Adoption Haiti - What Will Happen next?

Prior to the earthquake in Haiti that country had many orphans, estimated by various sources as between 50,000 and 380,000. Since the tragedy in January the number has increased, but no one knows yet by how many thousands. The CBC estimates there are currently in excess of 400,000 orphans in Haiti. The state of child welfare was perilous before the earthquake, with a 10% mortality rate in children under age 4 and an estimated 7% enslaved. Things are worse now. The need for permanent families for children with no options left in Haiti is great.

Adoption agencies around the world have been inundated with requests to adopt the orphaned children of Haiti. These include families who have never thought of adopting before, families who have been considering adoption for a while, and many who have home studies ready and are waiting for a child.

At the time of the earthquake there were 3 groups of orphans:

1. Orphans living in orphanages who were in the process of being adopted by a family in Canada, the USA, Holland, France or other countries. The paperwork in these adoptions had reached a sufficient point that the governments of the receiving and sending country were satisfied that the adoption had been or would be approved. These children have been able to leave Haiti for their adoptive families overseas, and then only by a personal signature of the President of Haiti on each file. Governments of overseas countries, U.S. adoption agencies or the U.S. Military have flown the children to their new families and new countries;

2. Orphans identified as eligible for adoption, perhaps matched and waiting for an adoptive family, but where the paperwork had not proceeded past the preliminary stages; or

3. Orphans not matched with any adoptive parents or extended family members

The Minister of Immigration and the Government of Canada should be recognized for stepping up to the plate and bringing many children to a safe place and new life. Adopting parents sometimes feel as if they are treated like second-class citizens. That did not happen here. Their interests and those of the children were of the highest government priority. Now that this group of children has left from Haiti, adoptions have mostly stopped. The question is what will happen next?

The sight of planeloads of children flying off to their various countries around the world has contributed to some backlash against international adoption. When American Baptist missionaries were caught trying to take a busload of Haitian children into the Dominican Republic it added concerns about child trafficking. There are several valid reasons for suspending adoptions after an upheaval such as war or natural disaster. It may take some time for family members to become reunited. For example after the Tsunami in Malaysia in 2004 it is believed that no children were adopted internationally despite widespread desire to help from developed countries. For a discussion of the broader concerns about adopting from disaster-affected areas click here.

Now that new Haitian adoptions have been largely stopped, the country's infrastructure has been demolished, and the ongoing adoption files administered out of a tent, it provides a unique opportunity for everyone involved to assess the Haitian adoption process and decide what should happen next.

A. CURRENT SITUATION
As of June 2010 this is the current situation in Haiti adoptions. (This information will be updated as it evolves)

a) IBESR (The Haiti Social Services Department.) This organization is responsible for social services throughout the country. It currently has 50 employees, a few computers and is operating out of tents. The adoption files are still in the damaged headquarters building. Most of their work relates to pre-earthquake files.

b) Resumed Old Process IBESR has announced that it will review new dossiers submitted post-earthquake. (The U.S. Embassy however has not yet received a new post-quake application.) These adoptions are proceeding under the old 1974 adoption laws. This process had its problems including uncertainty about time frames and process. The process was different from many other countries in the world in that adopting parents were proposed children near the start of the process and then spent years waiting for the approval process in Haiti to unfold.

The usual length of time from dossier submission to completion of the process is two years, however some take from three to five years. Many parents visited the children on one or many occasions over the years. It is questionable whether this system was in the child's best interest, as any lengthy delay for a child to join a family puts the child at risk of bad things happening to him or her.

c) Suspension of New Haiti Adoptions
Several countries have suspended any new post-quake adoptions from Haiti. These include France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. The USA does not intend to suspend adoptions from Haiti. In Canada the situation is more complex. The Canadian Hague Central Authority (HDRC) is seeking information from Haiti to determine whether the adoption process meets acceptable standards to protect children. In the meantime it appears that individual provinces may take action on their own, based on information available to them. The Province of Quebec has suspended adoptions from Haiti. The Province of British Columbia has suspended new, post-quake adoptions. Other Canadian provinces may introduce their own temporary halt to Haitian adoptions in the near future.

d) Orphanages.
Before the quake, Haiti had 184 licensed children's homes and an unknown number of unlicensed ones. This number includes 67 cr?ches which are orphanages specifically licensed to complete adoptions. At this point very little aid has made its way to the orphanages and many are in desperate straits.

B. THE FUTURE

a) The Registries
There are over 3,000 NGO's working in Haiti. Several of them have decided to create registries to try and bring understanding and order to the chaotic children's welfare procedures. These include:

(i) The Registry for Institutionalized Children The goals of this registry are to record the children's existence, for child protection, for case management, for domestic adoption and the health and education of the children.

