Adoption In Belize: What Are The Options?

Belize is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, which means that intercountry adoptions between the United States and Belize are possible. However, there is a specific process that must be followed to meet the requirements of the Convention. This process includes choosing an accredited adoption service provider, applying to be found eligible to adopt, being matched with a child, applying for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States, and finalizing the adoption in Belize. It is important to note that prospective adoptive parents must complete these steps in the correct order to meet all the necessary legal requirements. Additionally, under Belizean law, adoption orders remain provisional for 12 months, during which quarterly reports on the child's progress must be submitted to the court.

Requirements for prospective parents

Belize is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, so adoptions from Belize must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. Here are the requirements for prospective parents who wish to adopt from Belize:

Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider

Prospective adoptive parents must first select an accredited or approved adoption service provider in the United States. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide adoption services between the United States and Belize.

Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt

After choosing an accredited adoption service provider, prospective parents must apply to be found eligible to adopt (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This involves submitting a home study, providing biometrics, and cooperating in a background check.

Be Matched with a Child

If both the United States and Belize determine that the prospective parents are eligible to adopt, and a child is available for intercountry adoption, the central adoption authority in Belize may provide a referral for a child. It is important to note that only Belizean citizens can be adopted by non-Belizean citizens.

Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States

After accepting a match with a child, prospective parents must apply to the U.S. Government for provisional approval of a petition to immigrate the child through adoption (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be adopted and enter the country.

Adopt the Child in Belize or Gain Legal Custody

Before finalising the adoption or gaining legal custody of the child in Belize, prospective parents must complete the above steps, including receiving approval from both the United States and Belize, and receiving the necessary referral and provisional approval. The process for finalising the adoption involves the Belize Central Authority and the Supreme Court of Belize.

Additional Requirements

Prospective adoptive parents must also meet certain requirements specific to Belize, including a minimum residency requirement. Non-Belizean prospective adoptive parents must reside in Belize with the Belizean child for 12 months, with periodic visits from a social worker to assess the parent-child relationship. At least one adoptive parent must be a minimum of 25 years old and no fewer than 12 years older than the child. While there is no maximum age to adopt, a guardian may be appointed if the adoptive parent(s) are elderly. Both married and single individuals can adopt in Belize, but single men cannot adopt female children unless the Supreme Court of Belize waives this restriction due to special circumstances.

Documents and Fees

The following documents are required by the Belize Human Services Department: a valid police certificate, an approved home study, and proof of home government approval to adopt. Prospective parents can expect to pay attorney's fees ranging from US$1,500 to US$5,000, as well as various other fees for items such as visas, birth certificates, passports, and medical examinations.

The adoption process

Adopting a child from Belize requires following a specific process designed to meet the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention, to which Belize is a party. Here is a step-by-step guide to the adoption process:

• Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider: Select an accredited or approved adoption service provider in the United States that can facilitate adoptions between the United States and Belize. This is a crucial first step, as only these agencies and attorneys are authorised to provide such services.
• Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt: After choosing your adoption service provider, you must apply to be found eligible to adopt (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This involves submitting a home study, providing biometrics, and undergoing a background check.
• Be Matched with a Child: If both the United States and Belize determine that you are eligible to adopt, the central adoption authority in Belize may refer you to a child. It is important to carefully consider whether you can meet the needs of the specific child and provide a permanent family placement.
• Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States: After accepting a match with a child, apply to the U.S. Government for provisional approval of a petition to immigrate the child through adoption (Form I-800). This must be submitted in the United States, and USCIS will determine the child's eligibility to be adopted and enter the country.
• Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Belize: Before finalising the adoption or gaining legal custody, ensure that you have completed the above four steps. The adoption process in Belize involves the Belize Central Authority (Belize Department of Human Services) processing the application and forwarding it to the Supreme Court of Belize for a final decision. The Supreme Court may issue a provisional adoption order, granting custody of the child for a probationary period, typically one year, before issuing a final adoption decree.
• Apply for a U.S. Immigrant Visa for Your Child: Once the adoption is complete or you have obtained legal custody, there are a few more steps. You will need to obtain a birth certificate or adoption certificate, a Belizean passport for the child, and apply for a U.S. immigrant visa from the U.S. Embassy in Belize. This visa will allow your child to travel to the United States with you.

