Adopting a Child from Armenia

If you want to adopt from the country of Armenia, you’ll join the ranks of many others from the U. S. that have in the past participated in an international adoption from this mid eastern country. Armenia is bordered between the country of Turkey and Azerbaijan. There are only 8 governmentally recognized adoption agencies in the Country of Armenia, but that does not mean there are not children to adopt. Many private families and other non-governmental organizations also have Armenian children up for adoption.

When starting your international adoption from Armenia there are only a few government representatives from Armenia that are involved and their adoption procedures are thorough. The adoption application forms from the U. S. include 13 different documents, and federal documents in the U. S. will have to go through the U. S. Department of State Authentications Office. Find out what you need, how to apply, and where to submit the documents for adoption of an Armenian child.

One of the most striking issues when it comes to an international adoption from Armenia is the promise that you have a cultural heritage of Armenian descent, and that you’ll promise to continue teaching your child about the culture of Armenia through tradition and learning about its history. If you don’t, that doesn’t exclude you from an international adoption from Armenia because this requirement can be satisfied by staying in the country for a while to learn Armenian culture. In fact a statement must be included in your adoption packet how you intend to meet these requirements.

Listed below you’ll find the necessary resources for documents for an international adoption from Armenia. The paperwork can be submitted to either an American Consulate or the Prime Ministers Adoption Department in Armenia. It is best to send all your completed paperwork to both the American Consulate and the Armenian Prime Minister because they both eventually approve all adoption applications. You can find up to date information for their address at http://www.travel.state.com

Here are some addresses that you may find helpful when requesting and sending documents for your international Armenian adoption.

Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R. St, N. W.
Washington, D. C., 2008, USA

American Consulate General
1660 L. St., N. W. Suite 11
Washington, D. C. 20036

American Consulate General
50 North La Clenega Blvd. Suit 210
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

You will need the forms provided for you to be completed and signed before you send any paperwork to anyone. When completed submit everything as one entire packet for your international adoption from Armenia. Below is a list of some things you may need to send along with your completed paperwork. This may not be everything you need so make sure you read and understand all the procedures before you start.

� Copy of your birth certificates
� Copy of your passports
� Copy of marriage certificates (If applicable a copy of divorce decree, and a copy of a death certificate)
� Medical Evaluations
� Police Report
� Federal and state tax returns
âÂ?¢ INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service Department) Form 1 -171 – H
� Complete home study by an international adoption agency
� Social workers license
� 3 reference letters
� Reference letter from a minister or leader in the community
� Prime Minister Letter promising to learn about, or will reside in the country of Armenia for a while, of the Armenian culture.

All of these documents, as well as your adoption forms will need to be translated into the Armenian language. You can either hire someone to translate and type the documents for you and then have a notary public sign them, or for a modest fee you can have the adoption agency complete the necessary translations for you.

To find out how to get all of your federal documents authenticated you should contact the US Department of State. Send inquires to the Authentications office. The address is provided here:

U. S. Department of State Authentications Office
518 23rd St, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20520

Adopting a child from another country can be scary at first, but if you just follow the directions of a qualified international adoption agency, all of it will go much smoother. You’ll soon be holding your beautiful Armenian baby or child in no time.