Adopting a child in the peace corps?

Question

I am joining the Peace Corps next year. (I am mostly done with the application process) I will be 30 when I leave and I would like to adopt a child from whatever country I serve in. I know there are many children in need of good homes, and since I would be knowledgeable of their language and culture after two years in the country, I think I could provide a loving home where they can learn about their origins.

However, I have not been able to find ANYTHING about whether the PC allows PCVs to adopt while they are in the PC. Do any of you know the answer to this?

Thanks!

Zona

Answer 1

Not sure if you would be able to adopt or not.  In most cases you must be able to provide a stable home and if you are active duty they may not see that as stable.  Really all you can do is contact the agencies now or talk to the person above you and find out the policy.

Answer 2

You will most likely be unable to complete the process while you are IN the peace corps, but once you get home you could, assuming that country has an international adoption policy in place and that the U.S. recognizes it.

You will have to complete the routine requirements for adoption in your state (homestudy, which includes financial and health assessments, among other things) as well as additional requirements put in place by USCIS to bring a foreign child into the country, and the requirements of the country you adopt from.

I am not sure if the Peace Corps allows you to adopt while there, but even if they did I think it would be nearly impossible to complete all of the paperwork and other requirements while you are overseas-you have to have original, certified copies of birth certificates.  Also, you generally must have a job and income and in the Peace Corps you are a volunteer.  One more thing to consider is that your commitment while you are overseas with the Peace Corps would or could prohibit you from fulfilling the needs of the child.

I am not trying to talk you out of adopting by any means.  I just think that realistically you should wait, and once you look at all of the requirements you will have to wait.

I wish you the best!

Answer 3

Why don't you do what real humanitarians do--keep families together?

Children are not meant to be souvenirs to pilfer after you complete your tour.  Separating mother and child is not an act of kindness.

Answer 4

First of all, you have to make sure that the country in question has an adoption program/policy for foreigners.  Not all countries do and some may require you to be in the country for a certain length of time.  I know there are procedures for Americans adopting from a foreign country while they are living abroad.  I don't know if service in the Peace Corps covers that, but I do know that military service does.

Answer 5

That sounds deplorable. I would hope that would not be allowed.

ugh.