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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Sierra Leone"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sl-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sl-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sl-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sl-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/sl_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/sl_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7003920664_a9cd2f4e15.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''School children in Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7003920664_a9cd2f4e15.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/School_destroyed_by_Sierra_Leone_Civil_War.jpg/800px-School_destroyed_by_Sierra_Leone_Civil_War.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' A school in Koindu damaged during the Sierra Leone Civil War by RUF rebel forces.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/School_destroyed_by_Sierra_Leone_Civil_War.jpg/800px-School_destroyed_by_Sierra_Leone_Civil_War.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' A school in Koindu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Sierra_Leone_village_woman.jpg/732px-Sierra_Leone_village_woman.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sierra Leone - Njama village, Kailahun District.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Sierra_Leone_village_woman.jpg/732px-Sierra_Leone_village_woman.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Njama village, Kailahun District.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Kenema-Kailahun_Road.jpg/800px-Kenema-Kailahun_Road.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sierra Leone - The road from Kenema to Kailahun District.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Kenema-Kailahun_Road.jpg/800px-Kenema-Kailahun_Road.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The road from Kenema to Kailahun District.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3503/5815618234_27c2281d87.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in rural Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3503/5815618234_27c2281d87.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2421/3977907290_43f9d95cfa.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two little girls in Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2421/3977907290_43f9d95cfa.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Sierra_Leone_Koindu_dance.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Students celebrate the opening of a newly rebuilt school with traditional dancing in Koindu, Kailahun District, Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Sierra_Leone_Koindu_dance.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Students celebrate the opening of a newly rebuilt school with traditional dancing in Koindu, Kailahun District.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Freetown-Street.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A busy street in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Freetown-Street.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A busy street in Freetown.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6138/6192315614_2b851999c8.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lunsar, Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6138/6192315614_2b851999c8.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lunsar.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6171/6192153404_3a5a693830.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Woman and baby, Lunsar, Sierra Leone.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6171/6192153404_3a5a693830.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Woman and baby in Lunsa.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
 
  
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=Sierra Leone Adoption Alert=
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Alert: Suspension of Adoptions Lifted in Sierra Leone (April 30, 2012)'''
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=About Sierra Leone=
  
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On April 13, 2012, the Government of Sierra Leone's Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs lifted the suspension on intercountry adoptions that it enacted on May 21, 2009.  Official information states at this time that any new intercountry adoptions will take place under the country’s existing legal framework outlined in the country information sheet for Sierra Leone on adoption.state.gov.  An interagency committee established by the Ministry continues to work on new adoption laws and procedure and the situation remains fluid.  We strongly encourage prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to read all information regarding intercountry adoption procedures for Sierra Leone prior to beginning the process of intercountry adoption.
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Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about a third of the population). The military, which took over full responsibility for security following the departure of UN peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a guarantor of the country's stability. To learn more please read [[About Sierra Leone]]
  
  
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Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.
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=Sierra Leone Adoption Alert=
  
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There have been multiple alerts for [[Sierra Leone]]. To learn more please read the [[Sierra Leone Adoption Alert]] page.
  
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Alert: Suspension of Adoptions in Sierra Leone (September 17, 2009)'''
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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The Government of Sierra Leone's Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs suspended adoptions on May 21, 2009 due to concerns on the legality of adoptions and the welfare of adoptees. An interagency committee has been established by the Ministry to work on new adoption laws and procedures. The U.S. Embassy has been informed that the committee hopes to present a new bill to Parliament for a vote this calendar year. The Ministry has indicated that no adoption cases will be processed or approved while the suspension remains in effect. Adoption cases approved before the suspension remain valid.
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[[Sierra Leone]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Sierra Leone]] did not change.
  
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Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.
 
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
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Sierra Leone is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Sierra Leone did not change.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Sierra Leone, you must be found eligible to be an [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more on Who Can [[Adopt]].  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Sierra Leone]], you must be found eligible to be an [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more on Who Can [[Adopt]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Sierra Leone]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Sierra Leone also has the following eligibility requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
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==Residency==
 
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Under Sierra Leonean law, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are currently required to be resident in Sierra Leone for six months and to attend the court hearing for the adoption. Although in the past the High Court of Sierra Leone would sometimes waive either the personal appearance of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] at adoption proceedings or the six-month residency requirement, this was always at the Court's discretion and should not be considered the norm. The High Court is currently reviewing its application of the Adoption Act and practices may change without notice.
 
