Many children in Morocco are waiting for the love and stability of a permanent family.
We currently collaborate with two orphanages in Morocco: Le Nid at the Rita Zniber Foundation in Meknes and La Creche in Tangier. The Morocco adoption process follows Kafala, a guardianship system that allows families to provide a loving home for a child while respecting the child’s name, cultural heritage, and religion. Families adopting through Kafala 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 Moroccan Descent?
The Morocco Heritage Program is designed for Moroccan American families. If you are of Moroccan descent and 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 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?
The timeline for adopting from Morocco varies based on the child’s needs:
9 to 15 months or more, for older children, and Children with medical needs, emotional concerns, developmental delays, or complex family backgrounds.
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 paid to or arranged by New Beginnings
| Description | Due At | Fee Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application (AFP) | Submission of AFP | US Expense | 350 |
| New Beginnings’ Fee, 1st part | Adoption Service Agreement | US Expense | 3,500 |
| New Beginnings’ Fee, 2nd part | Home Study Approval | US Expense | 1,350 |
| Program Coordination, 1st part | Home Study Approval | US Exp, Translation and Documents | 3,500 |
| New Beginnings’ Fee, 3rd part | Acceptance of the Referral | US Expenses | 3,000 |
| Program Coordination, 2nd part | Acceptance of the Referral | US Exp., Foreign Country | 8,350 |
| Orphanage Contribution | When Kafala is requested | Contributions | 2,000 |
| Total Fees paid to or arranged by New Beginnings, §96.40(2)(3)(5)(6). Kafala Fund Grants are available to families with financial needs and families adopting a waiting child. | 22,050 | ||
Social Services done by NB for families living in our service area of NY, NJ, PA, or FL.
| Description | Due At | Fee Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Study | Adoption Service Agreement | Home Study (add 400 if in NY) | 2,200 |
| Post-Adoption, four reports | Submission of EP | Post-Adoption Reports | 1,900 |
| Transportation home visit | When Billed | Mileage/Travel | 62¢/mile |
Social Services for families outside our service area. Fees paid to Local Adoption agency.
| Description | Due At | Fee Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Study | When Billed | Home Study | 1,700 to 3,000 |
| Post-Adoption | Before travel | Post-Adoption Reports | 1,900 to 3,000 |
| Supervision of Services | Adoption Service Agreement | Home Study/Post Placement | 500/300 |
| Total Social Services, Home Study, and Post-Adoption Fees | 4,100 to 6,800 | ||
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.