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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.}}
+
{{#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.}}
+
{{#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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=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]].'''
  
 +
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.
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Alert: Suspension of Adoptions Lifted in Sierra Leone (April 30, 2012)'''
 
  
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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.
+
=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]]
  
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Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.
 
  
 +
=Sierra Leone Adoption Alert=
  
 +
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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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.
+
=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.
  
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Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information.
 
  
 +
=Who Can Adopt=
  
 +
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]].
  
−
=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.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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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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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]].
 
  
 +
=How to Adopt=
  
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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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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==Residency==
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'''[[Sierra Leone]] [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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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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Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children's Affairs
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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==The Process==
  
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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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The process for adopting a child from [[Sierra Leone]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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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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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]  
 +
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
 +
# Be Matched with a Child
 +
# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Sierra Leone]]
 +
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]  
 +
# Bringing Your Child Home
  
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==Income==
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt form Sierra Leone]].
  
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None.
 
  
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==Other==
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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None.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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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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=How to Adopt=
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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'''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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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
  
 +
[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
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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].
 
  
 +
==Contact Information==
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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'''U.S. Embassy '''
  
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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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Consular Section
 +
2160 Freetown Place
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20521-2160
  
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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[[International]] Mailing Address:
 +
Consular Section
 +
American Embassy
 +
P O Box 50
 +
Freetown, [[Sierra Leone]]
  
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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.
 
  
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=After Adoption=
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or 
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
  
−
Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
+
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
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Internet: [http://freetown.usembassy.gov 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
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
  
 +
'''Embassy of [[Sierra Leone]]'''
 +
 +
1701 19th Street, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20009
 +
Telephone: (202) 939-9261
 +
Fax: (202) 483-1793
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
 
  
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
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'''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: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
 +
  
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
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'''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==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=sierra_leone
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:27, 21 February 2018

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.

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.


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 adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=sierra_leone