Morocco Heritage Adoption FAQ

New Beginnings Morocco Heritage Program FAQ

Who are the Children in Need of Adoption?

In Morocco, the children in need of Kafala and adoption include:

1. Healthy infants between five and eighteen months of age.
2. Older children (18 months and above), either healthy or with minor medical conditions.
3. Children with special needs, including those with cognitive or physical challenges, and sibling groups.

More boys are awaiting kafala than girls. Kafala Fund Grants are available to families with financial needs and families adopting a waiting child.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

To adopt through the Morocco Heritage Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• • Heritage: One applicant must be of Moroccan Heritage. 
  • Religion: Sunni Muslim; all household members must be Sunni Muslim.
  • Age of Applicant: Between 25 and 55 years old.
  • Marital Status: Single women and married couples are eligible.
  • Marital History: Applicants may have no more than one divorce per spouse.
  • Family Composition: The number of children already in the home is flexible and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Gender Preference: Gender preference is not permitted.
  • Income: Demonstrated financial stability is required.
  • Physical Health: Applicants must be in excellent health, without significant medical concerns.
  • Mental Health: Mental health is considered on a case-by-case basis, though severe conditions may disqualify applicants.
  • Criminal History: Minor offenses older than five years may be considered on a case-by-case basis; however, drug offenses are not permitted.

What Information Will I Receive About the Child?

The child’s background study includes the following.

• The child’s given name, gender, and birth date.
• Measurements, including height and weight.
• Medical reports detailing the child’s health while under orphanage care.
• A current developmental milestone assessment, outlining progress in areas such as motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities.
• Photographs and videos of the child.
• Original documents in Arabic or French, translated into English for your review.

How Long is the Process?

The timeline from the completion of the Home Study to placement varies:

• 6 to 18 months for healthy children or those with minor medical needs under 18 months.
• 6 to 12 months for children with more significant medical, emotional, or developmental needs, or those with a complex family background.
• 6 to 12 months for children over 18 months of age.

How Long is the Stay in Morocco?

Families are typically required to make a single trip to Morocco, lasting between 6 to 8 weeks. This stay allows for the completion of all legal processes and the child’s transition into the adoptive family.

What is Kafala?

Kafala, meaning “sponsorship” or “guardianship” in Arabic, is a legal process by which the Moroccan court grants parental authority to adoptive parents. Under Kafala, parents commit to raising the child as a Sunni Muslim, supporting them financially and emotionally, and preserving the child’s heritage by maintaining their given name.

Unlike traditional adoption in other countries, Kafala serves to uphold the child’s cultural identity while allowing the parents to provide a stable and loving environment. The parents begin the adoption process once the child has immigrated to the US.

Is Morocco Heritage Kafala Right for You?

If you are of Moroccan heritage or a Moroccan-American, adopting through the Morocco Heritage Program may be an ideal choice. Most children placed for Kafala are under one year old, and the process takes an estimated 6 to 18 months. Families who are open to adopting an older child or one with identified medical conditions can often experience shorter wait times.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

For more information or if you would like to discuss the Morocco Heritage Program further, please contact us at nb@new-beginnings.org