The Process Ahead

I found this helpful list of the legal steps our paperwork will take once our dossier is submitted to Haiti. I believe we will be entering this first step soon (MFA). These steps may take more or less time , and maybe not even in the same order but they must all be done. So remember when asking how long it will take , it might be easier to ask which step we are on in the process. There is word that we may get an update an pics of Callia at the end of this week, Soooo.. keep checking in.
Bambi:)


1. Where does my dossier go? What are the legal steps in Haiti?

Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
2-4 weeks

First Legalization (1st Legal). This is where all of the papers are authenticated.


File prepared for IBESR (Concurrent with MFA)
1-4 weeks

When the paperwork is at Foreign Affairs, your lawyer must prepare your file for IBESR. IBESR requires that the paperwork be in a certain order. The social history and psychological examination required by IBESR for your child must be made during this period. It involves putting the child's social information into a home study format with your home study information.


IBESR
2-6 months

Your child's paperwork is put together with your documents and the file is then presented to IBESR (Haiti's Social Service Department) where a social worker will look over all of your documents and decide whether to approve your adoption request.The director of IBESR, the IBESR lawyer, the head of adoption services at IBESR, and the IBESR social worker must all sign off on your dossier. This is four stages of approval.


Parquet
2-12 weeks

This step involves one person(?) releasing the child(ren)'s file(s). Parquet is the head commissioner. He is intertwined with court. He asks all of the birth parents to come for interviews to make sure that they understand that there children are being adopted. Apparently there was some fraudulent activity going on and he wants to protect the birth parents interests. i.e. make sure they are in agreement.


Civil Court Legalization
2-8 weeks

The adoption is finalized. After this point, the children are legally yours. (2nd Legal)


Minister of Interior Affairs (MOI)/Haitian Immigration
2-14 weeks

The file is submitted into the passport process. The passports are printed in the adopting parents last name.


DHS Processing (U.S. Parents)
1-3 weeks

I-600 is filed by adopting parents. File is reviewed and approved by DHS


DNA Testing
0-6 weeks

May or may not be necessary. Depends on DHS' opinion.


Consulate/Visa Appointment
1 week lead

Child receives visa in preparation for travel to their new home


time