Adopting in Ja

To be adopted:

A child must be over six weeks and under 18 years old.

Applications must be received at least six months before a child attains his or her 18th birthday.

The birth parents must agree to the adoption by giving their consent except where the parents are dead or the child is a ward of the State. To start the adoption process, you should: Download the adoption form from the Child Development Agency’s (CDA) website at www.cda.gov.jm.

Complete and return the form to any CDA office islandwide.

You will receive a response within two weeks following the CDA’s investigation stating whether your application has been denied or accepted. If approved, you will receive a second package with a formal application (for completion and return) and a booklet with all documentation required.

A case number and case worker will be assigned as well as appointments scheduled, including visits to your home to determine suitability.

Upon completion, a case committee report will be submitted to the Adoption Board and the decision communicated to the applicant.

The approved case will be prepared for court, to which the applicant will be required to attend.

After the order is issued by the court, the adopter will take the document to the Registrar General’s Department, where he or she will apply for the child’s adopted birth certificate Note that when a child is adopted his of her former identity is no longer admissible and his or her former birth record is sealed. Source: Child Development Agency Design: Tennesia Malcolm