Opening Your Home To A Child In Need: Exploring The Possibilities Of Fostering A Child From Afghanistan

The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan has left thousands of children displaced, with no place to call home. Many of these children have been separated from their families due to death, illness, or imprisonment, and are in dire need of a safe and supportive environment. As a result, fostering an Afghan child can be a viable option for those looking to provide a stable home for a child in need. However, it's important to note that the process of fostering or adopting a refugee child is not without its challenges. Refugee children have often experienced trauma and may have spent months or even years fleeing their homes, facing dangerous conditions and a lack of access to basic necessities.

In the United States, organizations like Bethany and Global Refuge are actively seeking foster parents for refugee and immigrant children. These organizations provide support, training, and resources to help foster parents navigate the unique challenges of caring for a refugee child. While the process may vary depending on the organization and the child's specific circumstances, it typically involves background checks, interviews, home studies, and specialized training sessions.

Fostering an Afghan child can be a rewarding and life-changing experience for both the child and the foster family. It provides an opportunity to offer love, support, and a sense of belonging to a child who has endured tremendous hardship. By opening your home and heart, you can make a meaningful difference in their lives and help them heal, grow, and rebuild their future.

Adoption laws and processes

Adopting a child from Afghanistan is a complex process that is rarely straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to the adoption laws and processes:

Adoption Laws

Adoption in Afghanistan is governed by Sharia Law, or Islamic law, which does not provide for the type of adoption that is common in Western countries. Instead, Sharia Law allows for "guardianship", which has generally been deemed insufficient for immigration to countries like the United States. Islamic-style adoption, or "kafâla", is defined as the "sponsorship" or "legal fostering" of a child, where the adoptive parent undertakes "without payment, the upkeep, education, and protection of a minor, in the same way as a father would do for his son".

Some key differences between Islamic-style and Western-style adoption include:

• A Muslim child must be adopted by other Muslims and raised Muslim.
• Financial inheritance is not assumed.
• An archaic rule states that the adoptive father of a male may marry his son's ex-wife should his adopted son die.
• A child must know who their biological father is, if possible, which is in contrast to the standard "closed adoptions" of the West.

Adoption Processes

The process for adopting a child from Afghanistan is challenging and often clouded in misunderstanding. Here are the general steps to be completed:

• Choose an adoption service provider: The first step is to decide whether to use a licensed adoption service provider in the United States that can assist with the adoption process.
• Identify a child to adopt: If found eligible to adopt, identify a child in need of a guardian per Afghan law and who meets the definition of an orphan under U.S. law.
• Apply to be found eligible to adopt: To meet U.S. immigration requirements, file an I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Gain guardianship of the child in Afghanistan: File a guardianship petition with the Afghan Family Court in the province where the prospective guardian was born or where the child is residing. The court will consider the request, complete a background investigation, and if approved, issue a 'wasiqa' granting guardianship.
• Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status: To meet U.S. immigration law, the child must be eligible to be adopted according to Afghanistan's requirements and meet the definition of an orphan.
• Bring your child home: Once all the above steps are completed, you can bring your child home, but the process does not end there.

Additional Considerations

• Refugee Children: According to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, every attempt must be made to place a child in their country of origin before international adoption can be considered. As refugee children are often displaced outside their country of origin, their adoption would be processed under the adoption laws of their new country.
• Foster Care: For those interested in providing a safe and loving home for refugee and immigrant children, becoming a licensed foster parent is an option. The application process typically includes background checks, interviews with the family, and a home study assessment, followed by foster parent training.
• Challenges: Adopting children from Afghanistan is currently illegal, and the country does not have a central government adoption authority. Additionally, it can be extremely difficult to determine whether children are truly orphans and eligible for adoption, as they may be temporarily separated from their families during conflicts or natural disasters.
• U.S. Requirements: To adopt a child from another country and bring them to the United States, one must first be found eligible to adopt under U.S. law by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Basic requirements include U.S. citizenship, age requirements, and criminal background checks.

