Congo

SPENCE-CHAPIN'S PROGRAM IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC) is currently in its developmental stages. Spence-Chapin is working in collaboration with the Jatukik Providence Foundation, located in the capital city of Kinshasa. Adopting a child from the DRC is a clearly defined court process in which adoptive families are represented by an U.S. Embassy-approved attorney.

The DRC, formerly known as Zaire, is the third largest country in Africa. The Congo is ethnically diverse and has a wide range of customs, languages, music and art. A rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a vast abundance of natural resources have been overshadowed by disease and significant political, social and economic instability resulting in many orphaned and abandoned children in need of permanent loving families.

Currently, we will not be accepting any new applicants for this program until the inaugural group of adoptive parents completes the adoption process. In the meantime, if you are interested in adopting from the DRC, you may have your name added to the waiting list by contacting the Spence-Chapin international adoption inquiry line at 212-400-8150.

Program Criteria

Married couple, single men and women over 25 and ideally below 50-years-old at the time of dossier submission to DRC. Must be at least 15 years older than the adopted child.
Couples married for at least 5 years.
Generally good health without medical conditions that would affect parenting or life expectancy. Medical issues will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
No history or allegation of child abuse or neglect, regardless of findings.
No recent history of arrest or convictions. Legal issues will be considered on a case by case basis.
No more than 2 children in the family at the time of application.

Congolese Children in Need of Homes

Toddlers, older children and sibling groups of both genders are currently awaiting adoption from the Congo due to disease, parental death, social and economic factors. Children in the DRC awaiting adoption are cared for in small orphanages by loving caregivers or "maman" as they are often called, and will generally experience the usual challenges related to poor nutrition and exposure to diseases typical of the region. For information about children in the DRC who are available for adoption, please view our list of waiting children.

Timing and Travel: From Application to Homecoming

Timing: The current wait time for a referral after your dossier is sent to DRC is anticipated to be several months.
Referral: At the time of referral, you will receive photographs, video, social history and medical reports about the child who has been matched with your family.
Adoption: After accepting a child referral, a U.S. Ebassy-approved attorney in the DRC will represent you in the legal process of adopting your child. It is anticipated that this will take 4-12 months. The adoption will be finalized prior to travel to DRC.
Travel: You will travel to Kinshasa, DRC, to attend your child's Embassy Visa Appointment, visit the orphanage and bring your child home. The trip is about 1 week including travel. Families are fully escorted throughout the trip by the agency's bilingual representatives.
Post-Placement: Upon returning home, your child will be an automatic citizen of the U.S., though you will need to refinalize your adoption in your state of residence. Spence-Chapin requires reports at 3 and 6 months after placement. Both reports must be written by the social worker based on an office visit with your family. On-going support through Spence-Chapin's Adoption Resource Center is available throughout the lifetime of your family and is free for one year.

Families Outside of the NY/NJ Metro Area

Spence-Chapin welcomes families outside of our direct New York/New Jersey metropolitan service area to adopt a child from the DRC through our program. Spence-Chapin collaborates with other reputable agencies around the U.S. For more information about networking and a list of Spence-Chapin Network Agencies, click on the link or contact our International Inquiry Coordinator at 212-400-8150.

Humanitarian Aid to The Democratic Republic of The Congo

Spence-Chapin has a commitment to the children in DRC who may not find permanent homes through adoption. Spence-Chapin is working with Jatukik Providence Foundation to help orphans through the provision of food, medical care, clothing and general support. To learn more about our humanitarian aid programs and how you can support them, please view our Helping Children Abroad page.

Cost Guidelines

There are several categories of fees and expenses that adoptive families should anticipate when considering an international adoption. For an explanation of these, please refer to the Understanding Fees and Expenses page. Included in these fees is a separate foreign country program fee which varies. For the DRC it is $11,500.

Celebration for Children Adopted Internationally

Every year the agency hosts parties for Spence-Chapin families formed through international adoption. Families come together to celebrate with traditional food, crafts, and entertainment, which offers children an opportunity to explore their common heritage. For information about this year's celebration, please contact Nicole at 212-360-0291 or nfranklin@spence-chapin.org.

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