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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Samoa"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ws-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ws-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/ws-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ws-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/ws_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/ws_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/Samoa_upolu.jpg/800px-Samoa_upolu.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' View of Upolu, Independent Samoa. This is Falefa Valley, looking north from Le Mafa pass at the east end of Upolu Island.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/Samoa_upolu.jpg/800px-Samoa_upolu.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' View of Upolu.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Samoa_Familie.JPG/800px-Samoa_Familie.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A Samoan family.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Samoa_Familie.JPG/800px-Samoa_Familie.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''A Samoan family.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Apia_Samoa_Temple-new.jpg/628px-Apia_Samoa_Temple-new.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Apia Samoa Temple of The [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Apia_Samoa_Temple-new.jpg/628px-Apia_Samoa_Temple-new.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Apia LDS [[Samoa]] Temple.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/13076561963_c9acd8155d.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/13076561963_c9acd8155d.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2681/4181924770_f74cc0d607.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2681/4181924770_f74cc0d607.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Coat_of_arms_of_Samoa.svg/457px-Coat_of_arms_of_Samoa.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Coat_of_arms_of_Samoa.svg/457px-Coat_of_arms_of_Samoa.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/2/23/Siva_Afi_-_Fire_spinning.jpg/448px-Siva_Afi_-_Fire_spinning.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Samoan fire dancer, Samoa.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Siva_Afi_-_Fire_spinning.jpg/448px-Siva_Afi_-_Fire_spinning.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Samoan fire dancer.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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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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=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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Samoa is not 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]). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Samoa 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.
  
  
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Samoan law places restrictions on the "overseas adoption" of Samoan children by any person who is not a citizen of Samoa. See the "Eligibility Requirements" section below for further details.
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=About Samoa=
  
 +
[[New Zealand]] occupied the German protectorate of Western [[Samoa]] at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.
  
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The American Embassy Apia, Samoa, does not process immigrant visas. This process must be completed through the American Consulate General in Auckland, [[New Zealand]].
 
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from Samoa, 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). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
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[[Samoa]] is not 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]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Samoa]] did not change.  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Samoa also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
  
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==Residency==
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Samoan law places restrictions on the "overseas [[adoption]]" of Samoan children by any person who is not a citizen of [[Samoa]]. See the "Eligibility Requirements" section below for further details.
  
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There is no specific requirement that the applicants be residents of Samoa.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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The American Embassy Apia, [[Samoa]], does not process immigrant visas. This process must be completed through the American Consulate General in Auckland, [[New Zealand]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be of the age of majority, which is 21.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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==Marriage==
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Samoa]], 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 [[Who Can Adopt from Samoa]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may be married or single.
 
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==Income==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be able to demonstrate a sufficient income to comfortably provide for an [[adopted]] child.
 
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==Other==
 
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None.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Samoa has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Samoa unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.  
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[[Samoa]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Samoa]] unless he or she meets multiple requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Samoa]].
  
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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. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more] about these U.S. requirements.
 
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
 
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' A form confirming the [[relinquishment]] of the rights of the natural parents over the child is included in the Court adoption application.
 
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'''Age Requirements:''' The child must be below the age of 21 years old.
 
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'''Waiting Period:'''Subject to the time required to prepare and process Court papers and Court schedule. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Samoan law requires that before any Samoan court grants an adoption of a Samoan child to a citizen of another country, the Samoan Attorney General must certify that:
 
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::::(a) the child has no suitable family members in Samoa who are willing and able to care for the child in Samoa; and
 
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::::(b) there is no other suitable arrangement available in Samoa.
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Adoption Authority==
 
==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''Samoan Adoption Authority'''
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'''Samoan [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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The government offices responsible for adoptions in Samoa are the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, and the Office of the Attorney General.  
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The government offices responsible for adoptions in [[Samoa]] are the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, and the Office of the Attorney General.  
  
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
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The process for adopting a child from Samoa generally includes the following steps:  
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The process for adopting a child from [[Samoa]] generally includes the following steps:  
  
  
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 
# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
 
# Be Matched with a Child  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Samoa  
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Samoa]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption  
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
  
 +
To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Samoa]].
  
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Samoa is usually to select a licensed agency in the United States that can help with your adoption. Adoption service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php Learn more] about choosing the right [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]].
 
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Samoan law requires that [[Adoption Agencies|adoption agencies]], prior to facilitating adoptions in or from Samoa, must be registered with the Samoan Government and have the prior written authorization from the Attorney General.
 
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The U.S. Embassy in Apia maintains a list of attorneys at this [http://wellington.usembassy.gov/pacific_islands.html website].
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
 
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To bring an [[adopted]] child from Samoa to the United States, you must apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form [[I-600A]]) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn how].
 
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In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Samoa as described in the Who Can [[Adopt]] section.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child'''
 
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If you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry adoption, the central adoption authority in Samoa will provide you with a referral to a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of a particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
 
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The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Samoan requirements, as described in the Who Can be [[Adopted]] section. The child must also meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law. [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn more].
 
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'''4. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Samoa'''
 
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The process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Samoa generally includes the following: ROLE OF THE ADOPTION AUTHORITY: The Attorney General must certify that the child has no family or other possibilities within Samoa before an adoption degree may be granted.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' Adoption applications must be made to the District Court.
 
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' To facilitate the adoption of a child.
 
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*'''ADOPTION APPLICATION:''' Prepared by law firm who is also an [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]].
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' The adoption process may take from several months to a year or more .
 
