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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Belize"

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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/bh-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/bh-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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'''WARNING:''' Belize is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. If you wish to immigrate your adopted child to the U.S. following the adoption, do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Belize before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." See the "How to Adopt" section for more information.
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/bh_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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Belize is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between Belize and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA implementing regulations.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Xunantunich09.jpg/800px-Xunantunich09.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''El Castillo at Xunantunich.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Belize_City_Montage.jpeg/724px-Belize_City_Montage.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of [[Belize]] City.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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All adoptions in Belize must be processed in coordination with Belize’s designated Central Adoption Authority, which is the Belize Department of Human Services, within the Ministry of Human Development. There are no private adoptions in Belize or adoptions through extra-judicial processes. All adoptions in Belize must be processed through the Supreme Court of Belize.
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{{#eimage:http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4057/4503278043_4535fc7d90_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Great_Blue_Hole.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Great Blue Hole, coast of [[Belize]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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Belizean law requires that prospective adoptive parents complete a one year probationary period of custody of the child before a final adoption decree for purposes of immigration can be issued. Prospective adoptive parents are required to provide quarterly reports on the child’s well-being during this period. Prospective adoptive parents may fulfill this one year period in Belize, or may be authorized by the Supreme Court of Belize to fulfill the probationary period in their country of residence. “Provisional”, “Interim” or “Preliminary” adoption decrees issued by the Supreme Court of Belize before the one year probationary period of custody is fulfilled can be considered permission for the prospective adoptive parents to take the child out of Belize during the probationary period, and to pursue an adoption process in accordance with the laws of their country of residence after fulfillment of the one year probationary period of custody. In such cases, quarterly reports regarding the child’s care and progress must still be provided to the Belize Department of Human Services during the probationary period.
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/RegentStreetBZECITY.JPG/800px-RegentStreetBZECITY.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Downtown [[Belize]] City, [[Belize]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Coat_of_arms_of_Belize.svg/357px-Coat_of_arms_of_Belize.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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Children adopted by residents of Belize may be documented as lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens after completion of a two year period of physical and legal custody abroad by either filing an I-130 visa petition or by filing an application for a certificate of citizenship. For more information on these processes direct questions to [http://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/children/bringing-children-sons-and-daughters-live-united-states-permanent-residents U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)].
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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=About Belize=
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[[Belize]] was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British [[Honduras]] in 1854. To learn more, read [[About Belize]].
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=Hague Convention Information=
 +
 
 +
 
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'''WARNING:''' [[Belize]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. If you wish to immigrate your [[adopted]] child to the U.S. following the [[adoption]], do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Belize]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." See the "How to [[Adopt]]" section for more information.  To learn more, read about [[Belize and the Hague Convention]].
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Adoption between the United States and Belize is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Belize, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more on Who Can Adopt.
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Belize]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Belize]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more about [[Who Can Adopt from Belize]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Belize also has the following requirements for prospective adoptive parents:
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because [[Belize]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Belize]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Belize]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country (i.e. in [[Belize]]) before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Belize]]’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States. To learn more, read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Belize]].
  
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==Residency==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Belizean law prohibits the issuance of a final adoption order unless the non-Belizean prospective adoptive parent resides in Belize with the Belizean child for 12 months. A social worker will visit periodically to assess the parent-child relationship.
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Because [[Belize]] is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from [[Belize]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Belize]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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At least one of the prospective adoptive parents must be a minimum of 25 years old and no fewer than 12 years older than the child.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Marriage==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Belize]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Read more about [[Traveling Abroad in Belize]]
  
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Both married and single individuals can adopt in Belize. Single men cannot adopt female children. These restrictions can be waived if the court finds that special circumstances warrant it.
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=After Adoption=
  
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==Income==
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'''What does [[Belize]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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While there are no specific income requirements, prospective adoptive parents’ financial status will be included as part of the home study.
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Under Belizean law, [[adoption]] orders made under section 141 remain provisional for 12 months during which time quarterly reports regarding the progress of the child must be submitted to the court by a competent authority in the country where the [[adopted]] child lives. After the 12 month period has expired, an application can be made to a designated court for the [[adoption]] to be made final.
  
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==Other==
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We strongly urge you to comply with Belizean reporting requirements and complete all post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to [[Belize]]’s history of positive experiences with American parents.
  
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A person who is not a citizen of Belize may adopt a Belizean child if he or she does not have a criminal record.  He or she must also have a current recommendation concerning his suitability to adopt a child from his country’s probation and welfare office or other competent authority. A social services practitioner must verify this recommendation in writing as well as submit a report of the findings of the inquiry to the court. (Please note that U.S. immigration law requires that in Hague Convention countries like Belize the determination of suitability (home study) must be completed, supervised, or approved by a U.S. based Hague accredited or approved adoption service provider.)
 
