Adoption in Nepal
Foreign adoption is a beautiful way to build a family. But it is also a complicated process to navigate. At the outset there are major decisions to be made. For example, which country should you choose? Each country's program has certain pros and cons, and what may be a pro for one family might be a con for another. If you're interested in adopting a child in Nepal, here is what you need to know.
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Family Requirements
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Families who wish to adopt a child from Nepal must meet several requirements.
* Married couples must be married for at least 4 years.
* Each spouse cannot have been divorced more than twice.
* Parents must be older than 30 years old but younger than 55.
* Single women can adopt a child in Nepal and must be between the ages of 35 and 55, however single men are not eligible.
* A family cannot have more than two children if they wish to adopt from Nepal.
* If a family has a child or two children of one gender they must adopt a child of the opposite gender. Families with children of both genders are not eligible to adopt from Nepal. However, stepchildren are a special case. For example, if the married couple has a daughter from the wife's first marriage and a son together, they would still be permitted to adopt a girl from Nepal.
These requirements can change, so make sure you are familiar with the most recent guidelines.
Children
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Most of the children adopted from Nepal are around 7 to 12 months old, but they can be as old as 5 years. Parents older than 45 must be open to a child who is older than 1 year old and parents over 50 must be open to a child older than 2. However, older families are often referred a younger child.
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Selecting an Agency
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It is important to make sure you are working with a reputable agency. Ask around for referrals, join online adoption groups and ask for opinions about agencies. Make sure to check the agency's record with the Better Business Bureau before you sign up. There are many adoption agencies to choose from when adopting in Nepal. It's important to carefully consider your options. Request information from several and compare. Costs can vary greatly from agency to agency, so make sure you know what you're getting for your money.
Dossier
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Once the agency has accepted your application, you'll begin assembling a dossier of documents to send to adoption authorities in Nepal. Your agency will provide you with a list of the documents required. These will include such things as birth certificates, marriage licenses, physicals and a home study report. During the home study a licensed social worker will meet with your family in your home and document the meeting. After the dossier is completed, your agency will submit it to Nepal.
Referral
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After the dossier is submitted you will wait to receive your referral. Wait times vary, but are usually 1 to 4 months. The referral will include information such as a photo of the child and medical records. Parents can submit the medical information to a doctor for review and accept or decline the referral. If you decline the referral you will need to wait once again for another referral. If you accept the referral you will begin making preparations through your agency to travel to Nepal for the adoption.
Travel to Nepal
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In order to adopt a child from Nepal parents must travel to that country, which is located between India and China. Travel requirements for Nepal are subject to change. Usually it includes a short trip taken a few weeks after the referral is accepted for the parents to meet the child and fill out paperwork. Then a second trip taken four to six months later where parents spend about two weeks in Nepal, then bring their newly adopted child home.
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- Photo Credit Guido Farina
