Countries and considerations - UNCC - Australia
We work with partner countries to facilitate intercountry adoptions of children under the Hague Convention. The work we do with these countries is to protect children from trafficking, illegal and ill-prepared adoptions.
Partner countries and country programs
The countries listed under partner countries are active programs. You can also read about country programs that are currently on hold, inactive or have closed.
Is intercountry adoption right for me?
Adopting a child from overseas has many challenges. It’s important you consider if intercountry adoption is right for you and your family.
If you’re unsure about adopting from overseas, you can find out more about alternatives to intercountry adoption.
How do I adopt a child from overseas?
If you decide that adopting a child from overseas is right for you and your family, you can read more about the adoption process. You can also read about other types of overseas adoptions.
Can I access adoption support?
If you, your child or your family need support you can contact the Intercountry Adoptee and Family Support Service.
The service provides counselling support and case management services to help with the issues and challenges unique to intercountry adoption.
UNCC Intercountry Adoption Program
Facilitating Safe, Legal, and Ethical Adoptions Under the Hague Convention
About UNCC – United Nationals Countryless Children
United Nationals Countryless Children (UNCC) is a registered, refugee-led charity committed to protecting and supporting vulnerable, displaced, and stateless children. As part of our child welfare mission, we operate a Hague-compliant Intercountry Adoption Program, linking eligible children from our programs in Kenya and Uganda with vetted families in Australia, while ensuring full legal, ethical, and child-centered compliance throughout the process.
UNCC works in close collaboration with national adoption authorities, community welfare departments, and international child protection agencies to ensure that all adoptions:
-
Are in the best interests of the child
-
Follow the legal frameworks of both the child’s country of origin and Australia
-
Protect children from trafficking, exploitation, and unlawful adoption practices
UNCC Regional Offices Facilitating Child Adoption
🇰🇪 UNCC – Kenya Branch
Location: Comfort Plaza, Makongeni, Thika Road, Nairobi
Contact Person: Rhoda Musyimi
Phone: +254 715 177 103
Email: rhodamusyimi234@gmail.com
🇺🇬 UNCC – Uganda Branch
Location: Driver Corner, Terrego District, Arua
Managing Director: Kevin Nabbowa
Email: kevijathi@gmail.com
Additional Contact: Joy Ali
How Intercountry Adoption Works with UNCC
UNCC facilitates adoptions under The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, which ensures:
-
Transparency and legal verification of a child’s eligibility for adoption
-
Safeguards against child trafficking
-
Full documentation and approval from central authorities in both countries
🇦🇺 For Australian Citizens Wishing to Adopt a Child from Kenya or Uganda
To adopt a child through UNCC’s Intercountry Adoption Program, prospective Australian adoptive parents must meet the following:
General Eligibility Criteria (as per Australian Law):
-
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
-
Be over 25 years old (at least one applicant in a couple)
-
Meet the legal, psychological, and financial suitability criteria
-
Pass a home study assessment conducted by the Australian state or territory adoption authority
-
Receive approval for intercountry adoption through the Australian Central Authority (Department of Social Services)
Adoption Process Overview – Kenya & Uganda to Australia
1. Application & Pre-Approval (Australia)
-
Apply through your State or Territory Central Adoption Authority
-
Complete home study assessment and education seminars
-
Obtain approval for intercountry adoption
2. Matching with a Child (via UNCC)
-
After approval, your profile is sent to UNCC Kenya or Uganda, where our local team identifies children legally cleared for adoption
-
UNCC works with local authorities to confirm the child is eligible under The Hague Convention and no suitable local placement exists
3. Legal Adoption Proceedings (Kenya/Uganda Courts)
-
Adoptive parents may be required to travel and reside for a specified time in the child’s country of origin
-
Kenya: Minimum 3-month residency before adoption finalization
-
Uganda: Traditionally 12-month residency is required, but exceptions may be granted with court approval or Guardianship Orders
-
-
The adoption decree is issued by the High Court in the respective country
4. Visa & Travel to Australia
-
Apply for a Child (Subclass 102) Visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs
-
The adopted child must meet health and character checks
-
Once approved, the child can legally enter and live in Australia with full adoption status
UNCC’s Role in Intercountry Adoption
UNCC acts as a licensed child welfare partner, with responsibilities including:
-
Identifying adoptable children through legal channels
-
Conducting family tracing to ensure children are truly without caregivers
-
Ensuring legal adoption status under Kenyan and Ugandan law
-
Coordinating with Australian authorities for post-placement support
-
Offering pre- and post-adoption counseling to both families and children
-
Monitoring for ethical practices and full compliance with international standards
Adoption Support Services
Post-adoption, families can access counseling and support through:
-
UNCC’s community and child wellbeing team
-
Intercountry Adoptee and Family Support Service (ICAFSS) – in Australia
-
Cultural education, adjustment support, and community connections
Stay Connected with UNCC
Website: www.uncc.agency (coming soon)
Facebook: facebook.com/unccagency
Email (General Inquiries): www.uncc.agency/contact page
Important Notes
-
UNCC does not charge illegal adoption fees. Administrative costs are fully documented and legally filed with both national and international authorities.
-
UNCC supports domestic and kinship adoption first, before exploring intercountry adoption, in line with international standards.
-
All adoption matches are based on the best interests of the child, not the preferences of prospective adoptive parents.
“Every child deserves a loving home and legal protection. UNCC is committed to safe, ethical, and transparent adoptions that change lives—with dignity, respect, and the child’s future at the center.” – UNCC Leadership