(ii)The Birth Registry System The OAS has been requested to create a system to record all new births in the country

(iii) Separated Children Registry This has been created by UNICEF to record children separated from their
parents (but not their extended family) by the earthquake. So far 1575 children have been registered and 250 of them reunited with their family.

(iv) Registry of Orphanages No one really knows how many orphanages there are, where they are or what their situation is.

b) New Haitian Adoption Law

A new adoption law has been developed over many years. It was finally passed on May 7, 2010 by the Chamber of Deputies, however it was not passed by the Senate. When the government will finally pass a new adoption law is not clear, but presumably it is coming unless there is internal opposition to it.

c) The Hague Adoption Convention
Almost all of the countries which adopt Haitian children, belong to The Hague Adoption Convention. If Haiti also joins the HAC, then most adoptions (perhaps all) would be required to follow the standardized Hague Convention process of adoption. The U.S. State Department may be influential in this decision. Since joining The Hague Adoption Convention, the U.S. has shown that it intends to make an impact on how adoptions are conducted worldwide. Since Haitian adoptions have largely stopped, expect several countries to offer Haiti advice on how to set up a Hague compliant adoption program. The result could be that no new adoptions will be permitted until Haiti joins the Hague Adoption Convention. (Although as stated above Haiti has announced that it is open to receiving new applications).

Conclusion
With international aid and the world's focus on assisting Haiti to become a more stable country, efforts will likely be made to improve social services and focus on domestic adoptions. As the old saying goes "Prediction is difficult especially when it involves the future". It is possible however that Haiti may not be able to commence post-quake adoptions. Several NGOs, which are against international adoption, would like this to be the result. More likely there will be increasing voices calling for Haiti to join the Hague Adoption Convention.

We can only hope that the participants around the world involved in Haitian adoptions truly think about what is best for these extremely vulnerable children.

Douglas Chalke has been actively involved in adoption for the past twenty-three years. A practising lawyer, he has lectured and written on issues in adoption and for many years was actively involved in proposals for adoption reform. Mr. Chalke has developed standards of practice in adoption and is widely known as a leader in the adoption field. Mr. Chalke has provided advice and counselling to birth mothers, birth fathers, adopting parents, social workers, and to lawyers in several hundred adoptions.

Since 1983, Mr. Chalke has operated and managed a law firm in Vancouver. This firm has been involved in all aspects of family issues and specializes in the fields of adoption and the resolution of disputes by mediation. Mr. Chalke is 62 years of age and has been the Executive Director of Sunrise Family Services Society (a British Columbia government licensed adoption agency) since its inception twelve years ago. Mr. Chalke has considerable experience with international adoption and has visited orphanages and government ministries across the world. Mr. Chalke is an administrator with many years experience assisting children to find homes in Canada, and in assessing, educating and approving the families who are going to provide those homes

Adoption home study

Adoption, the most important requirements of prospective adoptive parents for approval are home study. When prospective adoptive parents suggest what approval method used, are expected to complete a home study. Home study is obviously the first step in the decision-making process. What is a study of household decision-making? It's assessment of skills and talents of prospective adoptive parents. Adoption is not complete without home study. While possible adoptive son may decide to begin the search of an adoptive child to the study of the House, but adoption will not approved until that potential adoptive family complete home study.

Many of the prospective adoptive parents are very stressful adoption home study. This is due to that their lives are discussed thoroughly all about prospective adoptive parents is investigated.Potential parents during this time they feel as if you are being invaded their homes and their lives are activated imply and mouth abajo.Sin however when prospective adoptive parents Gets the proper home study and realize how imperative is to have more knowledge about adoption, become so happy and don't feel reluctant to comply with the study of the House in order to prepare for approval Protocol.

A practitioner licensed adoption or a social worker carries out this adoption home study. Its main job is to get prospective adoptive parents to meet all levels of adoption and make them aware of the challenges that are connected to the adoptive parenting. A study of household decision-making, the practitioner adoption will visit the prospective adoptive parents house where he carried out a series of interviews.Depending on the nature of the visit, an interview could take from one to three horas.La most questions in the interview depends on type of adoption are chosen for the adoptive parents. For example, if a couple decides to take on the public system, their discussions would be different a couple that you choose adoption by foreigners.

The approval method chosen will also determine the cost of adoption home study. If the father of the possible adoption decides to go through the public adoption, it is very easy for themselves; This is because there is usually no payment. However, the average cost of an adoption home study is about $1000 to $1400. There are also requirements that must be met by prospective adoptive parents during the House robust. They must provide an autobiographical statement, which may be presented already be oral or written. Prospective adoptive parents must pass through a medical examination and to provide a medical report from your doctor.Criminal history is important in a study of household adoption. the future parents adequately examined with respect to any criminal activity in its past.The police on criminal record must turn them off.A study of household decision-making also requires the adoptive parents provide at least four letters of reference.

