Note: ICF provides adoption home studies and post adoption services for all countries. ICF does not have an adoption placing program in Haiti at this time, due to concerns about orphan status and government infrastructure post-earthquake. However, we are investigating the possibility of providing adoption services for Haiti later in 2012. We look forward to helping families with home studies for Haiti.
Overview
Haiti is a beautiful island country located in the Caribbean, east of Cuba. It shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It is considered the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, with over 85% of the adult population unemployed. Most are of African descent.
International Child Foundation has not worked with Haiti adoption since the earthquake, as the status of orphans and the government infrastucture are serious concerns.
Traqditionally, adoption from Haiti is a lengthy bureaucratic process. The differences between the programs are minor but distinctive. Families are welcome to visit their child or volunteer at the orphanage. Donations of formula, diapers and medical supplies are always needed.
About Haiti… The Taino Amerindians were the residents of the island when it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Over 25 years, the indigenous population was virtually extinguished. In the early 17th century, the French arrived, and in 1697, Spain ceded the western third of the island to France, and this portion later was renamed Haiti.
The French colony relied on harvesting lumber and growing sugar cane, through the importation of African slaves, and became one of the wealthiest colonies in the Caribbean. Environmental degradation was rampant and widespread, however, so by the time Haiti’s half million slaves revolted, the island was nearly a wasteland, and the population relied largely on scanty subsistence farming.
In 1804, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence. The auspiciousness of independence has been marred by poverty, political violence, deforestation and natural disasters. The UN has assisted with sponsoring democratic elections, and Haiti inaugurated a democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. Haiti remains, however, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty. Due to this, there are many beautiful children relinquished for adoption.
Family Eligibility to Adopt
Married couples and single women may adopt. If married, one parent must be between 35-50 and the other age 30-50 and married ten years. The ten year requirement may be reduced with new legislation in Haiti, but that has not been codified as yet. Some variances from the 1974 adoption regulations can be exempted by the President of Haiti but that adds time to the length of adoption processing and there is no guarantee of waiver as decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Single women must be between ages 35-50. Adoptive parents are asked to provide a reference letter from clergy as Haiti prefers that children be brought up in Christian households.
Under Haiti law, parents can adopt more than one child at a time, if their home study recommendation indicates that they have the capacity to do so. However, ICF recommends that families only adopt one child at a time, unless siblings, in most circumstances, because each child needs maximum support and attention during their transition to a new family, home and country.
Children referred for Adoption
Haitian children have dark skin, black hair and dark eyes. Families may look toward adopting infants or toddlers or older children or a sibling group, and special needs children.
While all adopted children are “special needs” from a psychological perspective, when determining whether a child falls into a special needs category, foreign countries are evaluating physical conditions requiring surgery.
The Process
Most families complete their home study and prepare their dossier in 2 to 3 months. Parents specify the criteria the orphanage will use in making a referral of a child. The orphanage sends photos, medical information and the child’s story to the agency. Families are asked to give the referral careful consideration. If they accept the referral, they are asked to sign an acceptance letter. If they decline, another referral will be made within approximately 2-3 months.
ICF provides complete instructions with respect to the dossier document requirements and will advise your home study social worker as to the composition of a home study for Haiti adoption.
Once prospective parents have their dossier submitted to Haiti, it takes a minimum of 12 months to complete the adoption; approvals can take over two years, when there are Haitian administrative changes or natural catastrophes.
The adoption is finalized before the parents travel. If you choose to travel to Haiti to visit with your child before the adoption is finalized, your child will come to the US on an IR-3 Visa, which confers automatic citizenship. If you meet your child after the adoption is final, your child will come home on an IR-4 Visa, which requires that you apply for your child’s citizenship after your child is home in the US.
Parents are not required to travel to Haiti to complete the adoption; however, we suggest that both parents travel if possible, as it provides a special bonding time with your child. Most parents consider their travel to Haiti a unique and culturally enriching experience and try to take as much home with them as possible.
Special Note regarding Medical Information: Many people express concern about the possibility of their child having AIDS or being HIV positive. The best lab in Haiti carefully screens each child before they are accepted into the orphanage. The children are screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases. Any child that does not pass the screening is not accepted into the orphanage.
Adoptions take many months. Fees are subject to change. Call us with questions. We are here to help.