Adopting a child from Afghanistan is a complex and challenging process, but it is not impossible. Prospective adoptive parents should be prepared for a lengthy and difficult journey, but with persistence and a strong understanding of the laws and processes, it may be possible to provide a loving home for a child in need.

The role of foster parents

Foster parents play a critical role in helping children heal and providing them with a sense of normalcy and stability. They are responsible for the day-to-day care of the child, including:

• Providing a safe and supportive home environment: This includes ensuring the child has a place to call home, where they feel happy, comfortable, and secure.
• Providing transportation: Foster parents need to ensure the child can get to school, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities.
• Attending to the child's health needs: This includes ensuring the child has access to medical care and addressing any health issues or disabilities.
• Providing love and support: It is important to help the child feel loved and supported as they navigate the trauma of being displaced from their home and taken into care.
• Attending to the child's education: Foster parents must take an active interest in the child's education and ensure their learning is not affected by being in care.
• Managing the child's behaviour: This includes being nurturing, patient, and understanding, and having a system in place to handle challenging behaviour.
• Encouraging contact with family: Foster parents should promote healthy contact between the child and their family, with the goal of eventually reuniting the child with their birth parents if feasible.
• Attending meetings and being a team player: Foster parents work with social workers and other professionals to manage the child's care and must be willing to keep records and maintain confidentiality.
• Continuing to improve their skills: Fostering is a learning process, and foster parents should be committed to developing new skills and attending training to provide the best care possible.

Foster parents also play an important role in helping children deal with the trauma and losses they have experienced and supporting them as they heal and rebuild their lives. This may include helping them learn about their cultural background and incorporating it into their new home.

The child's cultural background

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in south-central Asia, bordering Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is a multi-ethnic society with diverse ethnic, linguistic, and tribal groups. The country's culture has persisted for over three millennia and is strongly connected to nearby Persia. Afghanistan's culture is heavily influenced by its location at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia, making it a hub of diversity.

The country's recent history has been marked by conflict, with generations of Afghans experiencing rare moments of peace due to constant invasions and the ongoing insurgency by the Taliban and other groups. Despite this, Afghan culture remains resilient, dynamic, and academically intriguing.

Religion

Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic, with over 99% of Afghans practicing Islam. About 80-85% of the population adheres to Sunni Islam, while 15-19% practice Shia Islam. Islamic values, concepts, and practices inform many social and behavioural norms throughout Afghan society. For example, it is an obligation for Muslims to pray five times a day and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other activities during the holy month of Ramadan.

Language

Dari (Afghan Persian/Farsi) and Pashto are the official languages of Afghanistan. Dari serves as the lingua franca for the majority, with Persian/Dari spoken in the northern and central areas and Pashto in the south and east. Additionally, Turkic languages (Uzbek and Turkmen) are spoken by about 11% of the population, and other languages like Baluchi, Pashai, and Nuristani are also present. Bilingualism is common, and English is gradually becoming popular among the younger generation.

Family and Gender Roles

The family is the most important aspect of life in Afghanistan, with a strong collectivist culture. People prioritise family interests and responsibilities over personal needs and tend to live in large, multigenerational households. Gender roles are patriarchal and well-defined, with men viewed as breadwinners and women as homemakers. Women typically move in with their husband's family after marriage, and adult children often live with their parents or in-laws due to economic circumstances.

Traditions and Customs

Hospitality is highly valued in Afghan culture. When visiting a home, guests are offered the best the family has, and meals are usually shared communally while sitting on the floor. It is customary to remove shoes before entering a home. Afghans also place great importance on honour and modesty, and these values influence social behaviour and interactions between men and women.

Education and Literacy

Afghanistan has one of the lowest literacy rates globally, and rural areas lack schools. However, efforts to improve education are ongoing, and Lincoln learning centres have been established to promote American culture and provide English language classes.

Arts and Literature

Afghan art is often decorative and embellished, with embroidery and woven finery commonly used in everyday items. Poetry is a highly admired art form, and classic Persian and Pashto poetry play a significant role in the culture.

