Home » News » The Department of State Strongly Recommends Against Adopting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo The Department of State Strongly Recommends Against Adopting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo The Department of State issued a statement Friday discouraging U.S. families from beginning the international adoption process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite the Congolese government’s recent approval of exit visas for some children in exceptional circumstances, the exit permit suspension for adoption remains fully in effect at this time. There are no exceptions to the exit permit suspension for adoptions by relatives, prospective adoptive parents of Congolese descent, or any prospective adoptive parents who intend to take their child out of the DRC for the purpose of immigration, even where one parent maintains Congolese citizenship. The suspension will remain in effect until new adoption laws are passed and enacted. The Congolese government has not provided a timeline for when such laws might be passed. The statement also noted that the Department of State continues to advocate for families whose already adopted children have not received exit visas. Questions or concerns about the DRC exit permit suspension can be directed to ExitPermitSuspensionDRC@state.gov, or 1 (888) 407-4747 from inside the United States or (202) 501-4444 from outside the United States. The Department of State Strongly Recommends Against Adopting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo Five Reasons to Take Advantage of Adoption Counseling ServicesWherever you are in your adoption journey, if you are experiencing emotional difficulties, know that you don’t have to go it alone. You are entitled to adoption counseling services, which can be beneficial in a number of ways. Here are just a few benefits of working with an adoption counselor.Learn More Five Ways to Support a Pregnant Friend Considering AdoptionIt can be overwhelming to receive such big news from someone close to you, and you may not know how to react or how...Learn MoreDo Orphanages Still Exist?When many people think of adoption, they think of traditional orphanages — or the negative stereotype of traditional orphanages, involving underfed and mistreated orphans...Learn MoreFive Signs You Are Ready to Start the Adoption ProcessAdoption can be an exciting and rewarding experience — but it’s also a big commitment that requires plenty of time, energy and patience. How...Learn MoreSix Ways to Educate Others About AdoptionIf you have experienced the joy of adoption firsthand, you can help spread adoption awareness. Simply sharing your story with others can help them...Learn MoreCoping with an Adoption DisruptionYour dreams of parenthood are finally within reach — until you get the devastating news that your baby’s prospective birth mother has changed her...Learn MoreFour Ways to Handle the Holidays After PlacementThe holidays are a time of good cheer and celebration — family and friends come together in the spirit of the season to make...Learn MoreFour New Year’s Resolutions for Adoptive ParentsAs you begin the new year, consider setting adoption goals and making adoption an even bigger priority in your life.Learn More Get Free Info