Spence-Chapin has recently established an adoption program in the country of Morocco. Moroccans are predominantly of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber ancestry; and a large majority of the population is of the Muslim faith. Morocco has a population of over 28 million people in varying standards of living, but universally, the care of children and a tight-knit community are highly valued in this country. Adoptions are conducted via a Moroccan court process known as kafala (similar to guardianship) and children will subsequently be readopted in the U.S. courts after homecoming.

Children Awaiting Families

The children placed in Moroccan orphanages are typically there due to poverty or because they were born to a single mother. Most babies are relinquished at, or shortly after birth, either in the hospital, in a public place, or directly to a judge. In the orphanages loving staff and volunteers provide emotional, educational and recreational support, in an effort to stimulate children's attachment and developmental skills as much as possible. Children of all ages (from birth to school age) are in need of adoptive families and will be approximately 6 months old and up at homecoming. Families should expect to be matched with a boy for adoption, as girls are more likely to be adopted domestically. Most children are considered healthy, though some who have minor to significant special needs are also waiting for families.

The Process

As this is a new pilot program, we are seeking families with a pioneer spirit who would be willing to weather some unknowns in the process. International adoption from all countries is a multi-layered process, and our staff will assist families every step of the way. All families will need a completed homestudy, U.S. Immigration approval, and preparation of country-specific paperwork. Upon submission of paperwork to Morocco, families can expect to wait 1 — 6 months to be matched with a child. In some cases, photos and social history of a child may be available, in others little information will be known. Families may need to travel to Morocco to learn more about a child before making a commitment to move forward with an adoption. Morocco asks families to make two trips for their adoption. The first trip will take place shortly after being matched with a child, and will be 1 to 2 weeks long. The second trip will be 3 to 6 months later, and will be 2 to 4 weeks in duration. The timing of travel may be unpredictable— the duration of the trip(s) unknown but know that families will be fully escorted by Spence-Chapin's Moroccan representative on both trips

Program Requirements

Program Fees

Morocco Program