America World opened our Haiti program in 2011. Since that time we have seen many older children, children with medical needs and sibling groups that are in need of forever families. These waiting children include boys and girls from 6 months old – 15 years old with and without medical needs. Any family that pursues a waiting child must understand that the IBESR, Haiti’s Adoption Authority, is the entity that makes the formal referral, not America World or the orphanage Director. America World and the orphanage Directors will advocate for your child to be matched to the waiting child that you wish to pursue. If you are interested in pursuing a Haiti waiting child, please contact Michelle Reed for more information regarding how to view the waiting children’s profiles.

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.