Adopting from Solomon Islands

The official flag of the Soloman Islands.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of the Soloman Islands.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms of the Soloman Islands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Aerial view of the Soloman Islands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children outside Tuo school, Fenualoa, Reef Islands, Solomon Islands..
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in the Soloman Islands.
Source: flickr.com.

A Malaitan Chief in the Soloman Islands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sunrise on the Soloman Islands.
Source: flickr.com.

Children on the Soloman Islands.
Source: flickr.com.

Child in a boat on the Soloman Islands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hague Convention Information

Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands did not change.

Solomon Islands law states that prospective adoptive parents who wish to adopt a child from the Solomon Islands MUST be domiciled in the Solomon Islands at the time of the adoption.

Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Solomon Islands, 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.

In addition to these U.S. requirements for adoptive parents, Solomon Islands also has the following requirements for adoptive parents:

Residency

Prospective adoptive parents must be domiciled in the Solomon Islands for more than three months to be eligible to apply for adoption. The child has to have lived with the prospective adoptive parents for three months before the adoption may be finalized.

Age of Adopting Parents

Prospective adoptive parents must be 25 years of age or older (or 21 years or older, if related to the child).

Marriage

Prospective adoptive parents can either be single or married.

Income

Although there are no income requirements, prospective adoptive parents must satisfy the Social Welfare Office of the Solomon Islands that they are financially secure.

Other

N/A

Who Can Be Adopted

The Solomon Islands has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in the Solomon Islands unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.

In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about these U.S. requirements.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Relinquishment Requirements: The birth mother of the child must sign a consent form no earlier than six weeks after the child's birth allowing for adoption of the child.

Age Requirements: Prospective adoptive parents cannot apply to the court for an adoption order before the child has attained the age of six weeks.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

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

Obtaining Your Visa

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 Solomon Islands, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your Trip

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 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.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip

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 Solomon Islands, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

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

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information