New to Children’s Home: A Small Caribbean Program
We can assist with a relative or identified child adoption through Procedural Consultation Services (PCS). Additionally, there is a traditional adoption program whereby families match to children who are Wards of the State in St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG). This program may close to new applicants occasionally, due to the size of the population being served in SVG.
The Children in SVG
Children are generally infant to 8 years of age. Identified children, both relatives, and non-relatives may be adopted. Or, you may choose to be matched with a child who is a Ward of the State. The greatest need is for families open to sibling groups, children with moderate to significant needs, and children 6 years and older. Children are cared for in supervised or private foster homes approved by the Adoption Committee of SVG. The SVG Adoption Committee affirms each child’s legal eligibility for adoption.
Eligiblity Requirements
Like most international adoption programs, SVG has its own unique eligibility requirements for adoptive parents. SVG is open to heterosexual couples and single women. At this time, LGBTQ families are unlikely to be approved. Families with 3 or more children in home will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must be at least 25 years of age. While there is no official maximum age for applicants, those who are 50 years of age or older are assessed on a case-by-case basis. There is typically flexibility for relative/identified cases. There is no country marriage requirement.
The Process
To begin your process, please complete our free Application Part 1 so we can get to know a little more about you and your situation. If you are adopting a relative or identified child, please complete this specialized Application Part 1 – Identified Child.
If you are adopting a relaitve or identified child then we will set up a one-on-one consultation about the SVG adoption process, your individual eligibility, and your specific designated child/relative situation. If it is recommended that you proceed with international adoption from SVG, you will complete Application Part 2 and begin your required education and home study. If you live in MD, MN, VA or WI, Children’s Home can complete your home study. If you live elsewhere, you will need to find an agency licensed in your state to complete your home study and we will serve as the primary provider.
We anticipate the wait for a match to a child who is a Ward of the State to be approximately 3 years. If you are open to a child with moderate or lifelong conditions, or a school-age child, you can expect the way time to be shorter.
Your SVG case must be reviewed and recommended for adoption to the Family Courts by the SVG Adoption Committee.
Placement (physical custody) of the child typically occurs 6-9 months after a family’s case file has been submitted to the SVG Adoption Committee. Families adopting a child who is a Ward of hte State can expect to travel twice to SVG, the first trip is for 2-3 days and the second trip is approximately a week and a half. Families adopting relatives or identified children typically need to make one trip to SVG of approximately a week and a half. Note, for these families the SVG Adoption Committee reserves the right to require additional visitation.
Typically, your case attorney in SVG will represent you in family court. To date, the physical presence of the adoptive parents has been waived, however the judge reserves the right to require adoptive parents to be in attendance.
Post Placement reports, completed by a social worker, are required; 3, 6, and 12 months after placement of the child(ren). Families may need to submit self-reports annually thereafter until the child reaches 18 years of age.