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
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Unless related to the child, one of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least twenty-five years old and twenty-one years older than the child. A relative of the child need only be twenty-one years old. Sierra Leonean law allows adoption by a father or mother (either alone or jointly with a spouse), and has no age requirement at all in this case.
 
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==Marriage==
 
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A single male may not [[adopt]] a child unless there are exceptional circumstances or the child is a son of the prospective adoptive father, Only married couples may [[adopt]] jointly.
 
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==Income==
 
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None.
 
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==Other==
 
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None.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Sierra Leone has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Sierra Leone unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  
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[[Sierra Leone]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Sierra Leone]] unless he or she meets multiple requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Sierra Leone]].
  
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In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her home back to the United States. Find out more on Who Can be [[Adopted]] and these U.S. requirements.
 
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:''' None.
 
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'''[[Relinquishment|RELINQUISHMENT]] REQUIREMENTS:''' The High Court may require the written consent by the biological parents. If the child was born in wedlock, the consent of both parents may be required. If the child was not born in wedlock, only the mother must consent. Birth parents who have granted consent to the adoption may withdraw their consent at any point during the adoption proceedings, with the High Court's permission.
 
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'''[[Abandonment|ABANDONMENT]] REQUIREMENTS:''' The High Court will not require the consent of the biological parents if those parents have legally abandoned the child, if a Sierra Leonean Governmental or judicial authority has terminated their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or appointed a different [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] for the children, or if the parents are deceased. Birth parents who have granted consent to the adoption may withdraw their consent at any point during the adoption proceedings, with the High Court's permission.
 
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'''AGE REQUIREMENTS:'''The child must be under 17 years old. If the child is 16 years of age or older, only the child must consent to the adoption. Note: U.S. immigration law requires an orphan be under the age of 16 at the time of the adoption in order to be eligible for an immigrant visa. A child can be 16 or 17 if [[adopted]] with younger siblings and will be eligible for an immigrant visa.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''Sierra Leone Adoption Authority'''
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'''[[Sierra Leone]] [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
 
Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs  
 
Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs  
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==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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The process for adopting a child from Sierra Leone generally includes the following steps:
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The process for adopting a child from [[Sierra Leone]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in Sierra Leone  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Sierra Leone]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption  
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 
# Bringing Your Child Home
 
# Bringing Your Child Home
  
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt form Sierra Leone]].
  
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Sierra Leone is usually to select an agency or attorney in the United States that can help with your adoption. Adoption service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. Learn more about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider]].
 
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The U.S. Embassy in Freetown maintains a list of local attorneys which is available upon request. There are no registered [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Sierra Leone. There are organizations registered as non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) or private voluntary organizations (PVOs) that provide assistance to children and facilitate international adoptions. While the Government of Sierra Leone does not have a list of registered NGOs or PVOs, your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] should be able to provide you with copies of a local organization's registration certificates. The U.S. Embassy cannot recommend the services of any specific attorney or organization.
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to fully research any [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or facilitator they plan to use for adoption services. For U.S.-based agencies, it is suggested that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] contact the Better Business Bureau and/or the licensing office of the appropriate state Government agency in the U.S. state where the agency is located or licensed.
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
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To bring an [[adopted]] child from Sierra Leone to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more about Eligibility Requirements.
 
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In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the country's requirements as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
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If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry adoption, the central adoption authority will provide you with a referral to a child. The child must meet the country's eligibility requirements for adoptable children, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law.
 
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'''4.Adopt the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Sierra Leone'''
 
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The process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Sierra Leone generally includes the following:
 
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*'''Role of The Adoption Authority:''' The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs is the Government office responsible for overseeing adoptions and child welfare issues in Sierra Leone. To initiate an adoption, an attorney in Sierra Leone sends a letter with relevant documents attached to the Social Development Officer in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs in Freetown.
 
