Adoption In Haiti FAQs

1. How much does it cost to adopt from Haiti?
2. What are the children from Haiti like?
3. I have fears that Haiti is overrun with the AIDS virus. What is the possibility of my child having AIDS or being HIV positive?
4. How long will the process take?
5. Can I adopt more than one child at once?
6. Do I need to travel in order to complete the adoption?
7. Do I qualify to adopt a child from Haiti?
8. How difficult is it for a single parent to adopt verses a married couple?
9. What is the minimum household income required to adopt from Haiti?

1. How much does it cost to adopt from Haiti?

It varies from orphanage to orphanage and agency to agency. Independent adoption is cheaper than agency adoption. However, there is much more hand holding in agency adoption. Expect that over the course of several months a proce range of $10,000-$20,000. At no point will you be asked for the entire $10,000-$20,000 all at once. Everything is spread across months and schedules. Check with your agency or orphange for more specific details and prices.

2. What are the children from Haiti like?

The available children range in age from 1 month old to teenagers.  Each of these children needs a family to call their own.  The children are of African descent.  A few children are Mulatto, but most have dark skin, hair and eyes.  The children live in family run orphanages.

3. I have fears that Haiti is overrun with the AIDS virus.  What is the possibility of my child having AIDS or being HIV positive?

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 Hepatitis B and C, Anemia, Sickle Cell, Tuberculosis, Typhoid and HIV.  Any child that does not pass the rigorous screening is not accepted into the orphanage.

4. How long will the process take?

As with all adoptions, much will depend upon you.  Many families can get their home study and dossier ready in 2 to 3 months.  If you are just beginning the process, make an appointment with a home study agency or social worker to begin your home study assessment.  Once your paperwork is gathered, translated and authenticated, it is sent to Haiti.  The Haiti portion of the process generally takes 12 - 24 months.  The adoption is finalized in Haiti, before the parents travel.  From beginning to end, a realistic time frame is 18 - 30 months.

5. Can I adopt more than one child at once?

YES!  There are many wonderful sibling groups of all ages available.  There are many sibling groups of 2 available and also some sibling groups of 4 or 5 available.  It is also possible to adopt 2 unrelated children at the same time, although mst orphanages would reccommend the adoption of a sibling set if you are open to 2 children at the same time.

6. Do I need to travel in order to complete the adoption?

No, you may choose to have your child escorted to the US.  However, please 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 of the experience home with them as possible. In addition to bonding, your child(ren) will qualify for an IR-3 Visa if you are able to visit prior to the adoption being completed. An IR-3 Visa will automatically allow your child(ren) to enter the US as American Citizens.

7. Do I qualify to adopt a child from Haiti?

The Haitian government has some rules and regulations adoptive families must meet, although often times there is flexibility in the law. Haiti will allow single men & women between the ages of 30 and 50 to adopt children. Married couples are also encouraged to adopt children from Haiti, but must be between the ages of 30 and 50, must have been married for at least 5 years, and can have no more than 2 biological children. Divorce is OK.

8. How difficult is it for a single parent to adopt verses a married couple?

Actually, a single parent has it a bit easier than a married couple. A single has less paperwork to gather and does not have to have proof that he/she has been married for 5 years. However, if the single is divorced, a certified divorce decree will need to be provided.

9. What is the minimum household income required to adopt from Haiti?

Haiti has no 'official' monetary requirements. However, the United States does. You must be at least 125% above the poverty guidelines* set by the US State Department.