BURKINA FASO ADOPTION PROGRAM

NOTE:  The children in the above photo are NOT available for adoption - the photo is simply a visual
representation of Burkina Faso children.  The children are from the Fields of Grace School Sponsorship Program.

The Burkina Faso Ministry of Social Welfare has invited our agency to become accredited to work in their country.  We are currently completing paperwork for this process.  Executive Director Daniel Roberts is in Burkina Faso from June 16th through June 21st  to meet with officials and tour orphanages.  Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about this new and developing program.

CHILDREN

  Ethnicity:  African children with very dark skin, hair and eyes.
  Age:  At time of referral, infant to 15 years of age (some older children may be available)
  Medicals:  children are tested for HIV, TB, and Hepatitis C prior to referral.
  Background:  children we place come from orphanages in Burkina Faso. Some children may come from a private Christian orphanage in the capital city of Ouagadougou.

ELIGIBILITY

  Age:  Adoptive parents must be at least 15 years and no more than 43 years older than the child being adopted.    
  Marital Status:  Married couples only, must be married at least 5 years.
  Religion:  for more info please contact KTA.
  Health:  Parents should be in good physical and psychological health.  All visitors to Burkina Faso are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry.  If you are concerned that you have a disability or are taking medication that could affect your adoption, please let us know.

COSTS

  Fees for Burkina Faso are reasonable for international adoption.  As the costs vary per individual case, Kids To Adopt doesn't post fees online.

PROCESS

  Parents must first send in an application to Kids To Adopt.
  Upon approval of application, Kids To Adopt will send an application (Family Book) to Burkina Faso for governmental pre-approval of the adoptive family.
  Upon receipt of government approval, Kids To Adopt sends a contract to the adoptive family.  Parents must sign the contract and send it back to us with the first payment.
  Upon receipt of the signed contract, Kids To Adopt sends parents the Dossier Kit which includes instructions on compiling the documents required by Burkina Faso.
  When parents have completed all of their paperwork, they send it back to KTA.  We proof your dossier and send it for translation then send it  to the Burkina Faso embassy for legalization. After legalization your dossier is sent to Burkina Faso for final approval.
  Adoptive parents will receive an official referral from the Burkina Faso Ministry of Social Welfare after final approval of their dossier.
  Our coordinator and attorney in Burkina Faso complete the legal adoption process for the adoptive family. Families are not required to appear at the court hearing.
  After finalization of the adoption, parents travel to Burkina Faso to bring their child home. Parents should expect this trip to be at least 2 weeks in length. We are being told there will be a 10-14 day visitation requirement prior to receiving the child's visa.
  Parents must submit Post Adoption reports due 6 months after the adoption then yearly until the child reaches her/his 18th birthday.

Please Note: Kids to Adopt recommends that both adoptive parents travel to Burkina Faso to meet their child prior to the court hearing. U.S. immigration laws also require both adoptive parents to meet the child prior to court in order for the child to automatically receive U.S. citizenship upon entering the U.S.A. Foreign adopted children that are not U.S. citizens may not be eligible for certain local, state or federal benefits.

TIME FRAME

As this is a new and developing program the time frame is very difficult to foresee as it depends on many factors, some being:  parents diligence in completing paperwork, national holidays, problems with incorrect paperwork, regional changes in requirements, emergencies, etc.  

Parents can estimate the process, from start to finish, taking at least 4 to 12 months, after submission of dossier depending on a variety of factors.

OTHER INFORMATION

Kids to Adopt is happy to be working with the Burkinabe government and Fields of Grace Orphanage in Ouagadougou. At this time, Burkina Faso does not allow for pre-selection of children for adoption. While we work with and help to support Fields of Grace, adoptive families should be aware that referrals of children are made by Burkina Faso officials and children may come from other facilities. A portion of your adoption fees do provide support for local children and Fields of Grace Orphanage and other programs.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON BURKINA FASO

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Burkina Faso is landlocked and shares borders with Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Togo. The country is slightly larger than Colorado at 274.200 sq km in size. The climate is tropical with primarily warm, dry winters and hot, wet summers. Most of the country is flat or undulating plains with some hills in the west and southeast.

July 2007 population estimates are 14,326,203, with a median age of 16.5 years and life expectancy of just over 49 years. The population is made up of several ethnic groups, Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani). The primary religions are Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%. 

Burkina Faso has few natural resources and a weak industrial base and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Approximately 46% of the population lives below the poverty level. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to drought. Since 1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual but successful privatization of state-owned enterprises. Burkina Faso revised its investment code in 2004,  hoping to attract foreign investors. Thanks to this new code and other legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an upswing in gold exploration and production.