  
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In addition, the court may request a report/recommendation from an additional person or authority that has satisfied the court that his country of origin will respect and recognize the adoption order.
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it’s another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
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Because Belize is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Belize must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Belize attempt to place a child with a family in-country (i.e. in Belize) before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Belize’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
 
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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Belizean law only provides for the adoption of children who are citizens of Belize. A child who is not a Belizean citizen cannot be the subject of an adoption in a Belizean court, although Belizean courts can issue custody orders for any child residing in Belize.
 
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/ Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons]
  
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Children in Belize may only be adopted through the judicial process. There are no private adoptions or adoptions through extra-judicial processes. Intercountry adoption placements are made on a case-by-case basis. Belizean law requires that prospective adoptive parents complete a one year probationary period of custody of the child before a final adoption decree for purposes of immigration can be issued.
 
  
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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'''Relinquishment Requirements:''' Under Belizean law, consents provided by birth parents or legal guardians of the child become irrevocable upon issuance of a provisional adoption order.  However, once entered with the court, the consents by the parent or legal custodian are not revocable by the parent or guardian themselves, but are only revocable by court action.
 
  
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==Contact Information==
  
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'''Abandonment Requirements:''' Determined on a case-by-case basis.
 
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Belize]]'''
  
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'''Age Requirements:''' Determined on a case-by-case basis.
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4 Floral Park Road
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Belmopan, [[Belize]]
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Central America
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Tel: ++501-822-4011
  
  
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'''Sibling Requirements:''' Determined on a case-by-case basis.
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'''Belizean [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Department of Human Services
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40 Regent Street
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P.O. Box 41
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[[Belize]] City, [[Belize]]
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Central America
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Tel: ++501-227-7451, 501-227-2057
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Fax: ++501-227-1276
  
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'''Requirements for Special Needs or Medical Conditions:''' Determined on a case-by-case basis. 
 
  
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'''[[Belize]] Immigration and Nationality Department'''
  
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'''Waiting Period:''' Belizean law requires that prospective adoptive parents complete a one year probationary period of custody of the child before a final adoption decree for purposes of immigration can be issued.  Prospective adoptive parents may fulfill this one year period in Belize, or may be authorized by the Supreme Court of Belize to fulfill the probationary period in their country of residence.  “Provisional”, “Interim” or “Preliminary” adoption decrees issued by the Supreme Court of Belize before the one year probationary period of custody is fulfilled can be considered permission for the prospective adoptive parents to take the child out of Belize during the probationary period, and to pursue an adoption process in accordance with the laws of their country of residence after fulfillment of the one year probationary period of custody.
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Dry Creek Street
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Belmopan
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Central America
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Tel: ++501-822-3860, 501-822-0739
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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'''[[Belize]] Vital Statistics Unit'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Gabourel Lane
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[[Belize]] City, [[Belize]]
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Central America
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Tel: ++501-223-7405
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Fax: ++501-223-5635
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Embassy of [[Belize]]'''
  
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2535 [[Massachusetts]] Ave. NW
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[[Washington]], DC 20008
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Tel: 202-332-9636
  
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=After Adoption=
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'''Permanent Mission of [[Belize]]'''
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820 2nd Avenue
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Suite 922
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[[New York]], NY 10017
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Tel: 212-599-0233
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).
  
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=belize]
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[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:15, 23 October 2014

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

El Castillo at Xunantunich.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of City.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

The Great Blue Hole, coast of .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Downtown City, .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

About Belize

Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. To learn more, read About Belize.

Hague Convention Information

WARNING: Belize is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. If you wish to immigrate your adopted child to the U.S. following the adoption, do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Belize before a U.S. consular officer issues an "Article 5 Letter." See the "How to Adopt" section for more information. To learn more, read about Belize and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Belize is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Belize, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more about Who Can Adopt from Belize.

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Belize is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Belize must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Belize attempt to place a child with a family in-country (i.e. in Belize) before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Belize’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States. To learn more, read about Who Can Be Adopted from Belize.

How to Adopt

Because Belize is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Belize must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Belize.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Belize. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Read more about Traveling Abroad in Belize

After Adoption

What does Belize require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Under Belizean law, adoption orders made under section 141 remain provisional for 12 months during which time quarterly reports regarding the progress of the child must be submitted to the court by a competent authority in the country where the adopted child lives. After the 12 month period has expired, an application can be made to a designated court for the adoption to be made final.

We strongly urge you to comply with Belizean reporting requirements and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to Belize’s history of positive experiences with American parents.


What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it’s another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Belize

4 Floral Park Road Belmopan, Belize Central America Tel: ++501-822-4011


Belizean Adoption Authority

Department of Human Services 40 Regent Street P.O. Box 41 Belize City, Belize Central America Tel: ++501-227-7451, 501-227-2057 Fax: ++501-227-1276


Belize Immigration and Nationality Department

Dry Creek Street Belmopan Central America Tel: ++501-822-3860, 501-822-0739


Belize Vital Statistics Unit

Gabourel Lane Belize City, Belize Central America Tel: ++501-223-7405 Fax: ++501-223-5635


Embassy of Belize

2535 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: 202-332-9636


Permanent Mission of Belize

820 2nd Avenue Suite 922 New York, NY 10017 Tel: 212-599-0233


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]