Factsheet, Page 2

RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: There are two types of adoption in Jamaica: Adoption Orders and Adoption Licenses. Adoption Orders provide for the orphan to be adopted in Jamaica. Adoption Licenses allow for a Jamaican citizen orphan to be taken to a “scheduled country” (the United States is a scheduled country) and adopted there. For parents seeking an Adoption License, there is no residential requirement. The parents will likely have to travel to Jamaica at least twice (once to meet with the Adoption Board and again to apply for a visa), however.

For parents seeking an Adoption Order, the parents must reside in Jamaica during the pre-adoption placement and until the case appears before a Jamaican court. This typically takes at least 4 months. The court may waive the pre-adoption placement requirement if the adoptive parents are Jamaican nationals adopting a relative.

TIME FRAME: Most adoptions under the Adoption License process can be completed in 4 months. For Adoption Orders, the time frame may be somewhat longer, as the pre-adoption placement typically lasts 4 months and paperwork processing may take an additional 2-3 months prior to the pre-adoption placement, unless the child is a relative.

ADOPTION AGENCIES AND ATTORNEYS : The Adoption Board is the only agency legally authorized to provide adoption services in Jamaica. There are one or two private agencies operating in Jamaica, but they do so without government sanction or authorization.

Prospective adopting parents are advised to fully research any adoption agency or facilitator they plan to use for adoption services. For U.S.- based agencies, it is suggested that prospective adopting parents contact the Better Business Bureau and licensing office of the Department of Health and Family Services in the state where the agency is located.

Please see Important Notice Regarding Adoption Agents and Facilitators at our Web site (http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/info/info_454.html).

ADOPTION FEES IN JAMAICA:
Currently, the Adoption Board does not charge any fees. The Adoption Board has proposed charging a registration fee, but, as of February 2005, has yet to receive permission to do so. The amount of the registration fee has yet to be determined.

The Adoption Board does require the adoptive child to undergo an extensive medical exam, which includes laboratory work. Any licensed pediatrician in Jamaica can perform this examination. Most pediatricians charge approximately US$100 for the medical examination.

After a committee of the Adoption Board approves the adoption, the case is referred to the court. Adoptive parents may have legal representation at the court proceeding, but most adoptive parents do not hire an attorney for the court proceeding. Attorney fees will vary.

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Credits: U.S. Department of State