Essential Steps to Follow When Pursuing Child Adoption in Cameroon

The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Child in Cameroon

Essential Steps to Follow When Pursuing Child Adoption in Cameroon

Adopting a child in Cameroon is a rewarding experience for both the parents and the adopted child. The requirements for adoption in Cameroon are complicated and can be difficult to navigate. Understanding the adoption process in Cameroon is essential for a successful adoption. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential steps to follow when pursuing adoption in Cameroon.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ADOPT A CHILD IN CAMEROON?

Persons eligible to adopt a child in Cameroon are to have the following qualities;

- The applicant filing for adoption has to be above 40 years of age per section 344 of the Code Civil for individual applications.

This position was also upheld by the Supreme Court of Cameroon when quashing the decision of an originating court in the case of Ntamack Therese contre Qui de Droit based on the fact that the applicant was 29 years of age.

- The applicant must be financially capable to ensure the upkeep of the child. Hence must not be bankrupt.

- The applicant must be of good character and moral standing. Hence must not have been convicted of a crime.

- The applicant must show proof that the interest of the child is paramount as the main reason for the adoption process.

- The applicant must show proof that he or she has a suitable place of abode for the development of the child.

- The applicant must show proof that he or she is medically fit to parent the child. The cost of adoption in Cameroon is relatively low compared to other countries. However, this should not be the primary motivation for adopting a child. The adoption application is submitted to the Ministry of Social Affairs and the case is then reviewed by a social worker who investigates the circumstances of the adopter and the child. After the investigation, the social worker submits a report to the court for further consideration.

The process of adoption in Cameroon is not a quick one, and it can take several months to be completed. The length of time it takes for an adoption to be finalized depends on several factors, including the availability of the child and the ability of the adoptive parents to meet the requirements of the adoption process.

One of the most critical requirements for adoption in Cameroon is that the adoption must be in the best interest of the child. This requirement means that the child’s welfare must be the primary consideration in the adoption process.

Finally, it is worth noting that adoption in Cameroon can be revoked under certain circumstances, including cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or if the adoption is no longer in the best interest of the child. In such cases, the court may revoke the adoption order, and the child may be returned to the care of their biological parents or guardians.

THE ADOPTION PROCESS PROPER IN CAMEROON

(Essential Steps to Follow When Pursuing Child Adoption in Cameroon)

Upon the compilation of all the documents required from the adoptive parents, the biological parents and the child to be adopted, the family solicitor has to engage in the following;

For Adoption between persons,

- File an originating application

- File support statements

- File social welfare report

- Notify the state prosecutor of the submission

- Move the court on the originating motion

- Obtain the adoption decision.

For Orphanage Adoption in Cameroon

- Select the orphanage

- Apply to the founders of the orphanage

- Inform the social affairs bureau of the place of the orphanage

- Choose the child(ren) according to the specification of the applicant

- Search for a guarantor

- Provide accommodation for the child to the satisfaction of the social welfare service

- Submit all required documents of the applicant, child and guarantor.

- Apply for custody of the child

- If custody provides a bond between the applicant and the child, then file an originating application for the adoption before the competent court.

- File support statement

- File welfare report

- Notify the state prosecutor

- Move the court on the originating application

Obtain an adoption decision, which is then sent to the regional delegation of social affairs for approval before finalizing the adoption process. It’s important to note that the time frame of an adoption process in Cameroon can vary and depend on various factors, including the complexity of the case and the workload of the court and social welfare services. Additionally, the cost of adoption in Cameroon can also vary and depend on various fees, such as court fees, legal fees, and fees for the social welfare report and other documents required. Adoptive parents need to have a clear understanding of the costs and budget accordingly.

Adoptive parents need to be patient and follow the adoption process in Cameroon carefully. Failure to comply with the regulations and requirements may lead to the revocation of the adoption. This is why it’s crucial to work with a reputable lawyer who is knowledgeable about the adoption process in Cameroon. The lawyer can guide the legal requirements and help with the paperwork. Additionally, adoptive parents need to understand the social and cultural norms of the region to ensure a smooth adoption process. This can help to build positive relationships with the biological parents, social welfare services, and other stakeholders involved in the adoption process in Cameroon. Overall, with patience, diligence, and adherence to the legal and cultural norms, adoptive parents can successfully adopt a child in Cameroon.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD ADOPTION BY FOREIGNERS IN CAMEROON

- A copy of the marriage certificate of the applicant

- A copy of proof of residence of applicants

- A copy of the identification documents of the applicants

- A copy of the birth certificate of the applicant and child

- A copy of the medical report of fitness of the applicant

- A copy of the non-conviction/non crime certificate of the applicant

- Full and passport-size photographs of the applicant

- A copy of the bank statement and proof of income of the applicant

- A copy of the employment letter of company documents of the applicant

- A copy of the consent document from the biological parent of the child or the orphanage from which the child was gotten.

- A social inquiry report of the child from the Ministry of social affairs. The above-listed documents are necessary for foreign nationals seeking to adopt a child in Cameroon. Additionally, applicants must be at least 25 years old, have a good moral standing, and must have no history of any mental illness. It’s essential to note that the time frame of an adoption process in Cameroon can vary widely, depending on factors such as the availability of suitable children, processing times for required documentation, and other variables that could affect the overall process. However, once an adoption has been approved, the adoptive parent(s) will be issued an adoption certificate, which legalizes the adoption process in Cameroon. It’s vital to work with experienced professionals during the adoption process to ensure that the adoption process meets all legal requirements and that it proceeds smoothly.

UNDER WHAT GROUNDS CAN AN ADOPTION BE REVOKED?

(Essential Steps to Follow When Pursuing Child Adoption in Cameroon)

Yes, adoption can be revoked on the following grounds;

If it was granted based on misleading information. If the adoptive parents become incapable to parent the child. If the adoptive parent becomes a criminal or someone with questionable moral behaviour after the grant of the adoption. If the birth parents prove that they were fraudulently coerced into signing an irrevocable consent in favour of the adoption process. If it is later discovered that it was a child trafficking adoption.

N/B: Generally, the main ground for the adoption of a child in Cameroon is that the welfare of the child will be guaranteed. Any standard short of that to guarantee the welfare of the child will be sufficient for a granted adoption to be rescinded. If any of these grounds are met, the adoption can be revoked through legal procedures. It is important to note that the cost of adoption in Cameroon varies depending on whether the adoptive parents are Cameroonian or foreigners. Foreigners may have to pay additional fees and also undergo more rigorous background checks. Additionally, the time frame of an adoption process in Cameroon can also vary, and it can take several months or even years to complete the process. However, it is crucial to be patient and thorough during the process to ensure the safety and welfare of the child being adopted. Overall, adoption in Cameroon is a detailed process that requires prospective adoptive parents to meet certain requirements and follow strict procedures.

It is important to understand all the steps involved and to seek legal advice when necessary.

Article by CHUO ANGABUA JUNIOR

PRIME-TIME LAW OFFICES

‘’The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. We insist specialist advice be sought depending on your specific circumstance’’