[migratory birds]

Interested in hearing what folks know about domestic and international adoption in New Zealand...are any of you adoptive parents? Or are any of your close friends adoptive parents?

Did you adopt while living in NZ?

Did you go thru NZ adoption facilitators or facilitators/agencies in your home country?

Are children who are adopted by NZ residents/not-yet-citizens able to then apply for citizenship just as biological/birthchildren are?

Would be interested in hearing about the process as we may adopt once we're settled in NZ...

[kiwiroberts]

Hi there

This is part of the email I received when I enquired about adoption:

Basic information on adopting is on our web site and can be accessed via the following link:-

http://www.cyf.govt.nz/1115.htm

It is possible to adopt domestically as a permanent resident and the only costs are the legal fees involved if a child is placed with you for adoption.

If you are wanting to look at intercountry adoption there is information at the following link:-

http://www.cyf.govt.nz/1647.htm

There are a limited number of countries New Zealand has agreements with to allow intercountry adoption. Some of them will only accept applications from new Zealand citizens. While again there are no charges for our role in the process it is expensive with the costs of application fees to the other country, travel and accommodation costs and various legal fees. The minimum cost is probably $NZ30.000.

if you are seriously going to look at adoption when you are settled here I suggest you obtain a Police clearance prior to you leaving as we will require a copy of this when you apply to adopt.

I trust this is of assistance.

David Weston

Good luck!