[LindaO]

There are two issues involved in the adoption of a PI relative's child by a US citizen.

First issue is that the US gov (BCIS) has very strict rules to define "an orphan." If a child has known living family they are NOT an orphan. So, you may get your I600a approved, but when you later file the I600 (this has the child's name & info) at the US Embassy in the child's country, you will not receive permission to adopt that child because of lack of supporting documents.

So, secondly, the US requires much paperwork from the child's country to show that every avenue has been pursued and every effort has been made to keep this child in his/her country. ie: a child is found abandoned.....they must run ads in the paper over a period of time. If anyone thinks they know the child and where he came from, then local sw must visit that community searching for a relative.

This is where ICAB will be helpful. They will initiate that a local SW thru PI Dept of Soc Welfare (DSWD) become involved to interview, get releases of parents, court dates, obtain new birth certificate, etc, etc....

Remembering that PI is not "gotta do it today" as the US is, well, expect up to two years. Much relies on how quickly the PI local sw handles the paperwork and filings.

However, two years can be normal time for many adoptions from start to finish. And if you really want to parent that child, well, it will probably become a reality!

Linda