Armenian Adoption Alert from the US State Department and Armenian Embassy

So soon after a particular person was just in Armenia (JS former BFF of RS) 



Notice: Reminder: Adoption Processing in Armenia

March 18, 2014

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has received reports that prospective adoptive parents are being given misleading information about the adoption process in Armenia. Specifically, there may be misleading information as to who is authorized to provide adoption services and which children are eligible for intercountry adoption.

Please note that Armenian law does not authorize professional facilitators, adoption agencies, or attorneys to provide adoption services in Armenia; it allows prospective adoptive parents to grant a power of attorney to an individual to handle most aspects of the adoption process on their behalf.  Some U.S. adoption service providers have contacts with local individuals to fulfill this role.

U.S. citizens wishing to adopt in Armenia should contact the Ministry of Justice, the central adoption authority of Armenia, to inquire about applicable laws and procedures.

U.S. prospective adoptive parents and adoption service providers are reminded that adoption services in Armenia can only be completed through direct contact with the Ministry.

Contact information for the adoption authority and the U.S. Embassy in Armenia is listed below:ARMENIA’S ADOPTION AUTHORITY:
The Ministry of Justice
41A Halabyan Street
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel: 374-10-319-093
Internet: www.gov.am
Email: stepanyan.argam@gmail.com

The Department of State will provide updated information on adoption.state.gov as it becomes available.  If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or 202-501-4444 from outside the United States.  Email inquiries may be directed to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.