prefer parents over the age of 35 years**. **Waivers are frequently given to families for marriage and age requirements.
Travel:
You will travel to Haiti at least twice. Your first trip to Haiti will be to file your I-600 at the USCIS of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince to facilitate the adoption process, visit your child, and present to the court. Your first trip will last approximately three to five days. The staff will arrange your local travel, accommodations and visit to the orphanage/crèche. Your second trip will be to complete your adoption and bring your child home. We will provide you with the needed travel training. Your second Haiti trip will last approximately one to three days (one to two days in Florida and one day in Haiti).
Timeline:
Though it may be shorter, the average adoption from Haiti takes between 24-36 months to complete.
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| To contact all agencies placing children from Haiti with just one form, click here |
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