Due to the quota imposed by the Haitian Government, AWAA’s Haiti Program is closed to new applicants.

About Haiti's History
Haiti is a Caribbean country that occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. While previously a French colony, Haiti declared its independence in 1804 as the first black republic. The country of Haiti is slightly smaller than the state of Maryland with a population of approximately 9.5 million people. Haiti was once one of the weathiest colonies in the Caribbean, largely based on its forestry and sugar-related industries. Due to deforestation, erosion, political unrest and natural disasters, Haiti is currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphrere, with approximately 80% of the population living under the poverty line and more than 50% of them living in extreme poverty.

Haiti is a beautiful, mountainous country with a tropical climate. The people of Haiti are vibrant, hopeful people with a rich heritage. Children typically enter orphanages/creches in Haiti because of poverty, parental abandonment and neglect.

Waiting Children: Older and Special Needs Adoption
We currently do not have profiles of Waiting Children in Haiti who are ready for international adoption. Waiting Children are orphans who have medical needs or are older. Families interested in learning more about these children must first submit a full application to America World. Once accepted into the program, families have access to the full referral file of Waiting Children which generally includes photos, a social report, a psychological report and medical information.

Haiti’s International Adoption Process
After filling out an application, receiving approval through America World’s intake process, and signing an Agreement with America World, prospective adoptive parents initiate what we call the “paper chase," which takes 4-6 months to complete. During this stage of Haiti's adoption process, families begin assembling their dossier (or set of adoption paperwork). America World assigns each adoptive family a member of our staff to work with to help them compile their dossier, which includes a home study and pre-approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Once the dossier is complete, it will be translated in French and authenticated by the Haitian Consulate in Chicago. Once the dossier is shipped to Haiti, it will go through an eight-week legalization process in country and ultimately be submitted to the IBESR. Currently, families can expect a 12-24 month wait for a formal referral from the IBESR. The age, gender and health preferences of the child being adopted from Haiti will factor into the wait time for a referral. The referral generally includes a picture, medical test results and a socio-biographical sketch of the child’s life. All children are tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and other medical conditions. Prospective parents are given the option to accept or reject the child referral they receive. When reviewing a referral, we recommend that families consult an international specialist with experience reviewing medical referral information. After families choose to accept a referral, America World will assist you with a formal referral acceptance to the IBESR and making plans to travel for the 14 day bonding trip.

Haiti’s adoption process requires two in-country stays; the second trip is generally two to seven days long. America World’s staff will coordinate travel logistics, including air and ground transportation, lodging, and some meals.

View Haiti's Waiting Children