DOS Adoption Notice: Suspension of all Intercountry Adoptions in Bhutan

Effective January 1, 2012, the Government of Bhutan temporarily suspended all intercountry adoptions pending approval of a new adoption law by the King. The adoption bill was drafted to clarify Bhutan’s adoption procedures. The National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), the Bhutanese government agency responsible for overseeing intercountry adoptions, is unable to estimate how long it will take for the adoption bill to be approved, but indicated it is not aware of any pending cases involving the adoption of a Bhutanese child by U.S. citizens. Prospective adoptive parents who believe the suspension affects their adoption of a child from Bhutan may contact the NCWC by email at admin@ncwc.org.bt to inquire about the status of their case. The NCWC indicated it will review each case on an individual basis.

Prospective adoptive parents may also visit NCWC’s website for additional information about adoptions in Bhutan. Please also continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.

http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_alerts_notices.php?alert_notice_type=alerts&alert_notice_file=bhutan_1

People for Ethical Adoption Reform
www.pear-now.org