Revision as of 20:45, 7 April 2014

The official flag of Sierra Leone.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Sierra Leone.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Sierra Leone.
Source: cia.gov.

A school in Koindu damaged during the Sierra Leone Civil War by RUF rebel forces.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sierra Leone - Njama village, Kailahun District.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

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

Children in rural Sierra Leone.
Source: flickr.com.

Two little girls in Sierra Leone.
Source: flickr.com.

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

A busy street in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Lunsar, Sierra Leone.
Source: flickr.com.

Woman and baby, Lunsar, Sierra Leone.
Source: flickr.com.

Sierra Leone Adoption Alert

Alert: Suspension of Adoptions Lifted in Sierra Leone (April 30, 2012)

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 to read all information regarding intercountry adoption procedures for Sierra Leone prior to beginning the process of intercountry adoption.

Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.

Alert: Suspension of Adoptions in Sierra Leone (September 17, 2009)

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.

Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.

Hague Convention Information

Who Can Adopt

Residency

Age of Adopting Parents

Marriage

Income

Other

Who Can Be Adopted

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

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. The 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.

Obtaining Your Visa

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 Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your Trip

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 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.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip

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

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

SOURCE

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