Adopting a Child from Morocco FAQs

Common Questions About Adopting From Morocco

Who are the Children in Need of Kafala?

We are actively seeking families to adopt children from Morocco who are open to:

• Children aged 18 months and older who are waiting for loving homes.
• Sibling groups who need to be placed together.
• Children with physical needs who require specialized care and support.

More boys than girls are in need of placement.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Morocco?

To adopt from Morocco, prospective adoptive parents must meet the following criteria:

• Religion: All household members must be Sunni Muslims.
• Age: Applicants must be between 25 and 55 years old.
• Marital Status: Single women and married couples are eligible.
• Marital History: No more than one divorce per spouse.
• Family Composition: Preference is given to families with no children or one child. 
• Gender Preference: Not permitted.
• Income: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability.
• Physical Health: Must be in excellent health, with no significant medical concerns.
• Mental Health: Considered on a case-by-case basis; severe conditions may disqualify applicants.
• Criminal History: Minor offenses older than five years may be reviewed; drug offenses are not permitted.
• Priority in Matching: Families of Arab and Moroccan Heritage can receive priority in matching.
• To learn more about Moroccan adoptions, visit Adoption.State.gov.

What Information Will I Receive About the Child?

When adopting from Morocco, families receive a background study on the child, which includes:

• Given name, gender, and birth date.
• Height and weight measurements.
• Medical reports covering the child’s health in the orphanage care.
• A developmental milestone assessment of motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities.
• Photos and videos of the child.
• Official documents in Arabic or French and translated into English.

How Long is the Adoption Process?

Timelines begin once your home study is completed, and USCIS I-600A is approved. Families who are open to children age 2 and older, or to children with identified medical or social needs, or complex family backgrounds, can generally expect a timeline of 9 to 15 months. Families of Moroccan or Arab heritage may also experience timelines within this range.

Non-heritage families seeking to adopt a child under age 2 should expect a longer wait, typically 18 months or more.

All timelines are estimates and may vary based on family preferences, child availability, court procedures, and U.S. and Moroccan government requirements.

How Long is the Stay in Morocco?

Families adopting from Morocco typically make a single trip lasting 8 to 12 weeks to complete all legal processes and transition the child into their home. Ground support is provided throughout the process. 

What is Kafala?

Kafala, meaning “sponsorship” or “guardianship” in Arabic, is the legal framework for adopting from Morocco. The Moroccan court grants parental authority to adoptive parents, who commit to:

• Raising the child as a Sunni Muslim.
• Providing financial and emotional support.
• Preserving the child’s heritage by maintaining their given name.

Unlike traditional adoption, Kafala ensures the child’s cultural identity is protected while allowing them to grow in a loving, permanent home. Once the child immigrates to the U.S., the adoption process can be finalized.

Is Adopting from Morocco Right for You?

Applicants must be lifelong practicing Sunni Muslims. Families of Moroccan or Arab heritage may have access to additional placement opportunities, which can sometimes include younger children and shorter timelines. For other families, flexibility regarding a child’s age and identified medical, developmental, or social needs can significantly increase placement opportunities and may reduce the waiting time.

The next step is to submit a Pre-Application so we can help determine if the Morocco program may be the right fit for your family.