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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Marshall Islands"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/rm-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/flags/large/rm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/rm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/rm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/rm_large_locator.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/rm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/28/40325565_7db6dcaac3.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/28/40325565_7db6dcaac3.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/71/Taongi_Lagoon_Shore.jpg/800px-Taongi_Lagoon_Shore.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lagoon-facing shoreline of Sibylla Island, Taongi Atoll.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/9263253772_5e3a348b5d.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A U.S. Serviceman with Marshall Islands children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/10700720174_874909e9bb.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/71/Taongi_Lagoon_Shore.jpg/800px-Taongi_Lagoon_Shore.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lagoon-facing shoreline of Sibylla Island, Taongi Atoll, Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/9811274503_9173758932.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6998843985_5673932eff.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in the Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/110/302904938_1c1f64ce22.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in the [[Marshall Islands]].'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/9811274503_9173758932.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8520990792_0c8a07d2ef.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Jobo Stickdancers of the [[Marshall Islands]] perform a traditional dance from Utrok Atoll.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm1.staticflickr.com/110/302904938_1c1f64ce22.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in the Marshall Islands.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/7435918048_98a9ed86af.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Marshall Islands.'''<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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{{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8520990792_0c8a07d2ef.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Jobo Stickdancers of the Marshall Islands perform a traditional dance from Utrok Atoll.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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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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=About Marshall Islands=
 +
 
 +
After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the [[Marshall Islands]] attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. To learn more please read [[About Marshall Islands]].
  
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
−
Marshall Islands is not a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with [http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.8&idno=8#8:1.0.1.2.8.1.1.3 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3] as it relates to orphans as defined under the [http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-29/0-0-0-101/0-0-0-434.html Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].
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[[Marshall Islands]] is not a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). To learn more please read about [[Marshall Islands and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
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Although the “Compact of Free Association” between the Marshall Islands and the United States permits Marshallese citizens to travel to and live in the United States without a U.S. visa, this provision is not applicable to [[adopted]] children who will reside permanently with U.S. families in the United States.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] of Marshallese children must go through the appropriate Marshallese [[adoption]] procedures as well as the relevant U.S. immigration procedures related to [[adopted]] foreign orphans.  [[Adopted]] Marshallese children who enter the United States without a visa may later have difficulties adjusting their U.S. immigration status and, eventually, acquiring U.S. citizenship.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Marshall Islands]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Marshall Islands]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should either plan to remain in the Marshall Islands for approximately four to five weeks before returning to the United States with the child or plan to make two separate trips, the first to complete the local [[adoption]] process and file the child’s Form [[I-600]] petition and DS-260 immigrant visa application and the second to receive the approved immigrant visa for the child and bring him or her home.  The U.S. Embassy in Manila, [[Philippines]] adjudicates and issues immigrant visas for children [[adopted]] in the Marshall Islands and delivers them to the U.S. Embassy in Majuro.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should not make non-refundable travel plans prior to receiving all necessary documentation and immigrant visa(s) for the [[adopted]] child(ren).  For more information, please see the ‘U.S. Immigrant Visa’ section below.
 
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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[[Marshall Islands]] 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 Marshall Islands]].
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from the Marshall Islands, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements].  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determine [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php who can adopt] under U.S. immigration law.
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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'''[[Marshall Islands]]’ [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Marshall Islands:
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Central [[Adoption]] Authority (“CAA”)
  
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==Residency==
 
  
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The Government of the Marshall Islands has no specific requirement or policy regarding the citizenship or residency of foreign prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]
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==The Process==
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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The process for adopting a child from [[Marshall Islands]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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Any person 18 or older can [[Petition to Adopt|petition to adopt]] a child; however, the petitioner must be at least 15 years older than the child to be [[adopted]].
 
  
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==Marriage==
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# [[Adopt]] or gain [[custody]] of the child in [[Marshall Islands]]
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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Under Marshallese law, both married couples and single individuals may [[adopt]] Marshallese children.  Marshallese law does not permit same-sex couples or individuals in same-sex relationships to [[adopt]].
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Marshall Islands]].
  
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==Income==
 
  
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There is no minimum income requirement for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==Other==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must have a [[Home Study|home study]] completed by a U.S. state licensed [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]]. This can be the [[Home Study|home study]] that U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] submit to USCIS as part of their Form [[I-600A]] filing.  The [[Home Study|home study]] must include the following: 
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave the [[Marshall Islands]]. 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 Marshall Islands]].
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::::1. educational background and future educational plans;
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::::2. employment history, current status and any changes in the foreseeable future;
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::::3. income history and future projections, if available;
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::::4. history of prior marriages, if any, including the basis for divorce, the age and gender of each child, the history of child support for and current relationship with those children;
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::::5. history of current marriage, age and gender of each child already in the home, and detailed report of any prior [[adoption]] experiences;
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::::6. participation in any civic or religious activity of prospective parents;
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nationwide criminal background search in the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]]'(s) country of residence or country of citizenship; and
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::::7. original [[Child Abuse|child abuse]] records search.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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=After Adoption=
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''What does the [[Marshall Islands]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?''' 
  
