Adopting from Liberia
Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Liberia
Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendants of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. To learn more please read About Liberia.
Liberia Adoption Alert
There have been multiple adoption alerts for Liberia. To learn more please read Liberia Adoption Alert.
Hague Convention Information
Liberia 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 Liberia did not change. To learn more please read about Liberia and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
To bring an adopted child to United States from Liberia, you must be found eligible to adopt 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). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Liberia.
Who Can Be Adopted
Liberia has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Liberia.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
The Ministry of Justice
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Liberia generally includes the following steps:
- Choose an Adoption Service Provider
- Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
- Be Matched with a Child
- Adopt the Child in Liberia
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
- Bring Your Child Home
To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt from Liberia.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Liberia. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Liberia.
After Adoption
What does Liberia require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?
Liberian law has no post-adoption requirements for adoptive parents. Parents should confirm any post-adoption requirements with their legal representatives.
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
NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Liberia
111 U.N. Drive Mamba Point Monrovia, Liberia Tel: 231-077-207-326 Fax: 231-770-010-370 Email: ConsularMonrovia@state.gov
Liberian Adoption Authority
Cllr. Philip Banks , Minister of Justice Ministry of Justice Building Ashmun Street (Opposite College of West Africa ) Monrovia, Liberia Special Assistant: +231 6 520140 (Onesimus Bawon) Secretary: +231 6 551-598 ( Massa Johnson)
Embassy of Liberia
5201 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20011 Tel: (202) 723-0437 Fax: (202) 723-0436 Email: info@embassyofliberia.org
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)
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 adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=liberia