Haiti Updates
These country updates bring you the most current and up-to-date information from our program coordinators. One way of keeping you informed of what is going on in the country.
March 2010
The orphanage which CAS works with, Maison des Anges, needs remain significant since the devastating earthquake in January. CAS is able to send monetary donations so the orphanage staff may purchase basic supplies such as food, water, medicine and diapers. Donations are greatly needed for their survival; let us not forget the children who are left behind. At this time we are not accepting applications from families interested in adopting a Haitian child as the future of new adoptions is uncertain. We are maintaining a list of families who would like to receive updates on future Haitian adoptions.
February 2010
On Tuesday, January 12th Haiti suffered a 7.0 magnitude earthquake which will forever impact the lives of millions worldwide. The orphanage which CAS works with, Maison des Anges, suffered significant damage and since that horrific day the children have been living outside under tarps and a few tents. In early February our family who had a referral prior to the earthquake welcomed their baby girl home. The needs of the children and this orphanage are significant; at this time insect repellant, mosquito nets and portable toilets are needed urgently. It costs about $15 to purchase one mosquito net and many are needed. CAS is able to send monetary donations so the orphanage staff may purchase basic supplies such as food, water and diapers. Donations are greatly needed for their survival; let us not forget the children who are left behind. At this time we are not accepting applications from families interested in adopting a Haitian child as the future of new adoptions is uncertain. We are maintaining a list of families who would like to receive updates on future Haitian adoptions.
January 2010
On January 1, 2010 Haiti celebrated both the beginning of the new year and the 206th anniversary of national independence with parades, fireworks, and parties lasting well into the night. Haiti now begins gearing up for Carnival, which takes place in mid-February in conjunction with Mardi Gras celebrations elsewhere in the world.
Much of the Haiti program remains the same; the wait to be matched with a child remains relatively short in Haiti, making this program an excellent option for many families. However, we are still receiving information that the wait to complete an adoption can well exceed one year so, as in any adoption process, patience is greatly needed. Even with the wait, you have a great opportunity of bringing home a very young child from Haiti.
December 2009
In November our first family traveled to Haiti to meet their daughter and spend time with her at the children’s home in Tabarre. She returned home with lots of information that will be beneficial to future families as they prepare to travel, as well as with stories of her beautiful baby girl.
The wait to be matched with a child remains relatively short in Haiti, making this program an excellent option for many families. However, we are still receiving information that the wait to complete an adoption can well exceed one year. So, as in any adoption process, patience is a much needed quality.
In other news, we have had some staff changes in our office and our new Haiti program coordinator is Mary Beth King. Mary Beth is based in our Raleigh office and has spent time living and working in orphanages in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. She can attest to the beauty of the country and the dire needs of the people living there, making her a good fit for the Haiti program.
November 2009
In August our first family was matched with a child and they will be traveling to Haiti in November to meet their baby girl! Currently the wait to be matched with a child, including infants, is very short as this is a country in dire need with children being relinquished every day. It is important to note that while the wait for a referral is short the wait to complete an adoption can be about 14-18 months (or longer) from acceptance of a referral. Families are welcome to visit their child as they would like during this wait and Haiti’s close proximity to the United States makes it relatively easy to do so. Haiti is a wonderful program for single women looking to adopt a young child. This month our traveling family was gracious to hand-carry a typewriter that the orphanage was in great need of as a donation from CAS. For more information please contact our Haiti Program Coordinator, Allie Weldon.
September 2009
September has started off on a great path as our first family received a referral! This family waited only two weeks from submission of their dossier before receiving their match of a female infant! At this time the wait to be matched with a child, including infants is very short and we are accepting new families into this program. It is important to note that while the wait for a referral is short, the wait to complete an adoption can be about 14-18 months (or longer) from acceptance of a referral. Haiti’s close proximity to the United States makes it inexpensive to travel and visit with your child during this wait. For more information please contact our Haiti Program Coordinator, Allie Weldon.
August 2009
If you are single and always wanted a child or if you are a couple that has been married for a long time without children and would like a young child, Haiti is the program for you! There are many benefits from adopting from Haiti. First, is its close proximity to the U.S. and inexpensive travel. Second, the U.S. is very active in Haiti and there are many groups interested in culture and helping that country succeed. Third, it is one of the few programs where you would be able to bring a young child home. Now is a great time to begin your adoption journey in Haiti. For more information, please contact our Haiti Program Coordinator, Allie Weldon.
July 2009
Haiti is currently requiring a Presidential Waiver for any family who has children. This may add on anywhere from 3 to 12 months for the adoption to be processed. Haiti is a wonderful option for families seeking to adopt a child from a country in dire need. This island country is a mere two-hour flight from Miami, though it seems a world away. Children are abandoned at orphanages across Haiti every day, primarily due to poverty. The children are very well cared for at the Maison des Anges orphanage as they receive excellent medical care and begin going to school at 2 years of age. Children may arrive home with their families as young as 10 months old. Now is a great time to begin your adoption journey in Haiti! For more information please contact our Haiti Program Coordinator, Allie Weldon.
Coloring pages about Haiti
June 2009
CAS staff hopes to travel to Haiti this summer to meet with our facilitators, visit the orphanage and to discuss a possible humanitarian project. Haiti is a wonderful option for families seeking to adopt a child from a country in dire need. This island country is a mere two-hour flight from Miami, though it seems a world away. Children are abandoned at orphanages across Haiti every day, primarily due to poverty. The children are very well cared for at the Maison des Anges orphanage as they receive excellent medical care and begin going to school at 2 years of age. Children may arrive home with their families as young as 10 months old. Now is a great time to begin your adoption journey in Haiti. For more information, please contact our Haiti Program Coordinator, Allie Weldon.
May 2009
Haiti is a wonderful option for families seeking to adopt a child from a country in dire need. This island country is a mere two-hour flight from Miami, though it seems a world away. Children are abandoned at orphanages across Haiti every day, primarily due to poverty. The children are cared for very well at the Maison des Anges orphanage as they receive excellent medical care and begin going to school at two years of age. Children may arrive home with their families as young as 10 months old. Now is a great time to begin your adoption journey in Haiti.
For more information about adopting from Haiti, join our Haiti webinar on May 13, register today, or contact Allie Weldon.
To view past Haiti adoption program updates, please see our CAS Publications page and click on the Monthly Country Updates.