Morocco Adoption
Morocco is an active program with children in need of stable, permanent families.
New Beginnings works with four orphanages in Morocco and assists families pursuing court-petition kafala. Kafala is a court-granted guardianship that enables a family to provide a stable home while preserving the child’s name, cultural heritage, and religion. Families pursuing kafala in Morocco must be practicing Sunni Muslims.
Eligibility Requirements for Adopting from Morocco
To adopt from Morocco, prospective parents must meet the following requirements:
Religious Requirement
- All household members must be Sunni Muslim.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be between 25 and 55 years old.
Marital & Family Status
- Marital Status: Single women and married couples are eligible.
- Marital History: No more than one divorce per spouse.
- Family Composition: Preference is given to families with no children or only one child.
- Gender Preference: Not permitted; families must be open to either gender.
Health & Well-Being
- Physical Health: Must be in excellent health with no major medical concerns.
- Mental Health: Considered on a case-by-case basis; severe conditions may be disqualifying.
For more information about Moroccan adoptions, visit Adoption.State.gov.
Are You of Arab or Moroccan Descent?
The Heritage Program is designed for Arab and Moroccan American families. If you would like to learn more about this program, click here.
FAQs
What Information Will I Receive About the Child?
When adopting from Morocco, families receive a background study on the child, which includes:
- Given name, gender, and birth date.
- Height and weight measurements.
- Medical reports covering the child’s health in the orphanage care.
- A developmental milestone assessment of motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities.
- Photos and videos of the child.
- Official documents in Arabic or French and translated into English.
How Long is the Adoption Process?
Timeframes vary based on the child’s profile.
9 to 15 months or more
Process can be faster for families open to older children or children with identified medical, developmental, or social needs
How Long is the Stay in Morocco?
Families adopting from Morocco typically make a single trip lasting 6 to 8 weeks to complete all legal processes and transition the child into their home.
What is Kafala?
Kafala, meaning “sponsorship” or “guardianship” in Arabic, is the legal framework for adopting from Morocco. The Moroccan court grants parental authority to adoptive parents, who commit to:
- Raising the child as a Sunni Muslim.
- Providing financial and emotional support.
- Preserving the child’s heritage by maintaining their given name.
Unlike traditional adoption, Kafala ensures the child’s cultural identity is protected while allowing them to grow in a loving, permanent home. Once the child immigrates to the U.S., the adoption process can be finalized.
Moroccan Adoption Fees
| Fees to Start The Process | |
|---|---|
| Application (KFP) | $350 |
| New Beginnings Fee – Part 1 | $3,500 |
| CEAS Monitoring Fee | $815 |
| Fees due at Home Study Approval | |
| New Beginnings Fee – Part 2 | $1,350 |
| Program Fee – Part 1 | $3,500 |
| Fees Due Before Travel or at Referral | |
| New Beginnings Fee – Part 3 | $3,000 |
| Program Fee – Part 2 | $8,350 |
| Contribution or Program Fee | $2,000 |
| Total Program Fees | $22,865 |
Additional costs will include home study, post-placement, immigration, travel, and adoption finalization.
To see a sample Adoption Service Agreement, submit a pre-application or send your request to [email protected]. Kafala Fund Grants are available. Families adopting a waiting child will receive a 2,000 Kafala Grant. Kafala Grants are also available to families with financial needs who are adopting through Le Nid or La Creche. For Heritage Families, families where one or both parents were born in Morocco, the standard program’s fees are reduced by 5,600 to 6,600.