Food and Cuisine

Afghan cuisine is based on cereals like wheat, maize, barley, and rice, with fresh and dried fruits being an essential part of the diet. Traditional dishes include Qabuli palao (rice dish), Shorba (soup), Mantu (meat dumplings), and Bolani (flatbread or crêpes).

Sports and Leisure

Football is the most popular sport in Afghanistan, followed by cricket, basketball, volleyball, and several other sports promoted by the Afghan Sports Federation. Kite flying is also a beloved pastime for many Afghans, especially children.

The child's journey to the US

The journey of an Afghan child to the US is often fraught with danger and uncertainty. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what that journey might look like:

Step 1: Fleeing Afghanistan

The first step in an Afghan child's journey to the US often involves fleeing their country of origin due to war, violence, persecution, or other life-threatening circumstances. This step can be extremely dangerous, as they navigate through conflict zones and face the risk of exploitation, abuse, trafficking, and gender-based violence.

Step 2: Reaching a Refugee Camp

After fleeing Afghanistan, children often seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan or other parts of Central Asia. They may end up in refugee camps or urban areas, where conditions are often unsafe, with inadequate food rations and minimal access to essential services.

Step 3: Referral to Resettlement Agencies

Once an Afghan child arrives at a refugee camp, they are typically referred to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR works to connect these children with their families, if possible. If family reunification is not feasible, the UNHCR refers the child for resettlement in a third country, such as the United States.

Step 4: Identification for Resettlement

The State Department, in collaboration with organisations like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), identifies eligible children for resettlement in the US. These are often children without parents or relatives who can provide long-term care.

Step 5: Placement in the US

Once identified for resettlement, Afghan children are placed with foster families or small-scale group homes in the US. Organisations like Bethany Christian Services and Global Refuge work to connect these children with foster parents who can provide a safe and supportive environment.

Step 6: Adjustment and Support

The final step in the child's journey involves adjusting to life in the US and healing from past trauma. This includes learning English, catching up on education, receiving medical care, and addressing mental health needs. Foster parents play a crucial role in helping these children navigate their new lives and build a sense of connection and belonging.

The application process

If you're interested in fostering a child from Afghanistan, there are a few steps you'll need to take. Here's an overview of the process:

• Choose an adoption service provider: The first step is to decide whether you want to work with a licensed adoption service provider in the United States. These providers must be licensed by the state in which they operate, and they can guide you through the adoption process.
• Identify a child to adopt: If you are found eligible to adopt, you will need to identify a child who is in need of a guardian per Afghan law and meets the definition of an orphan under U.S. law. You may then petition the Afghan Family Court to obtain guardianship of that child.
• Apply to be found eligible to adopt: To adopt a child from Afghanistan, you must meet the requirements of the Afghan government and U.S. immigration law. This typically involves filing a guardianship petition with the Afghan Family Court and undergoing a community/background investigation.
• Gain legal custody of the child: To gain legal custody in Afghanistan, you must petition the Afghan Family Court for guardianship. The court will issue a 'wasiqa', granting guardianship to the prospective parents. There are minimal fees (less than USD $100) required for the guardianship decree and its translation and authentication.
• Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status: Once you have gained guardianship, you will need to apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status under U.S. immigration law. This involves filing an I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Bring your child home: After completing all the necessary legal steps, you can finally bring your child home to their new family!

It's important to note that the process of adopting a refugee child can be complex and may involve additional challenges. According to the United Nations, every attempt must be made to place a child in their country of origin before international adoption can be considered. This means that the child must first be put on an in-country adoption list, and if no domestic placement is made, then international adoption can be pursued.

Additionally, fostering requirements vary depending on your location. For example, in the UK, foster carers must go through a registration process and receive foster care training. In the US, prospective foster parents typically undergo background checks, interviews with their family, and a home study assessment. They also receive training to prepare them for the unique challenges of fostering.

Frequently asked questions