In a nutshell, a corrupt and ineffective government system in Haiti causes adoptions to take months, even years, to process. The average time for an adoption right now is 18-24 months. Our son is growing up without us. The rules change constantly in Haiti, and our paperwork seems to be stuck due to new laws about families with biological children. We are still in step 3 (IBESR) waiting for approval to adopt. The timeline looks something like this:- 2-4 weeks = First Legalization. This is where all of the papers are authenticated.
- 1-4 weeks = File prepared for IBESR
- 2-6 months = IBESR (Haiti's Social Service Department, aka the black hole), where a social worker will look over all of your documents and decide whether to approve your adoption request.
- 2-12 weeks = Parquet is the head commissioner. This step involves one person releasing the child's file. Civil Court Legalization
- 2-8 weeks = The adoption is finalized. After this point, the children are legally yours.
- 2-6 months= Minister of Interior Affairs (MOI)/Haitian Immigration. The file is submitted into the passport process. The passports are printed in the adopting parents last name. This step takes the longest and yet could be done in a day.
- 1-3 weeks. U.S. Customs approval. I-600 is filed by adopting parents.
- 1 week = Consulate/Visa Appointment. Child receives visa in preparation for travel to their new home
3 comments:
I get this question so often and honestly have no answer. I know the government is corrupt and that the papers must go through lots of different stages.
Thanks for sharing timeline.
We are in the beginning and hope our time flies by.
:)Jamie
i just found this blog & love it! - we've adopted 3 from haiti & my parents just completed their haitian adoption of a girl 14 as did my sister in law who adopted a 7y old girl - both girls came home this february - we all use reach out to haiti, who are you using to facilitate your adoption? - the reason i ask, is that i do books for reach out to haiti & your name is on my list (as if you've at least contacted us/reach out to haiti) before... just curious! - do you have any idea how long it'll take to get your child home since you turned in your dossier in oct '07, my guess' that it shouldn't be much long, right? - i'm thinking this as it's been what, 7 months already of waiting? - i know reach out to haiti's getting children home in 10-11 months on a pretty regular basis so if your agency's in the same timeline, it won't be long!!! - i'll be praying for you that it goes quickly - BTW, he's adorable!!! - feel free to write back if you'd like ChatterboxLS@aol.com - thanks!
lori
http://fromourbunchtoyours.blogspot.com/
What a beautiful picture of the two of you! I love his sweet smile.
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