Children of the World is excited to announce our license approval in Dominican Republic in 2023

We have secured the services of a reputable and experienced attorney in the country who is approved by the Central Authority, CONANI

 
 

ADOPTING FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

APPROXIMATE COST

$40-45,000*

AVERAGE TIME OF COMPLETION

18-30 months

YOUNGEST AGE OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE

2-14 years, Healthy Children and Children with Medical needs

AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTS

30-60 YEARS OF AGE

TRAVEL TIME IN COUNTRY : 

There is a 60 day in country bonding requirement for children under the age of 12 years. Both parents are expected to be present for this period and for court. Additional time is required for obtaining child’s new birth certificate, medical evaluation, passport and visa.


NUMBER OF TRIPS REQUIRED: 
1 trip

CHILDREN ALREADY IN HOME:

No set limit but approval will vary on a case by case basis.
The youngest child currently in the family has to be at least 1 year old. 

LENGTH OF MARRIAGE REQUIRED: 
5 years

AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATCHED CHILD & PARENT: 
Minimum of 15 years

SIBLING GROUPS AVAILABLE:
Yes, but sibling groups are typically older children

POST PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:  
Social worker completed reports annually in years 1-5 after arrival home.

PARENT REQUIREMENTS: 
Physically, mentally, and emotionally stable. 
Financially capable and motivated to adopt. 
No life threatening medical conditions or criminal records.

AGE OF SINGLE PARENT:  
Country does not allow adoption by single parents.

CITIZENSHIP: At least one parent must be a US citizen (by birth or naturalization)

  • Costs variations are largely a product of time of year for travel related costs and family choice of accommodations during stay in country.

For more specific information about adoption requirements, adoption process, and country information, visit the US State Department website here.

Please note that the information below is subject to change without notice as changes occur in country and government regulations.

PREPARATION

  • Research information on adoption service providers, country, and special needs.

  • Choose an agency and complete the application process.

  • Begin mandatory adoption education.

HOME STUDY & DOSSIER

  • Identify a home study agency. Complete home study paperwork. If you live in Alabama, Children of the World will complete your home study.

  • Social worker makes home study visits. Social workers prepare, review, and approve home study report based on approved standards.

  • Complete dossier paperwork. Children of the World compiles and authenticates the dossier for you.

  • Children of the World will register you with CONANI (Central Authority) through our attorney in the Dominican Republic.

  • CONANI will review and approve your application.

MATCHING WITH A CHILD

  • CONANI identifies a child that meets your criteria for your consideration.

  • Children of the World presents a referral file (child’s file) for your review and for medical review.

  • If you choose to accept a referral and be matched with a child, then you make the cohabitation trip.

IMMIGRATION

  • Begin the I-800 Process with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve you to adopt a child internationally. Submit I-800a and I-800 form with our assistance.

  • I-800 approval is received which verifies that you are approved to adopt a specific child that you have accepted.

TRAVEL

  • During the required 60 day (for children under age 12) cohabitation period, the social worker visits and monitors the bonding between the child and you.

  • Court process in Dominican Republic is handled by our approved attorney and you will be present.

  • Court orders are issued. 

  • Dominican Republic birth certificate and child’s passport are obtained with the assistance of the in-country attorney’s office.

  • Processing out of the country to return home is facilitated by the attorney’s office.

GETTING HOME

  • Add your adopted child to your insurance.

  • Complete the legal processes in the U.S. which vary state by state, but usually consists of name change or re-adoption.

  • Apply for State Birth Certificate and Social Security Card for your child.

  • Change your child's name on their Certificate of Citizenship, if necessary.

  • Complete the required post placement visits by the social worker. The social worker will prepare the reports at the requested time according to the post placement schedule.

  • Consider Readoption. What is Readoption? In the case of intercountry adoptions, some countries issue a final adoption decree to the adoptive parents while they are in the country. But the parents may seek a readoption, an additional adoption in their home state beyond the one that occurred in the child's country. A readoption allows them to obtain an adoption decree and birth certificate from their state. Your adoption agency can provide information on readopting.

The process may appear overwhelming but Children of the World staff are available to assist in every step of the process.

 Learning More About International Adoption

Ready to learn more about international adoption, and how Children of the World can play a part? 

Visit our Beginning Your Journey Page for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), review the minimum criteria for prospective adoptive parents, find resources to educate yourself on the topic, and learn how to begin the adoption process.