COUNTRIES WE SERVE
Adopting from Haiti
Hand in Hand International Adoptions
Hand in Hand International Adoptions has guided families through Haitian adoptions since 1990 — one of our longest-established programs. Haiti is a Hague Convention country, and all adoptions are processed through the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), Haiti’s central adoption authority located in Port-au-Prince. The program serves both orphanage adoptions and relative adoptions. Two trips are required. The process typically takes 18 months to 3 years. Hand in Hand was re-accredited to work in Haiti under the Hague Convention process in September 2016.
- Hague Accredited
- 10,000+ Families Served
OUR STORY
Program Introduction
Hand in Hand began assisting with Haitian adoptions in 1990, and our commitment to Haiti’s children has deepened over more than three decades. Haiti’s ongoing challenges — economic hardship, natural disasters, political instability, and gang violence — have increased the number of children in crèches (orphanages) who need permanent families.
Unlike many agencies who have stopped accepting new applications, Hand in Hand continues to work in Haiti because the children there need advocates, and families who adopt from Haiti are answering a profound call.
All adoptions are coordinated through the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR) in Port-au-Prince — the sole Haitian government authority that approves families, determines a child’s eligibility for adoption, and makes child-to-family matches.
OUR STORY
Who Can Be Adopted?
Children from toddler age to 15 years old
Sibling groups are available
All children are of African descent
Healthy children and children with special needs as defined by the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR) — including behavior disorders, trauma, physical or mental disabilities, children age 6 or older, and sibling groups
Relative adoption: families in the U.S. with a relative still living in Haiti may be eligible to adopt that child
Who Can Adopt?
At least one spouse must be at least 30 years old; single applicants must be at least 35
No prospective adoptive parent over age 50 (relative adoptions excepted)
Married, unmarried, or common law couples are accepted
Couples must have been living together and married or in a common law relationship for at least 5 years
Single heterosexual women are accepted
Haitian adoption procedures do not permit adoptions by same-sex couples regardless of marital status — this is a Haitian government requirement
Prospective adoptive parents must be habitually resident outside Haiti
A 2-year waiting period is required between finalizing one Haitian adoption and submitting a new application
Process
Travel Requirements
Two trips to Haiti are required. The first trip is a bonding visit of at least 15 days — both parents must travel. The second trip, after U.S. visa approval, is approximately 5 days. Finalization happens in Haiti. Your child receives a U.S. visa and becomes a U.S. citizen upon arrival home.
Timeframe
Average timeframes range from 18 months to 3 years. Haiti’s process can be affected by country-level factors; Hand in Hand keeps families informed throughout.
Financial
What Does It Cost?
Fees for the Haiti program vary based on your state of residence. International adoptions through Hand in Hand generally range from $17,000 to $40,000 including agency fees, in-country costs, and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Haiti
What is the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR) and what role does it play?
The Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR) is Haiti’s central adoption authority located in Port-au-Prince. It is the only Haitian government body that can determine whether a child is eligible for adoption, approve prospective adoptive families, and make child-to-family matches. Hand in Hand works within the IBESR process to advocate for families and children.
What is a crèche?
A crèche is the Haitian term for an orphanage or children’s care facility. Children in crèches have typically been placed there by families facing extreme economic hardship or by government authorities. Not all children in crèches are legally free for adoption — the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR) determines eligibility.
Can I adopt a relative from Haiti?
Yes. Hand in Hand has successfully assisted many U.S. families in adopting a relative — a niece, nephew, grandchild, or other family member — still living in Haiti. Relative adoptions have their own requirements and timelines. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Why does Haiti require 5 years of marriage?
Haitian adoption law requires couples to have been married or in a common law relationship for a minimum of five years before applying. This is a Haitian government requirement, not a Hand in Hand policy, and reflects Haiti’s effort to ensure the stability of adoptive families.
What languages are spoken in Haiti?
Haitian Creole and French are the official languages of Haiti. Hand in Hand provides translation support throughout the process, and travel preparation includes cultural and language orientation.
How long must we stay in Haiti on the first trip?
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— The Sevillena Family
Countries We Serve
We partner with select international programs focused on ethical adoption and child-centered care.
Adopt from Brazil
The #1 U.S. program in Brazil — specializing in siblings, older children, and families ready to keep brothers and sisters together.
Adopt from Bulgaria
A transparent, Hague-accredited process with shorter timelines for children over three and those with special needs.
Adopt from Hong Kong
Our newest program focuses on children with special placement needs. Finalization happens in the U.S. after you return home.
Adopt from Hungary
Hand in Hand’s newest country program. Contact us to learn about current openings and requirements.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
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