Morocco Heritage Adoption
At New Beginnings, we encourage families of Moroccan heritage to consider Kafala for children in need, ensuring that they maintain a strong connection to their ethnic heritage, language, religion, and country.
Families of Moroccan descent can be matched with healthy infants, often experiencing shorter waiting times for a match. Additionally, adoption fees are reduced by $5,600 to $6,600, bringing the overall costs closer to those of a self-directed Kafala process.
Flexible Eligibility Requirements
Moroccan-American families benefit from more flexible eligibility guidelines, though all state and federal regulations still apply. This flexibility allows dual-citizen nationals and Moroccan immigrants to engage in the adoption process with more ease, while still adhering to essential U.S. and Moroccan legal requirements.
Priority in Matching for Moroccan Hertiage Families
Families of Moroccan heritage often receive priority in the matching process, leading to shorter waiting times. This program is designed to help children stay connected to their cultural roots by being placed with families who can nurture their Moroccan identity.
Reduced Kafala Fees
For families where one or both parents were born in Morocco, kafala fees are reduced by 5,600 to 6,600 when adopting a child through Le Nid or La Creche.
Self-Directed Kafala vs. Agency Support
While self-directed Kafalas (or primary provider adoption) are an option, especially for kinship adoptions, we recommend working with an adoption agency like New Beginnings. Although many self-directed adoptions are successful in Morocco, there is a higher risk that USCIS may not approve the child’s visa. Our agency helps ensure the Kafala process is compliant with both Moroccan and U.S. regulations, significantly reducing the risks involved.
Relative Adoptions
If you are considering Kafala for a relative, we can assist with filing the necessary USCIS paperwork to better ensure the child’s visa is approved. When you already have a Kafala, New Beginnings can serve as your primary provider for any additional services required.
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.
FAQs
Who are the Children in Need of Adoption?
In Morocco, the children in need of Kafala and adoption include:
- Healthy infants between five and eighteen months of age.
- Older children (18 months and above), either healthy or with minor medical conditions.
- Children with special needs, including those with cognitive or physical challenges, and sibling groups.
More boys are awaiting kafala than girls. Kafala Fund Grants are available to families with financial needs and families adopting a waiting child.
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.
- Original 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.
Is Morocco Heritage Kafala Right for You?
If you are of Moroccan heritage or a Moroccan-American, adopting through the Morocco Heritage Program may be an ideal choice. Most children placed for Kafala are under one year old, and the process takes an estimated 6 to 18 months. Families who are open to adopting an older child or one with identified medical conditions can often experience shorter wait times.
Ready to take the next step?
Please fill out our inquiry form and a New Beginnings staff member will connect with you.