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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Tonga"

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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Tonga.svg/800px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Tonga.svg/800px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/tn-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/tn-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/tn_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tonga].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/tn_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg/539px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg/539px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.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/a/af/%27Atata_Island.JPG/800px-%27Atata_Island.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Royal Sunset Island Resort at 'Atata Island. Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/%27Atata_Island.JPG/800px-%27Atata_Island.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Royal Sunset Island Resort at 'Atata Island.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5188/5621767363_1d4f99aab4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A group of Tongan children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5188/5621767363_1d4f99aab4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A group of Tongan children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg/754px-The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Free Church of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg/754px-The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Free Church of [[Tonga]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg/800px-Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Royal Palace of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg/800px-Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Royal Palace.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/6018417761_5e3bbf5946.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10731103385_0e5cd8057f.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two Tongan girls playing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10731103385_0e5cd8057f.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two Tongan girls playing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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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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Tonga 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 Tonga did not change.  
+
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 Tonga=
  
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Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be [[adopted]].
+
[[Tonga]] - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. [[Tonga]] became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. [[Tonga]] remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
  
  
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The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, [[Fiji]] (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such legislation and update this flyer accordingly.
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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[[Tonga]] 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 [[Tonga]] did not change.
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Tonga, 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.
 
  
 +
Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for [[adoption]] of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be [[adopted]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Tonga also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
  
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==Residency==
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The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, [[Fiji]] (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such [[legislation]] and update this flyer accordingly.
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must reside with the child for six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. The Supreme Court occasionally waives the residency requirements in exceptional cases.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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There is no specific minimum or maximum age requirement for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Tonga]], 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 Tonga]].
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
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Tongan law permits both single and married foreigners to [[adopt]] Tongan children.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Income==
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[[Tonga]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Tonga]] unless he or she meets the specific requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Tonga]].
  
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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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==Other==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Prospective parents must show themselves able to provide adequate emotional and financial support for the child. Under no circumstances are proxy adoptions allowed.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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'''Tongan [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Tonga has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Tonga unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  
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The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of [[Tonga]] is the [[adoption]] authority.  
  
  
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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==
  
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The process for adopting a child from [[Tonga]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
 
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' Almost all Tongan adoptions involve direct relinquishments of children by their birth mothers to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], and almost all are arranged either between relatives, by close friends, or through religious institutions.  Please note that in some instances, such direct relinquishments, while appropriate under Tongan law, may complicate the U.S. immigration process. American prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] considering a Tongan adoption in which the child will be directly relinquished should contact the U.S. Embassy in Suva ([[Fiji]]) early in the process to confirm whether the circumstances of their specific case will or will not preclude the child's immigration to the United States.
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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 [[Tonga]]
 +
# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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'''Age Requirements:''' Ilegitimate children under the age of 21 years of age.
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Tonga]].
  
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'''Sibling Requirements:''' None
 
  
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'''Waiting Period:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must reside with and provide for the needs of the prospective adoptive child before letters of adoption can be approved by the chief justice of the supreme court
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Other:''' Under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be [[adopted]].
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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 [[Tonga]]. 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 Tonga]].
  
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The Tongan Legal Guardianship Act of 2004 makes it possible for Tongan authorities to grant legal guardianship of legitimate children under age 18. However, Tongan law is silent about (neither prohibits nor approves) whether such children may be removed from Tonga to be [[adopted]] in another country. American citizens interested in pursuing legal guardianship of a Tongan child should consult a Tongan attorney for the latest information.
 
  
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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 Tonga. 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]  
  
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[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 Tonga, 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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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Tonga]]'''
  
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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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The U.S. Embassy that has [[jurisdiction]] over the Kingdom of [[Tonga]] is located in Suva, [[Fiji]]. The Consular Section is located at:
  
 +
Embassy of the United States
 +
31 Loftus Street
 +
P.O. Box 21
 +
Suva, [[Fiji]]
 +
Tel: (679) 331-4466
 +
Fax: (679) 330-2267
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Recorded Information: (679) 330-3888
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Email: consularsuva@state.gov
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Internet: [http://suva.usembassy.gov/index.html U.S. Embassy Tonga]
  
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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 Tonga, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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'''Tongan [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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P. O. Box 11
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Nuku'alofa, [[Tonga]]
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Tel: (676) 23599
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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'''Embassy of [[Tonga]]'''
 +
 +
Embassy of the Kingdom of [[Tonga]]
 +
250 East 51st Street,
 +
[[New York]], NY 10022
 +
Tel: (917) 369-1136
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Fax: (917) 369-1024
  
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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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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
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U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
 +
SA-17, 9th Floor 
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel:1-888-407-4747
 +
E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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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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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
  
 
==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=tonga
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 24 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Royal Sunset Island Resort at 'Atata Island.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A group of Tongan children.
Source: flickr.com.

The Free Church of .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Royal Palace.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Two Tongan girls playing.
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 Tonga

Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.


Hague Convention Information

Tonga 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 Tonga did not change.


Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be adopted.


The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such legislation and update this flyer accordingly.


Who Can Adopt

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


Who Can Be Adopted

Tonga has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Tonga unless he or she meets the specific requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Tonga.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Tongan Adoption Authority

The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Tonga is the adoption authority.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Tonga 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 Tonga
  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 Tonga.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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 Tonga

The U.S. Embassy that has jurisdiction over the Kingdom of Tonga is located in Suva, Fiji. The Consular Section is located at:

Embassy of the United States 31 Loftus Street P.O. Box 21 Suva, Fiji Tel: (679) 331-4466 Fax: (679) 330-2267 Recorded Information: (679) 330-3888 Email: consularsuva@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Tonga


Tongan Adoption Authority

P. O. Box 11 Nuku'alofa, Tonga Tel: (676) 23599


Embassy of Tonga

Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022 Tel: (917) 369-1136 Fax: (917) 369-1024


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=tonga