If you are interested in becoming adoptive or foster parents in The Bahamas, be prepared for completing the paperwork and meeting many requirements. Despite all the time and trouble, being an adoptive or foster parent can be very rewarding in the end.

The Bahamian Department of Social Services evaluates many different factors when considering whether to place a child with your family. You and your spouse will be deemed suitable or not suitable based on your:

• Finances;
• Health;
• Living accommodations;
• Clean Police Record;
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable);
• Divorce Decree (if applicable);
• If you are over age 25 and are at least 21 years older than the child;
• If you are over age 18 and are related to the child; and
• If you are the mother or father of the child.

Afteryou make a request for adoption or fostering to the Social Services Representative (SSR) at the Placement Unit in Nassau, you will do a preliminary interview regarding your eligibility. Then your case will be assigned to another SSR and you will do another interview. You must provide a long list of required documents for review. Then you will have a home visit, especially if you have a lawyer during the process. The SSR writes an Adoption Home Study Report that is presented to the Adoption Committee.

If you are successful in your application, the adoptive or foster child will be placed in your home. You may need to complete additional paperwork to finalize an adoption. If you are fostering a child, the child may be moved to another home at some point.

Many people choose to work with a lawyer during the adoption or fostering process. A lawyer can help with the paperwork and with showing that you are suitable to be adoptive or foster parents according to the Department of Social Services' factors.

To learn more about adopting and fostering children, visit Gonsalves-Sabola Chambersonline or call the office at +1 242 326 6400.