Relative's Adoptions
We provide adoption services for those wishing to adopt a relative who is:
- Under the age of 16. A child who is under age 18 may be adopted at the same time with a biological sibling who is under age 16.
- Legally free for adoption in the country of origin
- Eligible for a visa to enter the U.S. either as an orphan (you can read the definition here) or as a Hague Convention adoptee (you can read the definition here)
The process for adopting a relative must follow all Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) regulations. It is generally not possible to adopt independently (through your own resources) in a Hague Country such as Mexico, India or Colombia. Depending on the location of the child, ATWA may be able to assist you in the country of origin.
If you are interested in adopting a relative from a non-Hague country such as Nigeria or Ethiopia, and live in California, ATWA can assist you with the home study required in all adoptions, even those of relatives. However, we are not able to give advice about the adoption procedures in the country of origin.
