Haiti Adoption: Earthquake Update`

Haiti adoption interest has spiked after the terrible earthquake in Haiti. Below is some information on how you can help and news on Haiti.

Read Haiti Adoption Stories

Haiti Adoption

Haiti adoption is certainly of interest to those looking to help in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake that has struck the country. Stories of Haitian orphans leapt into newspaper headlines almost immediately after the earthquake. Last year, over 330 children were adopted in the U.S. from Haiti. With stories of children losing their parents to the earthquake’s destruction, many are seeking information about how to help and how to adopt from Haiti.

Many Haiti adoption requests have flooded agencies, like Dillon Internaitonal, that have been working in Haiti for years.  But right now, the urgent need after the terrible earthquake is for donations. Dillon has been quick to offer help. Those interested in donating can do so from their page on Haiti Adoption.

With the Haitian infrastructure in shambles, many adoptions that were in process are now in question. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota has information on a number of families in the midst of their Haiti adoption. Her site says that “several Minnesota families with pending adoptions in Haiti.  These families have been able to confirm that their children are safe.“ And she has urged our government to help speed adoptions already in progress to get the children to safety.

There are certainly plenty of opportunities to donate to the cause. Currently, few organizations are looking for volunteers making financial donations the best way to help. Below are links to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Salvation Army
Give On-Line: SalvationArmy.org  
Text to Donate: text the word "HAITI" to 52000 ($10 donation will appear on your cell phone bill)
Give by Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Give by Mail/Check:
The Salvation Army World Service Office
International Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 630728
Baltimore, MD 21263-0728
*Designate checks and money orders to "Haiti Earthquake"

Red Cross
Give On-Line: RedCross.org
Text to Donate: Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti.
Donation Hotlines: 1-800-REDCROSS

Additional Information and the latest updates can be found on the US Embassy website Haiti.

General Information on Haiti Adoption

Like many other countries, Haiti requires a dossier along with a variety of additional paperwork. Prospective parents may also be required to provide a psychological evaluation.

In 2003, US citizens adopted over 250 children from Haiti. Prospective parents must be over the age of 35. Couples who have been married for more than 10 years and have no children together may request this requirement be waived provided that one of them is over 35. Singles are allowed to adopt.

Haiti requires that all Haitian children leaving the country must have a valid Hatian passport. The wait for this passport may be as long as three months.

Hatian law does not require travel, although travel may be required by the courts. Employment of a Hatian attorney may speed the adoption process.