Adopting A Child From Azerbaijan: A Guide For Parents

Adopting a child from Azerbaijan is a rare occurrence, and the country is not considered a primary source for international adoption. However, it is possible for US citizens to adopt from Azerbaijan, as the country is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The process is complex and requires compliance with both Azerbaijani and US laws and regulations. Prospective parents must be aware of the risks associated with travelling to Azerbaijan, including terrorism and areas of armed conflict. Choosing a reputable adoption agency is crucial, and prospective parents should conduct thorough research and consult relevant US and Azerbaijani authorities to ensure they meet all requirements and understand the costs and timeframes involved.

Choosing a reputable agency

When choosing an agency to assist with your adoption from Azerbaijan, it is important to select a reputable and trustworthy organisation. Here are some factors to consider when making this important decision:

Licensing and Accreditation

Firstly, ensure that the agency is properly licensed and accredited. Check with the State Licensing Specialist in the agency's state to verify their good standing and inquire about any complaints or issues. Contact the State Attorney General's Office to check for any legal action against the agency. This information is typically available through the government office in the state capitol.

References and Reviews

Ask the agency for references from previous clients. Reputable agencies should be happy to provide details of adoptive parents who can speak to their experience with the agency, including post-adoption services. Additionally, consider joining adoptive parent support groups to get first-hand insights from families who have gone through the adoption process.

Communication and Transparency

Effective communication is key. Choose an agency that is responsive to your inquiries, whether by phone or email. They should be professional and transparent about their fees and associated costs. Be cautious of agencies that request fees to be paid upfront without providing a detailed breakdown of expenses.

Warning Signs

Be vigilant for potential red flags. Unethical agencies may use demeaning adoption language, offer shorter wait times for higher fees, charge different fees based on a child's race, or provide limited pregnancy counselling. Prioritise agencies that offer long-term support for all members involved in the adoption process.

Specialisation and Experience

Consider the agency's specialisation and experience in international adoptions, particularly those involving Azerbaijan. Ask about their familiarity with the specific type of adoption you are pursuing and request references or proof of successful adoptions in similar circumstances.

Additional Resources

In addition to agencies, you may also consider working with adoption attorneys, facilitators, or consultants. Adoption attorneys are legal experts but may not offer the same range of services as agencies. Adoption facilitators serve as intermediaries but may not be licensed, while consultants provide unbiased guidance and education throughout the process.

Remember, adopting a child from Azerbaijan is rare, and there may be limited information available. Always prioritise the well-being of the child and ensure that you meet all suitability and eligibility requirements.

Researching the country

Researching Azerbaijan is an important step in the adoption process. Here is some information to help you get started:

Culture and History

Azerbaijan has a majority-Turkic and majority-Shia Muslim population. The country was briefly independent from 1918 to 1920 following the collapse of the Russian Empire, but it was later incorporated into the Soviet Union for seven decades. Understanding the cultural and historical context of the country is crucial when adopting from Azerbaijan.

Country Profile

Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region, bordering the Caspian Sea, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran. Baku is the capital and largest city, known for its medieval walled old town and modern skyline. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse range of art, music, literature, and cuisine.

Political and Security Situation

Azerbaijan has experienced political instability and ongoing territorial disputes with neighbouring countries, particularly in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. There are also concerns about terrorism and areas of armed conflict, which have led to travel warnings and increased caution for visitors. It is important to stay updated on the security situation and follow the recommendations of relevant authorities.

Adoption Authority

The State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs is the central authority for adoptions in Azerbaijan. They can provide information on applicable laws and procedures for prospective adoptive parents. Their contact details are:

Address: AZ 1000, Baku, Azerbaijan

40 U. Hajibeyov Str.

Government House, Gate IV

Tel: +994 (12) 493-70-39

Fax: +994 (12) 493 58 72

Email: [email protected]

U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan

The U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, can provide additional support and information for U.S. citizens interested in adopting from Azerbaijan:

Address: 111 Azadliq Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan

Tel: +994 (12) 488-3300

Fax: +994 (12) 488-3320

Email: [email protected]

Understanding the adoption authority

Azerbaijan is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, which means that intercountry adoption processing must be done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention, as well as the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA), and the IAA’s implementing regulations.

Azerbaijan's Adoption Authority is the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs. Their contact details are:

AZ 1000, Baku, Azerbaijan, 40 U. Hajibeyov Str., Government House, Gate IV, Tel: +994 (12) 493-70-39, Fax: +994 (12) 493 58 72, Email: [email protected], Website: [scfwca.gov.az State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs].

The U.S. Central Authority is the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, SA-17, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1709, Tel: 1-888-407-4747, Email: [email protected].

The U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan, can also be contacted for information: 111 Azadliq Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan, Tel: +994 (12) 488-3300, Fax: +994 (12) 488-3320, Email: [email protected].

