Inter-country adoption is a significant process that allows children to find loving homes beyond their country of birth. It’s a procedure that requires careful consideration, ensuring the best interests of the child are always at the forefront.

Eligibility and Suitability for Adoption:

• The Authority reviews an adoption application based on the Home Study Report received from an accredited adoption agency or the Central Authority of a Receiving State. This is to determine the eligibility and suitability of the applicant to adopt a child from the country.
• There are restrictions on inter-country adoption. For instance, a person in a same-sex relationship or a single individual who is not a citizen of Ghana cannot be considered for inter-country adoption.

Application for Intercountry Adoption:

• Individuals seeking to adopt from another country should apply in the prescribed manner. The application can be made through in-country or inter-country processes.

Matching and Pre-placement:

• The Technical Committee of the Authority matches eligible prospective adoptive parents with an adoptable child based on the Child Study Report and the Home Study Report.

• A child will not be placed with a prospective adoptive parent unless the matching is accepted by the prospective adoptive parent and agreed upon by the Central Authority of the Receiving State.

Pre-adoption and Social Enquiry Report:

• Pre-adoption placement can be waived in exceptional circumstances, such as when a recognized senior medical doctor certifies that the child requires specialized medical care outside the country.
• The court, as a condition for granting an adoption order, requires a Social Enquiry Report prepared by a probation officer or a social worker from the Department. This report assists the court in determining if the adoption is in the child’s best interest.

Application for Adoption Order:

• If the court grants an adoption order, the adoptive parent must obtain a birth certificate for the child and submit a copy of the birth certificate and the adoption order to the Authority. Upon receipt, the Authority issues a Certificate of Conformity to the adoptive parent.

Post Intercountry Adoption Procedures:

• After the adoption, the adoptive parent applies for the necessary travel documents to facilitate the child’s transfer to the Receiving State.
• The Authority enters into agreements with the Central Authority of the Receiving State to provide reports every six months during the first two years after the adoption order and once a year for the following three years.

Inter-country adoption is a rigorous process that ensures the child’s welfare and best interests are prioritized. It offers children the opportunity to find loving homes in different parts of the world, bridging cultures and creating new family bonds.