[Momof2mks]

We have lived in Kenya for 3 and 1/2 years (We are citizens of the US). We have fostered a baby since January. He was abandoned shortly after birth and found by the police. He is now in legal custody of a local children's home. Initially, we took him in to provide extra care and dietary needs.
Several times we thought he was going to be placed for adoption, but these situations did not work out for various reasons. As of April 1, 2008, the Hague convention is in effect here. We did not fill out any paperwork previous to that date because we believed he was going to a family at that time.
We have become quite attached to this child and would like to seek adoption. He is now 9 months old, and his chances for being placed in an adoptive family are getting slimmer by the day.
Does anyone know if this is possible given the "prior contact" clause of the Hague convention?
I would appreciate any input you can offer.

[ocracoke]

Is Kenya a Hague country? Can you contact an agency that works in Kenya to ask questions about the process? Have you looked at the state department website to see rules about adopting from Kenya? I don't have any answers for you but thought those might be things that might help you to know. Good luck,
Samantha

[Momof2mks]

Thanks for the response, Ocracoke (which is one of my and my husbands favorite places to visit!)
Kenya agrees to the conditions of the Hague convention, but is not part of it. Does that make sense?
The agency question is one I am working on. Because we are residents of Kenya, we need to work with an agency here also.
I have sent numerous emails - we will see what happens.
Thanks for your interest!

[entropy]

I'm guessing that you need to worry more about Kenya since you live there. Meaning will Kenya place this child with you...allow you to adopt this child. Since you are living in Kenya, why would it even be international? Yes you guys are an american couple, so you'd want to be sure the child would be able to get a visa. but if you are going to be living in Kenya for a while longer, i'd concern myself with the system there. Especially if you have plans on staying in Kenya longer.

[sak9645]

The U.S. State Department website makes it sound possible for an American couple living in Kenya to adopt a Kenyan child. Go to the website, at Intercountry Adoption Kenya.

Sharon