The U.S. Consulate in Baku can also be contacted for information: http://usembassybaku.org/consul/consmain.html, Tel: (994-12) 98-03-35/ -36/ -37, Fax: 98-37-55.

Azerbaijan's Central Authority is the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 85 Salatin Asgarova Street, Baku, Azerbaijan AZ1009, Tel: +994 (12) 596 5034, Fax: +994 (12) 496 5033, Call Center: +994 (12) 142, Contact Information: https://www.sosial.gov.az/en/contacts, Website: https://www.sosial.gov.az/?hl=az.

Meeting eligibility requirements

Adopting a child from Azerbaijan is extremely rare. If you are a US citizen, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements as determined by the USCIS. Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention Adoptee under US immigration law to be eligible to immigrate to the US with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Azerbaijan is a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. This means that intercountry adoption processing must be done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA), and the IAA's implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's Adoption Authority is the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs. Their contact details are:

> AZ 1000, Baku, Azerbaijan

> 40 U. Hajibeyov Str.

> Government House, Gate IV

> Tel: +994 (12) 493-70-39

> Fax: +994 (12) 493 58 72

> Email: [email protected]

> Internet: [scfwca.gov.az State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs]

To adopt a child from Azerbaijan, you must have an approved home study and obtain a Notice of Favorable Determination from the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Married couples and single women may adopt, and there are no age restrictions in Azerbaijan. However, under US immigration law, single adults aged 25 or older and married couples of any age may adopt. Citizens of other countries must comply with the legal requirements of their country of residence.

The process and time frame for adopting from Azerbaijan involve the following steps:

• Dossier preparation and submission: The dossier is translated, reviewed, and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet of Ministers. This process takes approximately 2-3 months.
• Court date: The court date is set 1-2 months after acceptance of a referral. Both parents must appear in court, and this trip can be for 2-3 days.
• Picking up the child: Both parents must travel to Baku to pick up their child approximately 1-2 months after the court date. This trip generally lasts about 7 days.
• Obtaining the child's immigrant visa: Parents must travel to the US Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, to obtain their child's immigrant visa.

It is important to note that both parents are required to travel to Azerbaijan twice during the adoption process. It is also recommended to choose a reputable agency to facilitate the international adoption, as there are many agencies working in Azerbaijan.

Following the adoption process

Adopting a child from Azerbaijan is an extremely rare process, and there is a lack of current information on the specific requirements. However, here is a step-by-step guide on how to proceed with the adoption process:

• Choose a reputable adoption agency: It is crucial to select a proficient, honest, and ethical agency that facilitates international adoptions. Research extensively, consult the Adoption Guide Website, join an international adoption listserv, and contact the U.S. Consulate in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the Consul from the Azerbaijani Embassy in your country of residence.
• Inquire about in-country facilitators: Ask the agency about the names of all individuals working on your adoption, both locally and overseas. Assess their responsiveness, timeliness, and professionalism.
• Request a detailed breakdown of agency fees: Obtain an itemized list of all fees, including international fees, and compare them with other agencies. The total costs for adoption from Azerbaijan typically range from $10,000 to $20,000.
• Understand the adoption timeline: Be cautious of agencies promising quick adoptions. The process usually takes around six to ten months, and the Azerbaijani government requires a 30-day wait after the court hearing before the child can leave the country. This means that parents will need to make two separate trips to Azerbaijan.
• Obtain medical information: Ensure that the agency can provide comprehensive medical information about the child. You should also have the option of arranging an independent medical evaluation at a Western medical clinic.
• Understand donation requirements: Some agencies may require donations to orphanages, but this is not a legal requirement in Azerbaijan.
• Research Azerbaijan's adoption requirements: Familiarize yourself with the adoption requirements of both Azerbaijan and your country of residence. For U.S. citizens, this information can be found on the U.S. State Department's website.
• Comply with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act: Ensure that the adoption agency and all individuals involved in the process are in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
• Complete the necessary paperwork: Work with your chosen agency to assemble and submit the required documentation, including a home study, biometrics, and background checks.
• Appear in court: Both parents are typically required to appear in court during the first trip to Azerbaijan. The court date is usually set one to two months after the acceptance of a referral.
• Finalise the adoption: After court approval, finalise the adoption process in Azerbaijan and obtain all necessary documents, including birth and adoption certificates.
• Obtain an immigrant visa: Apply for an immigrant visa for your child at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. Both parents are required to travel to pick up their child and obtain the necessary visa.
• Comply with post-adoption requirements: Some countries, like Armenia, require post-adoption reporting to the authorities. Ensure that you understand and adhere to any such requirements.

Please note that this is a general outline, and specific steps may vary depending on your country of residence and the adoption agency you choose. It is essential to consult with a licensed professional and the relevant government authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Frequently asked questions