Kiboga, Uganda info@dolphinfoundationvillage.org +256 782 843818
Home Adoption

Adopt a Child

Many children in Uganda are waiting for a permanent, loving family. Let us walk this journey with you.

Adoption at Dolphin Foundation
Requirements & Fees Apply to Adopt

Children in Uganda Who Need Families

In Uganda, children waiting for families are typically between 2–8 years old at the time they join their adoptive families and may have minor to major developmental, physical or emotional special needs. Dolphin Foundation is one of the major adoption agencies approved to unite children from Uganda with eligible families worldwide. We will ensure you feel informed and prepared every step of the way.

  • Children may have minor to major developmental, physical or emotional special needs.
  • Most children are between the ages of 2–8 years old at the time of placement.
  • Older children (5+) who may or may not have special needs are also waiting to be matched.
  • Children may have been born prematurely, have a history of abuse or neglect, or be malnourished.
  • The most common needs include HIV, fetal alcohol exposure and needs related to trauma and loss. Children with more involved special needs are also waiting through Dolphin's waiting child photolisting.

Eligibility Requirements & Fees

Eligibility Requirements to Adopt from Dolphin Foundation

Parent's Age

  • Applicants should be couples or singles between the ages of 25–49 years old.
  • There should be no more than a 45-year age difference between the parent and child.

Length of Marriage

  • If married or in a committed life partnership, couples must be together for a minimum of one year and be assessed to have a stable relationship.

Divorce

  • If there is a history of divorce, the current marriage must be at least two years old.

Children in Family

  • If you have five or more children living in your home, please check with us before applying.

Single Applicant

  • Single female and male individuals are eligible.

Travel

  • Each prospective parent is required to travel to Uganda to meet and transition the child into their care.
  • Each prospective parent must appear in court for the adoption application.
  • Currently, the required stay in-country is approximately 10–12 weeks.
  • For couples, it is possible that one parent may return home after applying for the child's Ugandan passport, approximately eight weeks after arrival.

How Long It Takes

  • From the time an applicant submits a dossier to the Ugandan Authority, it is estimated to take approximately 1–3 years to complete an adoption.
  • The timeline can vary based on a family's openness to age and special needs.

Waiting Child Programme

  • Many children who are older or have more involved special needs are waiting for adoptive families.
  • Applicants may be matched with a waiting child once they have an approved homestudy.
  • Please contact the Dolphin Village team if you have any questions.

Additional Information

  • Applicants with a past or current diagnosis of a life-threatening or communicable disease are ineligible.
  • All prior criminal activity must be disclosed, including any arrests.
  • Applicants will be assessed for eligibility approval by Dolphin Foundation staff on a case-by-case basis.
Fees for Ugandan Adoption

Transparent & Fair Fees

Dolphin is a Christian, private, nonprofit, licensed and accredited child welfare organisation. Our adoption work is financed through adoption fees and donations. We strive to keep fees within a reasonable range and will notify families in writing of any changes.

We accept check, cashier's check or money order. Credit card payments include a 3% convenience fee. Fees are due upon invoice.

Application, Homestudy & Adoption Fees
Description Paid To Fee Type Amount

Application Fee

Due with completed application. Non-refundable.

 Dolphin U.S. Expenses $350

Agency Fee 1

Due when Dolphin approves your application. Non-refundable.

Dolphin U.S. Expenses $5,065

Homestudy Fee

Due before first homestudy visit.

 Dolphin Homestudy $2,500–$2,900

Homestudy Update Fee

If needed.

 Dolphin Homestudy $750

Travel for Home Visits

 Dolphin Mileage/Travel Varies

Agency Fee 2

Due when Dolphin approves your homestudy. Non-refundable.

Dolphin U.S. Expenses $6,500

Programme Fee 1

 Dolphin Foreign Country Expenses $4,106

Foreign Country Pass-Through Fee 1

Refundable until tendered to Ugandan Visa.

 Dolphin Translation & Documentation $1,894

Expression of Interest

Complete this form to begin your adoption journey with Dolphin Foundation Village.

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