United States of America
(Hague)
The United States of America is located in North America. It is comprised of over three hundred million people, most of who are educated and have opportunities for employment. The USA has no orphanages as most children are adopted at birth or live with foster parents. Most children available for adoption are from unwed mothers, or families who are unable to care for their children due to poverty or other social and medical issues.
Dossier Preparation: CAFAC prepares all dossiers after the family has gathered the required documentation for the country. Once the dossier is prepared, CAFAC will send it down to Shepherd Care Adoption Agency in Hollywood Florida to share with birth parent(s).
Families who are home with their American children are available for new families to contact in most Canadian provinces. CAFAC agency has Canada-wide semiannual events for familiesParent requirements: Applications are welcomed from married couples only. They should be aged 21 years and older. Applicants over 55 years will not be accepted. No other age restrictions, but families should keep in mind it is the birth mother’s choice, so the age of the parents should be considered. Only single children are available for adoption. Applications from parents who already have 5 children (adopted or biological) will not be accepted.
Children: Children are racially Black, Biracial, Caucasian, and Hispanic. Children are a few days to weeks old. All are tested for HIV, Hep B, TB and VD. Child proposals are unpredictable in timing, as the birth family chooses the adoptive family. The USA requires all children to have relinquishment papers from any birth family members. Laboratory findings and photos are also sent with the proposal.
Waiting Time: After proposal adoptive parents can travel to the country in about 7 days to meet the child. Adoptive parents must stay until after a court hearing granting the parents guardianship. The birth certificate will be reissued in the adoptive parents’ names and a visa must be obtained before travel. Final court hearing occurs 5 to 6 months after the family returns home and adoptive families are not required to attend in person but may testify by telephone conference with a notary present.
Travel: The agency can assist with travel preparation and accommodations if necessary. Accommodations can range from $700-$1400 US per week in a hotel. Travel to the country by the family is required, and is 7-14 days in length.Fees: Couples report that the complete adoption process costs ranges from $45,000-$50,000 CAD depending on exchange rate, seasonal price of plane tickets, stay in country and the provincial jurisdiction they are from in Canada.
Immigration: The Canadian High Commission is located in Buffalo, New York.
The Facilitator that CAFAC works with is Shepherd Care Adoption Agency in Hollywood, Florida www.adoptionshepherdcare.com
For more information about our United States of America program, please contact the office at 204-867-5556.