How to Adopt From Burundi

“One thing that AGCI did really well was that nothing was unexpected. It’s very textbook. Nothing has surprised us and we know that we’re not alone in this. It still sucks to be in those situations, but it’s also comforting to know that it’s totally normal. Not all agencies prepare their families this way.”

Ryan and Ashley Beard, AGCI Adoptive Parents

Spring Celebrations

BURUNDI ADOPTION OVERVIEW

*Please note that we are not accepting applications at this time for families hoping to adopt children age 0-5 years. If you are interested in children 6 and older, please contact our inquiry team.*

Burundi is one of the first African countries to embrace the regulations of the Hague Convention. The Central Authority in Burundi has demonstrated consistent commitment to seeing children in families through adoption. When traveling to bring your child home, adoptive families will spend a couple days in Bujumbura, Burundi and the rest of the time in Nairobi, Kenya to complete their visa process.

Christian Adoption Agency, All God’s Children International began working directly with the Central Authority in Burundi to place Burundi orphans in loving, safe, and permanent adoptive homes in 2014. Due to Burundi’s extreme poverty, there is currently an enormous need in our Burundi Adoption program. Grants are also available—over the past two years, families adopting through our Burundi program have received over $70,531 in adoption grants.

Most children available for adoption are between the ages of 2 to 12.
Children with medical conditions and sibling groups of all ages are also eligible.
AGCI has received referrals at each matching committee.
Timeframe: 3+ years. Timeframe is from registered dossier to completion. Timeframes are dependent on family’s openness to medical conditions, gender, and age of child.
Complete a FREE Pre-App to view waiting children.

Meet Caden

This kind, caring boy has shared that he would love to be in a family!

Age of Parents

At least one parent must be age 30 or older. One parent may be older than 50 years of age, however, there are then certain restrictions on the age of child adopted.

Marital Status

Couples married at least five years are welcome to adopt.

Single Applicant

Single women may adopt.

Children in Family

Families with five or fewer children are welcome to adopt from Burundi.

Income

Families interested in adopting a child must have a positive net worth and an income of at least $15,000 per family member, including the adopted child.

Criminal History

Applicants who have a misdemeanor history will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Medical History

Applicants with a past or current diagnosis of a life-threatening or communicable disease or other condition that impairs their ability to parent and/or the quality of life of a child are ineligible. A psychological evaluation is required for all applicants.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT FROM BURUNDI?

There are so many ways to fund your adoption! You can learn more about AGCI specific grants, adoption loans, and employee benefits and more on our How to Fund Page!

AGENCY FEES

APPLICATION: This non-refundable fee covers the cost of a review of your application to confirm your eligibility for your desired program. (Due at application)

U.S. AGENCY*: The agency fee covers AGCI’s cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in both the United States and foreign country. Processing expenses for AGCI include, but are not limited to, personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, state, federal, and international licensing and accreditations, communications and insurance. (1/2 due with completion of contract and 1/2 due six months after contract)

PROGRAM FEE*: This fee provides care for orphans around the world and allows AGCI to provide the medical, emotional, spiritual, and developmental care that every child deserves. (Due with completion of orientation)

POST-ADOPTION SERVICE: This fee allows us to provide post-adoption support services to your family and process post-adoption reports. (Due with completion of referral packet)

*If adopting siblings, agency and 1st program fees increase.

HOME STUDY AND POST-ADOPTION

HOME STUDY SERVICES: These fees cover our services in preparing and completing your adoption home study, including any applicable social worker travel costs. If outside AGCI’s home study states; these fees may be payable to your home study agency. (Due with completion of orientation)

POST-ADOPTION REPORTS: These fees cover the cost for AGCI to provide post-placement visits and reports upon arrival home. (Due with completion of referral packet)
*These fees may vary if payable to your home study agency for families living outside of AGCI’s licensed states.

NON-AGCI HOME STUDY REVIEW: Any home study written by one of AGCI’s cooperating agencies will be reviewed by AGCI to ensure it meets all AGCI, USCIS, Hague and sending country criteria. Home study and Post Adoption service fees are paid to your cooperating agency. (Due with completion of orientation)

BURUNDI COUNTRY FEES & EXPENSES

These fees cover the cost of facilitating an international adoption in Burundi. These fees include, but are not limited to costs related to personnel, administration, training and education, legal fees and communications associated with government and agency authorities, government fees, and care of your child prior to the completion of your adoption. (Due with completion of dossier and referral packet as indicated on fee schedule)

ADDITIONAL & THIRD PARTY EXPENSES

Fee Disclosure: All fees paid to AGCI are paid in advance of service. AGCI fees are non-refundable and may not be waived. If services are terminated and a refund is due, all refunds will be processed within 60 days of withdrawal and/or closure of the adoption file upon receiving the Adoption Termination Contract.

AGCI is accredited to complete home studies in Oregon, Ohio, Washington, Michigan, Kentucky, Texas, and Indiana.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” Psalm 82:3

How to Adopt a Child From BURUNDI

STEP ONE

Complete home study and dossier process.

STEP TWO

Wait to be matched with your child and then begin the referral process.

STEP THREE

Complete court process and required 30 day waiting period.

STEP FOUR

Travel to Burundi to meet your child! In Burundi, you’ll also be required to meet with the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. This trip will span from 2-3 weeks.

STEP FIVE

AGCI and Burundi require post-adoption visits and reports at 3, 6, and 12-month anniversaries from the U.S. Embassy appointment date. Once the adoption is finalized and your child is home, adoptive parents are required to complete their state re-adoption process. AGCI is here for support throughout your child’s life—connect with us at anytime for ongoing support services!

BURUNDI ADOPTION TEAM

BURUNDI IN-COUNTRY TEAM

Pierre serves as AGCI’s fulltime in-country team member in Burundi. With a legal background, and close relationships with local orphanages, Pierre works directly with the court system to advocate for children and families. Pierre facilitates all of AGCI’s in-country work as well as addresses urgent orphanage needs and problem solves how best to meet them.