The differences between the programs are minor but distinctive. Creche de le'Enfant Jesus (Creche) is located outside of Port-au-Prince, in Ti Mache. The orphanage has a wing for families to stay while they visit, and lodging there is inexpensive. Foyer de Sion (Foyer) is in Port-au-Prince, and families travel only in escorted groups to visit their children or volunteer at the orphanage. Port-au-Prince is not a safe city for wandering about alone, so the orphanage inside the city exercises extra caution.

A little history may help you understand Haiti... The Taino Amerindians were the residents of the island when it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Over 25 years, the indigenous population was virtually extinguished. In the early 17th century, the French arrived, and in 1697, Spain ceded the western third of the island to France, and this portion later was renamed Haiti.

The French colony relied on harvesting lumber and growing sugar cane, through the importation of African slaves, and became one of the wealthiest colonies in the Caribbean. Environmental degradation was rampant and widespread, however, so by the time Haiti's half million slaves achieved independence, the island was nearly a wasteland.

The economy of the Caribbean islands has largely depended upon sugar export, which was undercut by the development of sugar beets in the US. Subsequently, the islands have all suffered and Haiti, in particular, was reduced to the most meager subsistence farming.

In 1804, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence. Political violence and the twin burdens of a destroyed economy and ecology caused inestimable suffering. Haiti inaugurated a democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006, but remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of the population live under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty. Many children are relinquished for adoption, in hope of a better future.

Most of the children have dark skin, black hair and dark eyes. Most are infants and toddlers under age 3, but families may request to adopt an older child or sibling group, as well. The children reside in orphanages, with a caregiver ratio of about 4:1 at Creche and 6:1 at FdS.

Married couples and single women may adopt. Single women must be over age 30. In a married couple, both parents must be over age 25, with at least one of the parents being age 30 or older. Couples should be married or able to prove that they have been in a loving, committed relationship for five years. Parents may adopt more than one child.

The Process

Most families complete their home study and prepare their dossier within three months. Once your dossier is submitted for translation, a referral is given within a month or less. The orphanage selects a child who meets your preferences, and then sends photos, medical information and the child’s story to ICF. Families are asked to give the referral careful consideration. If they accept the referral, they are asked to sign an acceptance letter. If they decline, another referral will be offered.

ICF provides complete instructions with respect to the dossier document requirements and will advise your home study social worker as to the composition of a home study for Haiti adoption. Once prospective parents have their dossier submitted to Haiti, it takes 9-12 months to complete the adoption; current time for approval is about 10 months.

The adoption is finalized before the parents travel. If you choose to travel to Haiti to visit with your child before the adoption is finalized, your child will come to the US on an IR-3 Visa, which confers automatic citizenship. If you meet your child after the adoption is final, your child will come home on an IR-4 Visa, which requires that you apply for your child’s citizenship after your child is home in the US.

Parents are not required to travel to Haiti to complete the adoption; however, we suggest that both parents 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 home with them as possible.

Escort fees are $1,000 plus airfare and $500 per diem.

Special Note regarding Medical Information:
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 HIV, Hepatitis B, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases. Any child that does not pass the screening is not accepted into the orphanage.

ADOPTION FEES & ESTIMATED EXPENSES