A. Christian Commitment
As a ministry, Lifeline works with Christian families desiring to adopt as part of a calling and commitment we have been led to. As a part of this, we also ask that you complete two forms (Doctrinal Statement & Christian Questionnaire) that you can access online. We ask that parents have a firm commitment to live according to God’s Word and teach their child the truth about who Jesus Christ is as their Lord and Savior. We would love to talk to you more about this if you would like to know more about what it means to be a Christian. You can also learn more online HERE.
B. Parenting Ability
The adoptive applicants must give evidence of a mutual desire and love for children. The applicants must be able to provide the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the child being adopted. Adoptive applicants should meet the requirements for adoption in their home state.
C. Age
Haiti requires adoptive parents to be at least 35 years of age. There is an upper age limit of 50 for a healthy referral and age 55 for special needs adoption. Note: No more than 15 years age difference between the husband and the wife. Applicants between the ages of 45-50 must be willing to accept a toddler.
D. Health
The applicants must be in good physical and mental health as determined by a medical and psychological examination and evaluation to enable them to undertake the responsibility of parenthood. Family Health insurance and life insurance coverage is required.
E. Finances
The applicants must have a sufficient income to meet the expenses incurred by adding a member to the family and to make reasonable provision for future financial stability. Indebtedness (not including mortgage) should be reasonable.
F. Housing
The applicants’ home must provide adequate space and living conditions necessary to promote health and well being. The home should have at least two bedrooms. Ownership is not required.
G. Work
If both parents work outside the home, one of the parents should be able to remain at home with the child for at least 4-6 weeks following the return home. This assists with bonding and fosters emotional security in the child. Whether one is able to take time off from work will be considered. The exact length of time can be discussed in more detail with our staff. If the parent returns to work, there must be a plan for reasonable child care which will provide security for the child.
H. Prior History of Felony Conviction
Criminal background checks will be conducted for each adult member of the family. Any criminal history in your past should be addressed with an agency representative prior to making an application. All prior legal convictions should be disclosed with the agency representative before starting your home study.
I. Marriage
A husband and wife must be married at least 10 years (unless the couple is infertile) prior to filing an application (up to three years of consistent dating prior to marriage can be added). The marriage relationship should be stable, as determined through the home study investigation. Note: No more than one previous divorce is allowed. Second marriages must be at least 10 years in length.
Note: Single women are also eligible to adopt.
J. Children/Pregnancy
There are no restrictions on an applicants’ ability to have future children. Haiti welcomes families who currently have no children in the home. There cannot be more than 3 minor, biological children already living in the home. Families who have children in the home who desire to adopt from Haiti must apply for special approval, called a Presidential Dispensation, in after their Dossier documents are sent to Haiti. This approval is often issued very easily, but is not guaranteed. If a pregnancy does occur during the adoption process and prior to the placement of a child, the prospective adoptive parents’ application could be placed on hold pending the outcome of the pregnancy and the expected date of delivery.
K. Exceptions
Please discuss possible exceptions with a Lifeline representative. Some of the qualifications are set by the IBESR and are not left to the discretion of Lifeline or its staff.