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*'''Role of The Court:''' The High Court is the only authority in Sierra Leone that can issue an order granting an adoption or [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of minor children. After the Social Development Officer approves the prospective adoption the attorney files a petition for adoption with the High Court of the Sierra Leone. The High Court may order an investigation by an investigator appointed by the Court. The investigator should file a written report of the investigation with the High Court within 30 days of issuance of the investigation order. The High Court will schedule a hearing after these steps are completed to the court's satisfaction. The High Court currently requires at least one prospect adopting parent and the adoptive children to attend the hearing. The High Court may waive the appearance of the child for good cause and will usually state this in the order of adoption. The High Court may require the biological parents to appear in court to confirm sworn statements or affidavits. All hearings are confidential and held in closed court. The High Court must be satisfied that the "moral and temporal interests" of the child will be served by the adoption. While the High Court usually makes a ruling after one hearing, in some cases it will request additional documentation and/or investigation and schedule another hearing. If the High Court approves the adoption, it will issue a court order that either grants a full and final adoption, or authorizes the leave to [[adopt]]. There are no fixed time-lines or constraints on the High Court's processing of adoptions.
 
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'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' There are no registered [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] in Sierra Leone. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown maintains a list of local attorneys which is available upon request. The U.S. Embassy cannot recommend the services of any specific attorney or organization.
 
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'''Adoption Application:'''  Most prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] work through an [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] in the U.S., which in turn maintains a relationship with an orphanage or organization in Sierra Leone, throughout the adoption process. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] who do not want to go through a local organization are advised to hire an attorney to assist with the adoption application and process.
 
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'''Time Frame:''' There are no fixed time lines or constraints on the Court's processing of adoptions. In the past, U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have taken between six months to two years to complete the adoption procedures.
 
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'''Adoption Fees:'''  Official Government fees associated with adoptions in Sierra Leone are minimal and consist mainly of court filing costs. Such filing fees normally are less than U.S. $10. The cost of employing local counsel varies, but prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can expect to pay several hundred dollars at a minimum for an attorney. Some [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]] charge prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] monthly maintenance fees that can be several hundred dollars per month. While monthly maintenance fees are legal in Sierra Leone, it appears that some local orphanages may have delayed adoption proceedings in order to continue payments of maintenance fees longer than necessary.
 
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'''Documents Required:''' The following documents are required for adoption in Sierra Leone: 
 
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::::1. Petition for Adoption
 
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::::2. Written consent of living biological parents
 
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::::3. Affidavits concerning the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]
 
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::::4. Marriage certificate if appropriate
 
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::::5. Evidence of finances such as bank statements and job letters
 
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'''5.Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption'''
 
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After you finalize the adoption (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]), you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to bring the child home to the United States. USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]]. Visit USCIS website for more information.
 
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Because of the high incidence of fraud in Sierra Leone adoption cases, Embassy Freetown conducts a field investigation to confirm a child's status as an orphan under U.S. law. The field investigation will be conducted only after we have either (a) received an approved [[I-600]] petition from the USCIS, or (b) have accepted an [[I-600]] petition filed by the adopting parent(s) at the Embassy. Field investigations usually take between 2 to 4 months, depending on the availability and location of witnesses required to confirm evidence of orphan status. Upon receipt of the final results of the field investigation, we will notify the adopting parents and provide instructions on how to proceed.
 
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Prior to completing an adoption in Sierra Leone, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should request that the U.S. [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or Sierra Leonean orphanage that has identified the child as potentially adoptable provide clear evidence that the child is likely to meet the INA definition of "orphan." [[Adoption Agencies|Adoption agencies]] and orphanages should be able to provide the following items for each child being offered as available for adoption:
 
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::::1. A copy of the child's official intake form completed at the time the child was brought to the orphanage. The intake form should indicate the circumstances under which the child was brought to the orphanage and any actions taken to confirm the facts.
 
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::::2. A copy of the child's birth certificate.
 
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::::3. A copy of a death certificate for any parent who has died.
 
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If the child has a sole or surviving parent, a copy of the statement the biological parent made at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs irrevocably relinquishing [[Parental Rights|parental rights]].
 
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If a parent has abandoned a child or disappeared, copies of the police report, the report by Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs detailing efforts to locate the parent and severing parental ties to the missing parent, and/or a court order making the child a ward of the state.
 
