Adopting a child requires a lot of thought and most of the times is an over whelming journey. It is not a decision to be made all of a sudden. Parents getting ready to go for adoption should definitely reconsider their decision and make sure that it is not based on a sudden impulsive feeling. Introducing and welcoming a child who is a total stranger requires adjustments from the parents to be, other family members and relatives.
It is not possible to adopt a child from within Dubai or anywhere else in UAE. You will have to depend on agencies outside UAE for this. It is against the UAE law to adopt children from the country. However residents of UAE have the option to obtain permission from their own embassies and carry on adoption procedures. They can adopt children from any other country through different agencies for the purpose. Also they will have to follow the rules and regulations prescribed by their own embassies and the embassy of the country from where they are planning to adopt a child.
Let??s have a look at how to start the procedures of adoption when you are residing in Dubai.
To protect child abuse and trafficking, the adoption rules are to be in line with the Hague adoption convention. This calls for proper filling of paper work, police checks and completing the counseling offered. You have to ensure that all legal procedures are followed so that the child can get a valid residency visa.
The best options are to approach the adoption teams at
- Synergy Medical Centre on Al Wasl Road
- The Human Relations Institute
The teams there offer professional advice regarding different aspects of adoption. They offer counseling to couples who approach them. The parents involved will have to undergo a Home study programme which costs around Dhs 10,000. The duration is 10-12 weeks. During the programme, a psychological analysis is conducted and as per those results, Parents are provided guidance and counseling on topics like
- How to cope emotionally with new member
- How to resolve cultural differences
- How to select the country and child
- How to adjust financially
- How to collect information on the child??s history and family
On completion of the home study, the parents can then decide which country to adopt from. Home visits and final interviews follow. The parents can also visit the home country to know further details.
Sometimes the adoption process can wind up in a few months or else it may take a year or two, depending on the embassies of both countries. Once the adoption procedures and legal complications are completed, the child can enter UAE with his/her parents.
Even after adopting the child, the officials from the home study programme would conduct around two home visits and a follow up office visit. They will have to submit a report to the home country to ensure the well being of the child in his/her new home.
Contact address:
Synergy Medical Centre
P.O.Box: 212531, Dubai
Telephone: +971 (4) 348 5452
Facsimile: +971 (4) 3485462
E mail: synergy8@eim.ae
Call centre -04 348 5452
Contact person -Fiona Brew or Emily Kerins
Adoption Support Group ?? Contact Carol on 04 360 8113 after 6 pm
Website: http://www.synergyctrdubai.com
The Human Relations Institute
Location: Dubai Knowledge Village- Block #13
Office Timings : Saturday thru Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergencies: (971-50) 778 – 2785
For Appointment: TEL: (971-4) 365-8498
E-mail: hri@hridubai.com
Important links:
http://www.synergyctrdubai.com/
http://www.hridubai.com/
To know more on Hague Adoption Convention, please visit: http://adoption.state.gov/
Listed below are a few links to adoption agencies:
http://www.adoptionindia.nic.in/list_of_foreign_agencies_UAE.htm
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/adoption/internationaladoption.aspx
http://www.internationaladoptionstories.com/international-adoption-agencies.htm