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Sections 827 and 828 of the [[Marshall Islands]]’ Adoptions Act of 2002 address post-[[adoption]] reporting.  The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must arrange for a post-[[adoption]] home visit during the first six months after the [[adoption]] and must file a Post [[Adoption]] Report with the CAA at the conclusion of the six month period.
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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The Post [[Adoption]] Report must contain a description of how the child and family are adjusting, whether [[bonding]] and [[attachment]] between the child and family are sufficient, whether the child’s health and emotional needs are being met, what the family is doing to encourage the child’s cultural heritage, and any other pertinent data sufficient to inform the birth family of the status of the child.
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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We strongly urge you to comply with [[Marshall Islands]]’ post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner.  Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process.  Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
 +
 +
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find support services very helpful after completing an [[adoption]].  There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available in the United States for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
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 +
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Here are some places to start your support group search:
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 +
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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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 Groups for Adopting Persons]
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
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=Contact Information=
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The U.S. Embassy in [[Marshall Islands]] is located in Majuro.  The U.S. Embassy in Majuro does not issue immigrant visas.  The closest U.S. Embassy to the Republic of the [[Marshall Islands]] that [[processes]] immigrant visas is in Manila, [[Philippines]]. 
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'''U.S. Embassy in Majuro'''
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P.O. Box 1379
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Majuro, MH 96960
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[[Marshall Islands]]
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Tel:  (692) 247-4011
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Fax:  (692) 247-4012
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Email:  MajConsular@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://majuro.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Majuro]
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'''U.S. Embassy in Manila'''
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1201 Roxas Blvd.
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Ermita, Metro Manila – 1000
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[[Philippines]]
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Tel:  (632) 528-6300
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Email:  IVManilaReplies@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://manila.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Manilla]
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'''Central [[Adoption]] Authority of the [[Marshall Islands]]'''
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P.O. Box 18
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Majuro, MH 96960
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Tel:  +692 625-8240
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Fax:  +692 625-5353
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'''Embassy of the Republic of the [[Marshall Islands]]'''
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2433 [[Massachusetts]] Ave N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C.  20008       
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Tel:  (202) 234-5414
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Fax:  (202) 232-3236
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Email:  info@rmiembassyus.org
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Internet:  [http://rmiembassyus.org Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands]
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'''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
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel:  1-888-407-4747
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Email:  AskCI@state.gov
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Internet:  [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures:
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National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
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Internet:  [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
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For questions about filing a Form [[I-600A]] or [[I-600]] petition:
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National Benefits Center
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Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
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Email:  NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
 
==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=marshall_islands
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:31, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Lagoon-facing shoreline of Sibylla Island, Taongi Atoll.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Children in the .
Source: flickr.com.

The Jobo Stickdancers of the perform a traditional dance from Utrok Atoll.
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 Marshall Islands

After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. To learn more please read About Marshall Islands.


Hague Convention Information

Marshall Islands is not a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Marshall Islands and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet multiple requirements in order to adopt a child from Marshall Islands. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Marshall Islands.


Who Can Be Adopted

Marshall Islands 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 Marshall Islands.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Marshall Islands’ Adoption Authority

Central Adoption Authority (“CAA”)


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Marshall Islands 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 or gain custody of the child in Marshall Islands
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring Your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave the Marshall Islands. 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 Marshall Islands.


After Adoption

What does the Marshall Islands require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Sections 827 and 828 of the Marshall Islands’ Adoptions Act of 2002 address post-adoption reporting. The adoptive parents must arrange for a post-adoption home visit during the first six months after the adoption and must file a Post Adoption Report with the CAA at the conclusion of the six month period.


The Post Adoption Report must contain a description of how the child and family are adjusting, whether bonding and attachment between the child and family are sufficient, whether the child’s health and emotional needs are being met, what the family is doing to encourage the child’s cultural heritage, and any other pertinent data sufficient to inform the birth family of the status of the child.


We strongly urge you to comply with Marshall Islands’ post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.


Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find support services very helpful after completing an adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available in the United States for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

The U.S. Embassy in Marshall Islands is located in Majuro. The U.S. Embassy in Majuro does not issue immigrant visas. The closest U.S. Embassy to the Republic of the Marshall Islands that processes immigrant visas is in Manila, Philippines.


U.S. Embassy in Majuro

P.O. Box 1379 Majuro, MH 96960 Marshall Islands Tel: (692) 247-4011 Fax: (692) 247-4012 Email: MajConsular@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Majuro


U.S. Embassy in Manila

1201 Roxas Blvd. Ermita, Metro Manila – 1000 Philippines Tel: (632) 528-6300 Email: IVManilaReplies@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Manilla


Central Adoption Authority of the Marshall Islands

P.O. Box 18 Majuro, MH 96960 Tel: +692 625-8240 Fax: +692 625-5353


Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

2433 Massachusetts Ave N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 234-5414 Fax: (202) 232-3236 Email: info@rmiembassyus.org Internet: Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands


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 Email: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS

For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov

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=marshall_islands