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In Sierra Leone it appears that the only way a sole or surviving parent can irrevocably relinquish his or her [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] to his or her child is at the Ministry of Social Welfare in the presence of either the Minister and/or the Chief Social Development Officer. Also, there does not appear to be any [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or orphanage in Sierra Leone that is authorized under the child welfare laws of Sierra Leone to take the [[relinquishment]] or release of a child who has been abandoned by his or her birth parents.
 
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'''6. Bringing Your Child Home'''
 
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Now that your adoption is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
 
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::1. Birth Certificate
 
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You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
 
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::2. Sierra Leone Passport
 
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Sierra Leone.
 
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child.
 
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Once the U.S. Embassy in Freetown has confirmed the [[adopted]] child's status as an orphan, a consular officer will contact the adopting parent(s) in order to schedule an appointment to process the child's immigrant visa.
 
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The [[adopted]] child must be physically present at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown at the time of the visa interview.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
 
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
 
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Read more about the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Sierra Leone. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Sierra Leone]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Sierra Leone]].
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Sierra Leone, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Sierra Leone, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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International Mailing Address:  
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[[International]] Mailing Address:  
 
Consular Section  
 
Consular Section  
 
American Embassy  
 
American Embassy  
 
P O Box 50  
 
P O Box 50  
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Freetown, Sierra Leone  
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Freetown, [[Sierra Leone]]
  
  
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U.S. Embassy  
 
U.S. Embassy  
 
Leicester  
 
Leicester  
−
Freetown, Sierra Leone  
+
Freetown, [[Sierra Leone]]
 
Tel: (232) 22 515 000 or (232) 76 515 000  
 
Tel: (232) 22 515 000 or (232) 76 515 000  
 
Fax: (232) 22 515 355  
 
Fax: (232) 22 515 355  
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−
'''Sierra Leone's Adoption Authority'''
+
'''[[Sierra Leone]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
 
Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs  
 
Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs  
 
New England, Freetown  
 
New England, Freetown  
−
Sierra Leone  
+
[[Sierra Leone]]
 
Tel: (232) 22 241 256  
 
Tel: (232) 22 241 256  
  
  
−
'''Embassy of Sierra Leone'''
+
'''Embassy of [[Sierra Leone]]'''
 
   
 
   
 
1701 19th Street, N.W.  
 
1701 19th Street, N.W.  

Revision as of 06:12, 25 March 2015

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

'
Source: flickr.com.

A school in Koindu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Njama village, Kailahun District.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The road from Kenema to Kailahun District.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Students celebrate the opening of a newly rebuilt school with traditional dancing in Koindu, Kailahun District.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A busy street in Freetown.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Lunsar.
Source: flickr.com.

Woman and baby in Lunsa.
Source: flickr.com.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.


About Sierra Leone

Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about a third of the population). The military, which took over full responsibility for security following the departure of UN peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a guarantor of the country's stability. To learn more please read About Sierra Leone


Sierra Leone Adoption Alert

There have been multiple alerts for Sierra Leone. To learn more please read the Sierra Leone Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Sierra Leone is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Sierra Leone did not change.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Sierra Leone, you must be found eligible to be an adoptive parent by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more on Who Can Adopt. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Sierra Leone.


Who Can Be Adopted

Sierra Leone has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Sierra Leone unless he or she meets multiple requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Sierra Leone.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Sierra Leone Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Sierra Leone generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child in Sierra Leone
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bringing Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt form Sierra Leone.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Sierra Leone. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Sierra Leone.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy

Consular Section 2160 Freetown Place Washington, DC 20521-2160


International Mailing Address: Consular Section American Embassy P O Box 50 Freetown, Sierra Leone


or


Consular Section U.S. Embassy Leicester Freetown, Sierra Leone Tel: (232) 22 515 000 or (232) 76 515 000 Fax: (232) 22 515 355 Email: consularfreetown@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Sierra Leone


Sierra Leone's Adoption Authority

Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs New England, Freetown Sierra Leone Tel: (232) 22 241 256


Embassy of Sierra Leone

1701 19th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009 Telephone: (202) 939-9261 Fax: (202) 483-1793


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]