Dan and Julie brought home their daughter through the first ever adoption in Haiti under the newly implemented Hague Convention procedures for the country. This milestone is monumental for Haiti and families who are seeking to adopt from this country, as it represents the culmination of years of transition to the Hague process for Haiti.

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an international agreement to establish standards of practices for intercountry adoptions and helps to safeguard ethical practices of international adoption. Haiti’s adoption of the Convention will give guidelines for ensuring the protection and support of children as well as biological and adoptive parents.

Morgan Grubb, International Social Worker for the Haiti and India Program at Lifeline, considers walking with the Dan and Julie in this process a privilege. “We are truly blown away by the Lord’s faithful hand that has been present each step of this journey. We are humbled to be a part of the work He is doing in Haiti and praise the Lord for bringing another child home to her forever family.”

Haiti is a special country inhabiting the western third of the island of Hispaniola, a short 5 hour flight from Miami. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80% of the population living under the poverty line. The Haitian culture is a mix of African and European elements as displayed in their language, music, and religion. The Haitian people are warm and welcoming, with a deep love for family and community. Lifeline has been facilitating adoptions in the country of Haiti for over five years. Prior to the January 12, 2010  7.0 earthquake there was an estimated 230,000 orphans in Haiti. After the earthquake, that number doubled.

Haitian Program Requirements

• Parent's Ages: At least one PAP must be at least 30 years of age. PAP's cannont be older than 50
• Marriage: Minimum of 5 years married
• Divorce: Only one divorce allowed
• Singles: Single women are permitted to adopt a child of either gender from Haiti if they are 35 years of age or older. Single males are not permitted to adopt from Haiti.
• Financial State: Families must show they can adequately provide for children; must meet USCIS poverty guidlines
• Criminal History: Criminal history will be viewed case by case
• Medical and Psychological Health: PAP must be free from any contagious or terminal disease or any mental or physical condition that may prevent them from taking care of the adopted child. 

 Process

• Travel: 2 trips
• Post Adoption Reports: 8 reports required
• Average time of Completion: Variable, contact your placing agency for most updated timeline

More recently, Lifeline has also begun working in Haiti through the Haiti Lifeline MInistries. Providing service projects, community empowerment, educational opportunities, health care and clean water Lifeline is serving the (un)adopted community in Haiti as well.