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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Tuvalu"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/tv-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/tv-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/tv-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/tv-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/aus/tv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/tv_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg/568px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg/568px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tuvalu.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Beach on Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_Funafuti_atoll_beach.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg/343px-Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Tuvaluan dancer.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg/343px-Dancer%2C_Tuvalu_stage%2C_2011_Pasifika_festival.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Tuvaluan dancer.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''School on Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg/800px-Tuvalu_-_Funafuti_-_School.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''School on Funafuti Atoll'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Northern_Funafuti.jpg/800px-Northern_Funafuti.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Funafuti in Tuvalu looking south..'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Northern_Funafuti.jpg/800px-Northern_Funafuti.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Funafuti'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Nanumea.jpg/437px-Nanumea.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nanumea atoll, Tuvalu, from space.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Nanumea.jpg/437px-Nanumea.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Nanumea atoll from space.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
 
  
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Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu did not change.  
+
'''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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There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from Tuvalu: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be [[adopted]]; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their adoption.
 
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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=About Tuvalu=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Tuvalu, 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). Learn more.  
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In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of [[Tuvalu]]. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, [[Tuvalu]] negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html.
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Tuvalu also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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[[Tuvalu]] 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 [[Tuvalu]] did not change.
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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There is no formal residency requirement for foreigners seeking to [[adopt]] in Tuvalu. However, [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be physically present in court to file an application for adoption and must remain in Tuvalu until the final adoption order is granted
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There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from [[Tuvalu]]: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be [[adopted]]; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their [[adoption]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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One prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be at least 25 years old, and both must be at least 21 years older than the child.  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Tuvalu]], 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 Tuvalu]].
  
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==Marriage==
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Applicants for an adoption should be a married husband and wife. The law permits an adoption order in favor of one person in "exceptional circumstances." However, a single male cannot [[adopt]] a female child.  
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[[Tuvalu]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Tuvalu]] unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  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 back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Tuvalu]].
  
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==Income==
 
  
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Income should be above average and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should live in a suitable environment. Proof of income will have to be submitted to the central adoption authority.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Other==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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The applicants must be of good character and have no adverse criminal record relating to any offense involving violence or [[abuse]] towards a child. The applicants must be mentally and physically fit to fulfill the responsibilities, evidenced by a medical report.  The applicant must be able to provide a secure and stable home environment for the child.
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'''[[Tuvalu]] 's [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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There is no support [[system]] or body in [[Tuvalu]] which oversees [[international]] adoptions. The Senior Magistrate Court handles [[international]] adoptions.
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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==The Process==
  
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Tuvalu has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Tuvalu unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  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 back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Tuvalu]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
 +
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Tuvalu]]
 +
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Tuvalu]].
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.
 
  
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'''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' The prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain written consent from (a) the child, and (b) the child's parents or guardians.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Age Requirements:''' Only children who have not attained the age of 12 years may be [[adopted]]. There is no provision in the law for adoption of children above the age of 12.  Subject to this Act the Court may make an adoption order only where a child has not attained the age of 12 years before the date on which the application for adoption was filed in the Court.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''Sibling Requirements:''' None
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Tuvalu]]. 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 Tuvalu]].
  
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'''Requirements for [[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' The welfare and interests of the child shall be regarded as the paramount consideration.
 
  
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'''Waiting Period:''' Two months or less if all requirements are met.
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=After Adoption=
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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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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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Tuvalu. 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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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]  
  
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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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'''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 Tuvalu, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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==Contact Information==
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Tuvalu]]'''
 +
 +
The United States does not have an Embassy or Mission in [[Tuvalu]]. The Embassy that covers [[Tuvalu]] is located in [[Fiji]]. That Embassy's Consular Section is located at:
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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The Embassy of the United States, Suva, [[Fiji]]
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31 Loftus Street
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P.O. Box 218
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Suva, [[Fiji]]
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Tel: (679) 331-4466
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Fax: (679) 330-2267
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Email: consularsuva@state.gov
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Internet: [http://suva.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Tuvalu]
  
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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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'''[[Tuvalu]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Magistrate's Court
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Funafuti, [[Tuvalu]]
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Tel: (+688) 20837
  
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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 Tuvalu, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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'''Embassy of [[Tuvalu]]'''
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[[Tuvalu]] does not have an Embassy or Consulate in [[Washington]], D.C. [[Tuvalu]]'s only official representative in the United States is at the United Nations in [[New York]]:
  
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=After Adoption=
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The Permanent Mission of [[Tuvalu]] to the United Nations
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800 Second Avenue, Suite 400 B
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[[New York]], NY 10017
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Tel: (+1 212) 490-0534
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Fax: (+1 212) 808-4975
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 
  
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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.
+
'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
  
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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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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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=tuvalu
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:01, 24 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Tuvaluan dancer.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

School on Funafuti Atoll
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Funafuti
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Nanumea atoll from space.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


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 Tuvalu

In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tv.html.

Hague Convention Information

Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu did not change.


There are two important points to consider when adopting a child from Tuvalu: 1) Only children below the age of 12 may be adopted; and 2) children who have attained the age of 10 years are usually, but not always, required to consent to their adoption.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Tuvalu, 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 Tuvalu.


Who Can Be Adopted

Tuvalu has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Tuvalu unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below. 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 back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Tuvalu.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Tuvalu 's Adoption Authority

There is no support system or body in Tuvalu which oversees international adoptions. The Senior Magistrate Court handles international adoptions.

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Tuvalu 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 (or Gain Legal Custody) in Tuvalu
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Tuvalu.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Tuvalu. 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 Tuvalu.


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 in Tuvalu

The United States does not have an Embassy or Mission in Tuvalu. The Embassy that covers Tuvalu is located in Fiji. That Embassy's Consular Section is located at:

The Embassy of the United States, Suva, Fiji 31 Loftus Street P.O. Box 218 Suva, Fiji Tel: (679) 331-4466 Fax: (679) 330-2267 Email: consularsuva@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Tuvalu


Tuvalu's Adoption Authority

Magistrate's Court Funafuti, Tuvalu Tel: (+688) 20837


Embassy of Tuvalu

Tuvalu does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Washington, D.C. Tuvalu's only official representative in the United States is at the United Nations in New York:

The Permanent Mission of Tuvalu to the United Nations 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400 B New York, NY 10017 Tel: (+1 212) 490-0534 Fax: (+1 212) 808-4975


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=tuvalu