Sub-Sahara Africa Adoptions

[dogmom]

I've been trying to look into adoptions from Sub-Sahara Africa, probably South Africa. Has anyone done some of this research and can pass some wisdom onto me?

Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03

[malie]

Jeanne,
Since South Africa has only allowed international adoptions for the last ten years http://travel.state.gov/adoption_safrica.html and since those are less then about 25 a year although the number seems to moving up http://travel.state.gov/orphan_numbers.html you are probably going to have a harder time finding others who have. However since South Africa recently signed the Hague Convention, it is quite possible that adoptions from that country will see an upswing and (and perhaps more importantly) the procedure for adopting from South Africa will probably change.

I'm not trying to discourage you from your choice. Far from it but just letting you know that because South Africa and the other countries in Africa have traditional fewer international adoptions (if they even allow them) that it will be more difficult to find information and you will need to be extra careful those who make claims that they can help you http://travel.state.gov/adopt.html You can get information from the state dept (although sometimes it might not be as up to date as one would like) as to which countries actually allow adoption and a feel for how many children are placed from them

[dogmom]

Thanks for the information. That was the sense I got from the information I've gathered so far. I did find informationt that seemed to support a movement towards facilitating adoptions. My next step was actually to go talk to Catholic Charities.

Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03