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Adopting from Laos
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
Source: cia.gov.
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.
Contents
Laos Adoption Alert
Alert: Government of Laos Announces Suspension of Intercountry Adoption (March 30, 2012)
The Office of the Government of Laos announced on February 20, 2012, that the authorization to allow foreigners to adopt Lao children is suspended until appropriate regulations and procedures are established on intercountry adoption. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available on adoption.state.gov.
Hague Convention Information
Laos 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).
In February 2012, the Office of the Government of Laos suspended the ability of foreigners, including foreigners of Lao heritage, to adopt Lao children until appropriate intercountry adoption regulations and procedures are established. The suspension remains in effect. The information below about adoptions in Laos pertains to what was in place PRIOR to the suspension. It is not clear when Laos may lift their suspension or what the requirements may be if Laos does so.
The current Family Law of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic does not contain provisions for foreigners to adopt Lao children. There are no government agencies with clear authority and responsibility for orphans.
The Department of State is providing the following information for general reference but strongly cautions U.S. prospective adoptive parents against taking any steps to initiate an intercountry adoption from Laos.
Who Can Adopt
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Residency
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Age of Adopting Parents
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Marriage
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Income
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Other
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Who Can Be Adopted
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How to Adopt
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Adoption Authority
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The Process
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Traveling Abroad
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After Adoption
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Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Laos
Rue Bartholonie That Dam P.O. Box 114 Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: 856-2126-7000 Fax: 856-2126-7040 Email: Conslao@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Laos
Laos’ Adoption Authorities
Ministry of Justice Department of Judicial Administration System Nationality Division Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR Tel: 856-21-412-053
Office of the Government of Laos
Information Division Vientiane, Laos
NOTE: The Ministry of Justice is the appropriate point of contact for questions about adoptions.
Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
2222 S Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Tel: 202-332-6416 Fax: 202-332-4923 Email: laoemb@verizon.net Internet: Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, N.W. (SA-29) Washington, D.C. 20520 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 filing a Form I-600A application, Form I-600 petition, Form I-800A application or Form I-800 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov Internet: USCIS
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]