No matter how boring or long may seem a study of household adoption, adoptive parents has which take into account, this process serves to help them with their approval. the practitioner adoption is also available to help people with the decision-making process while its presence in the home can seem daunting, it is imperative that prospective parents will realize that she is there to help pave the way for his adopted son.

My name is Ikenna Uchegbu recognised authorities in the issue of adoption. Please if you read my articles and helps you solve your problem consider visiting my site http://www.freeadoptiontips.com to view more articles

Adoption of a child in Thailand

What is an adoption?

"Adoption is the act of legally placing a child with a parent or parents other than those to whom they were born. An adoption order has the effect of severing parental responsibilities and rights of the original parent(s) and transferring those responsibilities and rights to the adoptive parent(s)."

How to apply for adoption of a Thai child?

Foreigner who has domicile outside Thailand can submit the application through authorized agency or the Competent Authority to DSDW or the non-governmental child welfare agencies.

Foreigner who has domicile inside Thailand and proof of residency and house registration can submit the application where the domicile is. The person who has domicile in Bangkok can submit the application at Child Adoption Center. The person who has domicile outside Bangkok can submit the application at the Department of Social Development and Welfare of each province.

Foreigner who has temporary domicile inside Thailand and work permit from Labor Department of Ministry of Labor and reside at least 6 months in Thailand before filing the application can submit the application with the required document which certify with embassy or consular in Thailand.

 Adoptive Applicant

Applicant contacts through the competent social welfare authority in their country such as the governmental organization which is responsible for Social Welfare (Competent Authority) or the non-governmental Child Welfare Organization which is licensed by their Government to handle the matter as following;

1. A Home Study Report should concern about living and family and photos of interior and exterior of house.

2. A statement of approval made by the Competent Authority or the responsible authority as the case may be, confirming that the applicants are qualified for adoption and are in all respects suitable to be the adoptive parents.

3. A statement made by the Competent Authority agreeing to supervise the pre-adoption placement of a child in case such placement is granted to the applicants and to provide three bi-monthly progress reports to DSDW. The pre-adoption placement period is a probationary period of not less than six months.

4. Your application form for Child Adoption

5. Copy of passport or related document. Residency certificate.

6. Copy of Marriage certificate ( In case that there is a previous marriage, please attach divorce certificate, Marriage certificate is more than six months)

7. Medical certificate verifying good physical health and mental stability indication.

8. Document certifying occupation and income.

9. Document certifying current financial status (dating back not more than six months)

10. Document certifying asset

11. Four photographs of the applicant and spouse (if any) size 4.5 x 6 cm, applicants' children and the home area (photograph taken dating back not over than six months).

12. Copy of Law, regulation or document form relevant authorities of the country of domicile or residence of the applicant certifying the eligibility of the applicant to adopt a child.

13. Copy of Law, regulation or document from relevant authorities of the country of domicile or residence of the applicant certifying the eligibility of an adopted child to enter into such country. The prospective parents should check with their immigration authority of a child's entry visa before applying.

14. Letter of consent for adoption from the applicants' spouse or a approval order of the court in lieu of the spouse's consent (if any)

15. Copy of work permit of alien and employment contract.

16. References certifying the suitability of the applicants for adoption from at least two persons.

17. Criminal Record (from the country of domicile AND residence)

18. Confirmation from the Competent Authority or concerned authority that after the adoption is finalized under the Thai Law, it will also be legalized under the concerned Law of the applicants' country when due.

All required documents from no.5 -14 have to be certified by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in that particular country.Documents which are not in English language must be attached with English or Thai translations and be translated and certified by the authorized translator.In case the applicant resides in the country other than a country of domicile, document certifying such residency and period of not less than six months for taking care of the child before adoption.

The Parents of Adopted Child

They must give the following documents:

1. Identification of parents of child. 2. House Registration 3. Marriage Certificate. 4. Divorce Certificate and divorce agreement concerning child custody or court order. 5. In case that father and mother of child are not legally married and unable to find the father, the authority officer will interview the mother with 2 witnesses at the child adoption center and certify that:

5.1 The father and the mother of child haven't registered their marriage. 5.2 The father hasn't registered the child and separated. 5.3 No judgment concerning that the father is legal parent. 5.4 Not be able to find the father of child to sign the consent.

6. Letter of consent of authorized person 7. Letter of consent of father 8. Four photographs of the father, the mother and the child size 4.5 x 6 cm, and family 9. Other relevant document such as death certificate, name change certificate etc.