Adoption fees

The adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process. Prospective adoptive parents can expect to pay attorney's fees for adoption services in Belize ranging from $1,500 USD to $5,000 USD. The cost can vary based on the attorney selected, the type of adoption (local vs. international) and the number of children being adopted. Attorneys' fees include all costs related to the adoption process, such as court costs and filing fees.

• Visa fees – US$325
• Fees charged by specialized professionals (legal services, legalization of documents translator, etc.) – US$4,000-US$5,000
• Birth certificate – US$3.50
• Passport – US$15 for children under 16, US$25 for children over 16
• Medical Fees – US$155
• Emigration/Exit fees – US$55.50 (some airlines include this in the ticket cost)
• Courier fees – US$100

The U.S. Embassy in Belize discourages the payment of any fees that are not properly documented. In particular, "donations" or "expediting fees" may create the appearance of "buying" a child and put all future adoptions in Belize at risk. U.S. citizens adopting a child in Belize should report any unusual or unjustified fees to the U.S. Embassy in Belize or to the U.S. Department of State.

Required documents

The following documents are required by the Belize Human Services Department:

• A valid police certificate.
• An approved home study.
• Proof of home government approval to adopt (for U.S. citizens, this is an approved I-800 or I-800A).

Note that additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, you can get help from the U.S. Department of State's Authentications Office.

The following documents are required for the immigrant visa application:

• An original of the child's birth certificate issued by the Belize Vital Statistics Unit indicating the name of both parents, if known.
• If the child's birth parents are not deceased: court documents indicating that the Government of Belize has terminated parental rights and made the child a Ward of the Belize Department of Human Services (this is usually included in the Home Study Report).
• If a sole or surviving birth parent voluntarily relinquished the child for adoption: a report from the Belize Department of Human Services indicating that the birth parent was incapable of proper care of the child.
• The Provisional Adoption Order issued by the Supreme Court of Belize which shows that all pre-adoption requirements have been met.
• A valid Belize passport issued in the child's name.
• Three 2x2 inch colour passport photographs.
• Medical examination results. (Note: this medical examination must be conducted by one of the Panel Physicians located in Belize City and in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. Detailed instructions and forms are provided by the Embassy once the I-800 is received.)
• If the minor has a physical or mental disability, a notarized statement will be required from the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the United States that indicates that they are fully aware of the disability of the minor and they have the intention of finalizing the adoption. This statement can be included in item 19 of form I-800 and also in the home study if it is more convenient.
• IH-4 visa applicants only: An Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) completed by the adoptive parent(s), as well as the required supplementary documentation (generally copies of their most recent federal tax returns, including W-2s).
• In the case of an adoptive child to be escorted to the United States by a third party, a notarized statement will be required authorizing that person to take the minor to the United States with the purpose of placing him or her with the prospective adoptive parent(s).

Post-adoption requirements

• Under Belizean law, adoption orders made under Section 141 remain provisional for 12 months, during which time quarterly reports regarding the child's progress must be submitted to the court by a competent authority in the country where the child lives.
• After the 12-month period, an application can be made to a designated court for the adoption to be made final.
• It is strongly advised that adoptive parents comply with Belize's reporting requirements and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner.
• Adoptive parents can seek support from other adoptive families, support groups, advocacy organisations, or religious or community services.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Child Welfare Information Gateway is a useful resource for adoptive parents.
• If there are concerns about the intercountry adoption process, the Embassy in Belmopan should be contacted.
• The U.S. Department of State's Adoption Comment Page allows adoptive families to comment on their adoption service provider, their experience applying for their child's visa, or the Form I-800/A petition process.
• The Complaint Registry is an internet-based registry for filing complaints about the compliance of U.S.-accredited or approved adoption service providers with U.S. accreditation standards.

Frequently asked questions