Overview
The East African country of Burundi is a small country with one of the highest population densities in Sub-Saharan Africa, and one of the highest birthrates in the world. Its total population is about 10.5 million total people, who mostly live in rural areas. The population of the capital city of Bujumbura is only about 331,000 people.
Burundi is one
of the top 5 poorest countries in the world, with 80% of its population living below the poverty line. Burundi is considered a small, stable adoption program with an ethical central authority.
Children Available for Adoption from Burundi: ·
Children available for adoption from Burundi range from older toddlers to young teens. Children are available for adoption due to extreme poverty, abandonment, or death of one or both parents in most cases. This program is very small and families should be open to a child age 3 years or above.
When adopting from Burundi, consider you will be adopting the following:
- Generally Healthy boys and girls ages 2-10 years old, with a great need for families open to ages 5+
- Children with special needs and older children are also available, and the adoption of these waiting children are sometimes expedited.
- Two or more siblings at one time
Families considering adopting a child will have access to the child’s background and medical information before travel.
Parent Qualifications: Burundi requires adoptive parents to be heterosexual couples between the ages of 30-55, though this requirement can be flexible.
Marital Status
Couples married at least five years are welcome to adopt.
Children in Family
Families with children are welcome to adopt from Burundi.
Single Applicant
Single women may not adopt from Burundi
Travel:
You should expect one an approximate 2-3 week trip, which includes time in Burundi and Kenya, in order to bring your child home, and are likely to travel 6-12 months after receiving your referral. Accommodations in Bujumbura vary. French and English are widely spoken. You will be accompanied by an in-country representative throughout your stay.
Timeline: The time frame to complete an international adoption from Burundi is currently estimated at about 14 to 30 months, depending on the time families take to complete their dossier paperwork, their preferences for age and special needs, and country processes. This time frame is subject to change
Burundi Adoption Resources
Agencies Working With Burundi Adoption
International Adoption Agency
