Many children in Jamaica are waiting for the love and stability of a permanent family.
New Beginnings is proud to support adoptions from Jamaica, working closely with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) to help children in need find permanent, loving homes. We provide home study and primary provider services for families seeking to adopt relatives or pre-identified children, ranging in age from newborn to 15 years old. This program offers a meaningful path for families open to adopting older children or relatives, while receiving compassionate guidance throughout the process.
Eligibility Requirements for Adopting from Jamaica
To adopt from Jamaica, prospective adoptive parents must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship & Religion
- Citizenship: At least one applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
- Marital Status: Single men, single women, and married couples are eligible.
- Marital History: No more than one divorce per spouse.
Age Requirements
- General: Applicants must be at least 25 years old.
- Relative Adoptions: Applicants may be under 25, but must be at least 18 years older than the child.
- There is no upper age limit, though CPFSA reviews each case individually.
Family Composition
- Preference is given to families with no children, though one child is allowed in the home.
- The maximum number of children in the household is four, with exceptions reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Health & Background
- Physical Health: Good health with no major medical conditions.
- Mental Health: Considered on a case-by-case basis; severe conditions may be disqualifying.
- Education: Minimum of a high school diploma is required.
- Criminal History: Minor offenses older than five years may be reviewed; no drug offenses allowed.
Financial Requirements
- Families must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to care for a child without public assistance.
For more information, visit Travel.State.gov.
FAQs
What Information Will I Receive About the Child?
Most children placed are newborns with limited information available. Clients are required to get a physical exam of the child upon taking initial custody.
How Long is the Adoption Process?
The timing for each case depends on many factors. However, we estimate the entire process can range from 18 months to 3 years. Here’s a general outline of the timeline:
Application and Home Study: The home study process typically takes around 4 to 6 months to complete. Families can shorten this step by being prompt with document preparation.
From the Home Study approval, I-600A Approval take s 3-5 months. During this time, working with New Beginnings, you will compile the application/dossier to submit to Jamaica.
Referral and Travel: it will take CPFSA an average of 3-6 months to review the application and 6-12 months to obtain the license/order.
How Long is the Stay in Jamaica?
The adoptive family must take at least two trips to Jamaica. On the first trip, they meet with CPFSA and appear in the local court. The length of time for staying depends on the conditions of the adoption and whether the family will be required to stay in Jamaica for a bonding period. On the second trip, they will appear at the US Embassy in Kingston for the visa interview for their child to immigrate to the United States.