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*'''ADOPTION FEES:''' Attorneys' fees range from ST$900- ST$3000. In addition, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should expect to pay approximately ST$300 for justice and court administration fees. 
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' Documents required include: 
 
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::::1. Original Birth Certificates for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
 
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::::2. Original Marriage Certificate for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]];
 
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::::3. Proof of Citizenship - Naturalization Certificates/Passports;
 
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::::4. Original birth certificate for [[adopted]] child;
 
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::::5. Proof of ownership of home from [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] - proof of adequate space in the home to accommodate an additional household member.  '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html Learn how].
 
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'''5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption'''
 
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After you finalize the adoption (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Samoa, the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) MUST determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] (Form [[I-600]]). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Learn how].
 
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
 
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Now that your adoption is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
 
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::1. Birth Certificate
 
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You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
 
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::2. Samoan Passport
 
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Samoa.
 
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the Consulate General in Auckland for your child. After the adoption (or [[custody]] for purpose of adoption) is granted, visit the U.S. Consulate General for final review and approval of the child's [[I-600]] petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the "Panel Physician's" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php Learn more].
 
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The U.S. Embassy in Apia, Samoa does not handle immigrant visa applications or issue immigrant visas. Immigrant visa applications for Samoan citizens are handled at the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland, [[New Zealand]]. Processing an immigrant visa may require both the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) and the child to travel to Auckland for the formal interview after all documentation is in order. Adoptive or prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] of Samoan children should contact the U.S. Embassy in Apia for additional information and guidance as soon as possible after locating a child. This is particularly true if it appears that the Samoan court is expected to act favorably on the adoption application. The U.S. Embassy in Apia will then notify the Immigrant Visa Section at Consulate General in Auckland of the prospective case, so that the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can be provided with the visa forms and medical examination instructions.
 
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Once a Samoan court has approved an application for adoption by American prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], those parents must file a Form [[I-600]], Petition for Orphan Classification, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) division of the Department of Homeland Security. If the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] already have an approved Form [[I-600A]], Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition  , from USCIS, they may file the [[I-600]] either in the United States or in person at the Consulate General in Auckland at the same time as the visa application on behalf of the [[adopted]] child. If the [[I-600]] is filed in Auckland, generally both parents must be present. If one parent cannot be present, then the non-traveling parent must sign the [[I-600]] before a U.S. notary public, and then the traveling parent will file the [[I-600]] in Auckland. Please see the "Additional Information" section below for links to USCIS web pages where additional important guidance is available.
 
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Please note: once a visa application has been lodged in Auckland, the applicant may need to wait up to 3 months until a consular officer has the opportunity to visit Samoa in order to conduct any necessary interviews with the [[adopted]] child's birth parents, and conduct any necessary investigations before USCIS can approve the [[I-600]] petition.
 
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'''NOTE:''' Once the [[I-600]] is approved and on file, and all documents are in order, the immigrant visa process in Auckland should take approximately 1-2 days.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad: '''''The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
 
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.''''' 
 
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Learn more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/citizenship.php Child Citizenship Act].
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Samoa. 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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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Samoa]]. 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 Samoa]].
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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 Samoa, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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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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'''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 Samoa, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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==Contact Information==
 
==Contact Information==
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in Samoa '''
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Samoa]] '''
  
 
5th Floor, ACB Building,  
 
5th Floor, ACB Building,  
 
Matafele Street  
 
Matafele Street  
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Apia, SAMOA  
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Apia, [[Samoa|SAMOA]]
 
Tel: (685) 21436  
 
Tel: (685) 21436  
 
Fax: (685) 22030  
 
Fax: (685) 22030  
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'''Samoan Adoption Authority'''
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'''Samoan [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
   
 
   
 
Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration  
 
Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration  
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Embassy of Samoa: Samoa does not have an embassy in [[Washington]], DC. The only Samoan representation in the United States is:  
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Embassy of [[Samoa]]: [[Samoa]] does not have an embassy in [[Washington]], DC. The only Samoan representation in the United States is:  
  
  
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Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations  
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Permanent Mission of [[Samoa]] to the United Nations  
 
800 Second Avenue, Suite 400J  
 
800 Second Avenue, Suite 400J  
 
[[New York]], [[New York]] 10017  
 
[[New York]], [[New York]] 10017  
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=samoa]
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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=samoa
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:21, 21 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

View of Upolu.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Samoan family.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Apia LDS Temple.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

'
Source: flickr.com.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Samoan fire dancer.
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 Samoa

New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.


Hague Convention Information

Samoa 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 Samoa did not change.


Samoan law places restrictions on the "overseas adoption" of Samoan children by any person who is not a citizen of Samoa. See the "Eligibility Requirements" section below for further details.


The American Embassy Apia, Samoa, does not process immigrant visas. This process must be completed through the American Consulate General in Auckland, New Zealand.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Samoa, 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 Who Can Adopt from Samoa.


Who Can Be Adopted

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


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Samoan Adoption Authority

The government offices responsible for adoptions in Samoa are the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, and the Office of the Attorney General.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Samoa 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 Samoa
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

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


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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


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 Samoa

5th Floor, ACB Building, Matafele Street Apia, SAMOA Tel: (685) 21436 Fax: (685) 22030 Email: AmEmbApia@state.gov


Samoan Adoption Authority

Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration APIA Tel: (685) 22-671 Fax: (685) 21-050


Office of the Attorney General

P.O. Box 27, APIA Tel: (685) 20-295 Email: attorney.general@samoa.ws


Embassy of Samoa: Samoa does not have an embassy in Washington, DC. The only Samoan representation in the United States is:


Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400J New York, New York 10017 Tel: 212 599 6196 Fax: 212 599 0797 Email: samoa@un.int


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=samoa