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Jamaica International Adoption

A Jamaica international adoption is probably one of the most affordable international adoptions out there. Adoption costs include home study costs, travel costs, paperwork and a medical exam for the child and adoptive parents. There are no international fees or agency fees, saving thousands of dollars.

An Unknown Jem

It's a shame that so few families pursue a Jamaica international adoption. In the year 2008, only 39 children were brought into the United States from Jamaica, and the average from year to year is typically less than 50.

The reason for this is likely the same reason a Jamaican international adoption is so affordable - no agency involvement. You don't need an adoption agency to adopt from Jamaica, and since adoption agencies only promote the countries through which they facilitate adoptions, most people probably don't realize they even can adopt from Jamaica. flag of Jamaica

Where to Apply

Apply for a Jamaica international adoption from the Child Development Agency, also known as the CDA.

Who Can Adopt

Both singles and married couples can pursue a Jamaican international adoption. You must be 25 years of age or older to apply. If you are related to the child you wish to adopt, then you need only be 18 years or older.

You also must be relatively healthy. Prospective parents must have a medical exam and submit results to the CDA. The CDA will then determine whether parents are fit to raise a child on a case by case basis.

Children Available

The children available for adoption will range in age from 6 weeks old to under the age of eighteen (18) years.

What You Will Need

You will need the following documents to pursue a Jamaica international adoption:
  • A completed application form. (You can find one here)
  • A certified original home study plus two copies
  • A complete medical examination of the parents and the child to be adopted
  • A letter of undertaking by the agency that does the home study agreeing to supervise the placement until the adoption is complete
  • A bank statement
  • Letter(s) from the parent(s)'s employer(s), indicating annual income and the nature of employment

The Process

While having a home study done, you must apply for an I-600 A if a child has not yet been referred to you.

If you already have a child in mind, then you must apply for an I-600.

There are two types of adoptions available in Jamaica.

Prospective parents living in Jamaica will pursue an Adoption Order, while those living outside the country wishing to pursue a Jamaica international adoption will apply for an Adoption License.

An Adoption License allows a Jamaican citizen orphan to be taken to a "scheduled country" (the United States is one of these) and be adopted there.

The CDA will only issue an Adoption License if it is satisfied that the prospective adoptive parent(s) is/are suitable, that sending the child abroad would be in the child's best interests, and that consent has been given by whoever has custody of the child.

Before bringing your child back to the United States, you must apply for a Jamaican passport and birth certificate. Apply for a passport through the Jamaican Immigration Citizenship and Passport Services Division. Apply for a birth certificate through the Jamaican Registrar General's Department.

More Information about the Jamaica International Adoption

A very detailed description of how a Jamaica adoption is completed can be found at adoptiondashboard.com/countries/jamaica.

You can also read what the U.S. Department of State has to say about the Jamaican international adoption.

Other Helpful Information

The high cost of international adoption is one reason many couples don't adopt. Don't let finances stand between you and your child. Learn more.

Would you like to adopt from China? Although the wait can be up to two years, the price is very reasonable and the adoption program is stable. Here are some tips for adopting from China

Many couples are now planning to adopt from Ethiopia because of the shorter wait and the reasonable costs. Learn more about adopting these beautiful children.



The children available from Kazakhstan are generally well cared for and the program usually takes less than a year. Learn more about adopting from Kazakhstan.

The Ukraine might be an excellent adoption country choice, especially if you are interested in an older child adoption. Click here to learn more.



Are you wondering what the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions is and how it might affect your international adoption? Learn more.

Adoptions are currently on hold from Guatemala. Learn why.

If you would like to adopt from Russia, it's a great choice if you are older or already have several children in your home. Here are some tips.

Are you thinking about adopting from Korea? You can adopt a baby from Korea, but there are age limits, and recently, the process has been extended to about three years. Learn more.

If Haiti is your adoption country choice, here are some things you should know.

A Jamaica international adoption is an affordable, yet relatively unknown way of building a family. Here's the scoop on adopting from Jamaica.

Unfortunately, if you hoped to adopt from Romania, you will have to look elsewhere. Here is a brief explanation of why international adoptions from Romania are not allowed.

A Russian international adoption can rescue a child from the stigma of being an orphan. Here's what it's like to grow up an orphan in Russia.

Do you have your heart set on adopting a child from Brazil? It is possible, but be prepared for a complicated and sometimes lengthy process. Read more about it here.

If you feel you can't afford the high agency fees, take heart. The Ukraine may be an excellent adoption country choice for you. You can pursue an independent adoption from the Ukraine. Learn more here.

Are you interested in pursuing an independent adoption from Kazakhstan? It is possible. Learn some of the steps you will have to take by clicking here.

Adoptions from Nepal are now once again possible. Learn more about it by clicking here.

A Taiwan adoption might not be something you considered when deciding on an international adoption, but adopting from this small island off the mainland coast of China can mean a far shorter wait. Here's what you need to know about adopting from Taiwan.

If you're looking for an international adoption choice that isn't as expensive, consider some of the low-cost alternatives by clicking here.

The devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, opened the eyes of the world to the desperate plight of Haitians, including the countless orphans of Haiti. American citizens especially have been moved to open their homes to these children, but the U.S. State Department is urging these parents to slow down. Read more.

Corruption and greed brought an end to adoptions from Cambodia, but new laws and regulations are now being established that might one day allow American parents to again adopt from Cambodia. Learn more.

It is possible to adopt from Honduras without using an agency, but you will need to know the language and have contacts there. Learn more.

An update to pursuing a Haiti adoption: It is now not only once again possible, but necessary in light of the devastating earthquake in 2010. Learn more.



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