If you are interested in adopting from Haiti, you might be wondering what he requirements are?

• Heterosexual married couples and single women, who are living alone, between the ages of 35-50 are eligible to adopt.
• No single men.
• Age exceptions may be made for couples under age 35 with documented infertility.
• Couples must be married for at least 5 years.
• There aren’t any general religious requirements, BUT each agency is different and may have their own specific requirements. (Many agencies with Haiti programs do have a Christian requirement.)
• You may adopt two unrelated children at the same time.
• Families may have a maximum of four biological children in their home. The requirements for adopted children in the home vary from agency to agency.

In October of 2006, a new director was appointed to IBESR (Haitian Social Services). Madame Beaudin has made great progress on signing adoption files out of IBESR. She has also implemented the 1974 Law—making it effective as of December 22, 2006. The 1974 Law basically states that:

• Adoption is allowed by heterosexual couples and single women over the age of 35.
• If married, at least one parent must be 35 years old.
• If married, to qualify for Haitian adoption, you must have been married for at least 10 years, and not have any biological children from that marriage. Children from previous marriages or adoption are allowed.
• You must be at least 19 years older than the child you want to adopt.

You can read more about the 1974 Law here:

http://www.2girlsandawebsite.com/blog_stuff/1974.html

Many agencies are reassuring adoptive and potential adoptive parents, by claiming that this law has been implemented by previous IBESR directors, only to be loosened, and eventually dropped. Many agencies state that a Presidential exemption can be obtained to allow you to proceed with an adoption, in the meantime. If you are interested in adopting from Haiti and do not meet the requirements of the 1974 Law, talk with your agency about your options.