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Adopting from Palau
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
Source: flickr.com.
Source: Wikipedia.org.
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the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Palau
After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence.
Hague Convention Information
Palau is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Palau 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 Palau. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Palau.
Who Can Be Adopted
Palau has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Palau unless he or she meets specific requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Palau.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Palauan Adoption Authority
There is no specifically designated Palauan authority or agency overseeing adoption procedures. Americans considering adoption from Palau should begin by contacting a Palauan attorney to assist them in the judicial process.
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Palau generally includes the following steps:
- Choose an Adoption Service Provider
- Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
- Be Matched with a Child
- Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Palau
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
- Bring Your Child Home
To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Palau.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Palau. 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 Palau.
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 Palau
The U.S. Embassy in Palau is located in Airai. There is no street address. Tel: (680) 587-2920 Fax: (680) 587-2911 Email: usembassykoror@palaunet.com Internet: U.S. Embassy Palau
Mailing Address:
Embassy of the United States of America P.O. Box 6028 Omsangel/Beklelachieb Palau 96940
U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
Embassy of the United States of America 1201 Roxas Blvd. Ermita, Metro Manila – 1000 Philippines Tel: (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930 Email: IVManilaAdoptions@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Philippines
Embassy of Palau
Embassy of Palau 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20006 Tel: (202) 452-6814 Fax: (202) 452-6281 Email: infor@palauembassy.com Internet: Embassy of Palau
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=palau