Adopted Child

1. Birth Certificate of adopted child

2. House Registration

3. Four photographs of the adopted child size 4.5 x 6 cm

4. Letter of Consent of the adopted child

5. Other relevant document.

Procedure in Thailand:

1. When all required document are received, they will be submitted to the Child Adoption Board which will review all qualification of adoptive parents.

2. The authority officer will submit the evaluation to the Board and informed to the applicants through Competent Authority whether or not they are approved as prospective adoption parents.

3. In case the adoption application is processed through the Authorized Agencies, DSDW is entitled to review and investigate the background of the child to be adopted in order to be confirmed that the child is legally available for Inter-Country adoption.

4. In case the prospective parents accept the child the case will be further submitted to the Child Adoption Board and the Director General of the DSDW for approval of pre-adoption placement either in Thailand or aboard. In case the prospective adoptive parents living aboard, he case will be accordingly submitted to the Minister of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for a permission to take the child out of Thailand.

5. When the pre-adoption placement is approved, an appointment is made by DSDW for the prospective parents to be interviewed by the Child Adoption Board and issue document for the child's travel. The prospective parents will have at least 6 months to the probation of child.

6. After six months probation, 3 home study reports are satisfied. The authority officer will submit summary report to Child Adoption Board for approval.

7. DSDW will notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affair about the matter. The prospective parents may register their adoption at Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate. In case that the prospective parent resides in Thailand, they may register adoption at district office.

Ministry of Foreign Affair will send a set of adoption application to DSDW to confirm that this case has completed.

The basic criteria for prospective adoptive parent(s) are:

Being legally qualified to adopt a child under the law of your home country:

Applicant is over 25 years of age. Be at least 15 years older than the child to be adopted. The adopted child is over than 15 years must consent. In case that the adopted child is minor, it must- consent of both parents. In case that either mother or father passes away, one has to consent. In case that there is no consent person, the legal representative or prosecutor asks the court's permission. The consent of spouse.

Thailand is part and ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force 1 May 1995.

The text was written by Mr. Broussean, Managing director of http://www.isaanlawyers.com. You will also find a copy on http://www.thailawonline.com.

Adoption of child 101 - if adopted as to go the adoption of

Adoption is an ancient custom take on another child as their own, but has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons, some people who cannot have children of her own and so decide adopt a child in place, others want to give to a child in need of a better life, while others have children of their own but wish to extend their family and choose to do so through adoption. In this article we will discuss not only if you should adopt but also how to go about adoption.

As mentioned, there are a number of reasons why people decide to adopt a child, but child adoption isn't for everyone and it is important to ask yourself some questions to decide if you adopt a child is for you. First, are emotionally, physically and financially able to deal with a child?You are able to copy any problem can be the child - like questions about adoption and not be with its family of birth (feelings of rejection by the family of birth, etc.)?If you have with other boys and girls are willing to accept a new brother through the approval process?

Additionally, if an adoptive parent or greater you any health problem that affect their daily lives, then you can discuss the possibility of adoption to find out if you would be able to cope with their health problems, as well as a child.

Adopt a child, however, can be a wonderful experience for people who are able to respond to the above questions honestly and still feel really like and be able to cope with another child. You are now able to love another child (maybe the first) and is able to provide the child with a future better.So, are you how going, if you have decided to adopt a child?

Child adoption process varies depending on the type of adoption you as well as their country of origin or the country where a child will be approved since. Generally though you need to start asking what type of adoption is going for - national or international? adoption baby or child?

Once you have decided the type of adoption is the novelty to find an adoption agency there are a number of sites on the internet that have listings of national and international child adoption agencies. Phone or visit a couple of these agencies and if it is possible to attend orientation courses you may be running.

Once you have chosen your agency, fill the application form and pay the required fee, your counselor or social worker will guide you through the procedure of adoption of the child.This will include a series of interviews, home studies and monitoring of medical records and penales.La duration of this process depends on the type of adoption you chose and your Advisor can give you more information about this.

In conclusion, the adoption of children is not for everyone and before deciding to adopt it is important that honestly answer some questions about his ability to care for this child. If you decide to adopt however can be a wonderful experience and really benefiting all the involucrados.Si decides to adopt should begin by deciding what type of adoption you want to search, and then find an adoption agency will guide you through the procedure for adoption of children todo.Este process can take anything from several months to several years and includes paperwork, home studies and entrevistas.Su agency adoption may help him through throughout this process.

You can also find more information on baby adoption and Photo adoption announcement.ChildAdoptionGuide.org is integral to help couples with the decision-making process resource.