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Overview:  Haiti’s Adoption Process

After filling out an application for a Haiti adoption, receiving approval through America World’s intake process, and signing an Agreement with America World, prospective adoptive parents initiate what we call the “paper chase," which takes 4-6 months to complete. During this stage of Haiti's adoption process, families begin assembling their dossier (or set of adoption paperwork). America World assigns each adoptive family a member of our staff to work with to help them compile their dossier, which includes a home study and pre-approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Note that Haiti is a Hague-compliant country and America World has been a Hague-accredited organization since 2008.

Once the dossier is complete, it will be translated into French and authenticated by the Haitian Consulate in Chicago. Upon its return to us, we will proceed to send it to Haiti. Once the dossier has arrived in Haiti, it will go through an eight-week legalization process in-country and ultimately be submitted to the IBESR. Currently, families can expect an average of 36-months wait for a formal referral after their dossier has been submitted to the IBESR. The age, gender and health preferences of the child being adopted from Haiti will factor into the wait time for a referral. The referral generally includes a picture, medical test results and a socio-biographical sketch of the child’s life. All children are tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and other medical conditions. Prospective parents are given the option to accept or reject the child referral they receive. When reviewing a referral, we recommend that families consult an international specialist with experience reviewing medical referral information. After families choose to accept a referral, America World will assist you with a formal referral acceptance to the IBESR and make plans to travel for the 15-day bonding trip.

The process of Haiti adoption requires two in-country stays; the second trip is generally 6 days minimum and occurs at the end of the adoption process when parents travel to bring their child or children home. America World can assist in coordinating travel logistics, including air and ground transportation, and lodging.

Be sure to visit our Financing Adoption page to learn how to reduce or eliminate your adoption expenses!