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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Liberia"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/li-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/li-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/li-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/li-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/afr/li_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/li_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Downtown_Monrovia_3348917715_67a2002529.jpg/800px-Downtown_Monrovia_3348917715_67a2002529.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Downtown Monrovia, Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Downtown_Monrovia_3348917715_67a2002529.jpg/800px-Downtown_Monrovia_3348917715_67a2002529.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Downtown Monrovia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Flickr_-_usaid.africa_-_Liberia_schoolgirls.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Schoolgirls in Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Flickr_-_usaid.africa_-_Liberia_schoolgirls.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Schoolgirls.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Monrovia_Street2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Monrovia Street, Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Monrovia_Street2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Monrovia Street.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Young_boy_grinding_sugar_cane_in_Liberia.jpg/800px-Young_boy_grinding_sugar_cane_in_Liberia.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Boy grinding sugar cane in Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Young_boy_grinding_sugar_cane_in_Liberia.jpg/800px-Young_boy_grinding_sugar_cane_in_Liberia.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Boy grinding sugar cane.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/City_of_Kakata%2C_photograph_of_main_road_near_BWI%2C_May_2012.jpg/800px-City_of_Kakata%2C_photograph_of_main_road_near_BWI%2C_May_2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/City_of_Kakata%2C_photograph_of_main_road_near_BWI%2C_May_2012.jpg/800px-City_of_Kakata%2C_photograph_of_main_road_near_BWI%2C_May_2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Kakata, Margibi County.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Voinjamamosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Voinjama Mosque, Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Voinjamamosque.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Voinjama Mosque.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Bomi_lake.jpg/800px-Bomi_lake.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lake Bomi, Tubmanburg, Liberia.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Bomi_lake.jpg/800px-Bomi_lake.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Lake Bomi, Tubmanburg.'''<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]].'''
 +
 +
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 Liberia=
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Settlement of freed [[slaves]] from the US in what is today [[Liberia]] began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendants of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. To learn more please read [[About Liberia]].
  
  
 
=Liberia Adoption Alert=
 
=Liberia Adoption Alert=
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Notice regarding fees charged for exit clearance (August 31, 2010)'''
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There have been multiple [[adoption]] alerts for [[Liberia]]. To learn more please read [[Liberia Adoption Alert]].
  
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The Department of State is aware of cases where [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have been asked to pay a fee for an exit clearance letter in Liberia. Americans should be extremely cautious about any requests for payments of fees associated with exit clearance letters. Liberia's Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization does not charge a fee for the exit clearance letter. Any requests for such fees should be immediately reported to the U.S. Embassy.
 
  
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'''U.S. Embassy in Liberia'''
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=Hague Convention Information=
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111 U.N. Drive
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Mamba Point
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Monrovia, Liberia
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Tel: +231-77-054-826
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Fax: +231-77-010-370
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Email: ConsularMonrovia@state.gov
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'''''The U.S. Government does not condone bribery or corruption of any kind.'''''
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[[Liberia]] 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 [[Liberia]] did not change. To learn more please read about [[Liberia and the Hague Convention]].
  
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Notice Concerning [[Adoption]] Processing In Liberia (April 26, 2010)'''
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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On January 26, 2009, the Government of Liberia suspended adoptions because of allegations of mismanagement and corruption in the [[adoption]] process. The U.S. Department of State cautions American citizens against filing an application to [[adopt]] a child from Liberia while the moratorium on [[adoption]] remains in effect. The U.S. Embassy remains in frequent contact with [[adoption]] officials, but there is no indication when the moratorium might be lifted.
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Liberia]], 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 Liberia]].
  
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Since the suspension went into effect, the Liberian Government has formed an Ad-hoc Central [[Adoption]] Authority to have oversight over adoptions and is working to pass [[adoption]] legislation focused on strengthening existing laws and preventing abuses of the [[system]]. The U.S. government strongly supports the Liberian Government's efforts to strengthen its [[adoption]] laws and regulations to provide greater transparency and safeguards for prospective adoptive children, their [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s) and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
  
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The Government of Liberia has informed the U.S. Embassy that it will not process any [[adoption]] cases during the suspension, including those that were in progress before the suspension was announced, and that it will not permit [[adopted]] children depart Liberia. They have also indicated that no new [[adoption]] applications should be accepted by [[adoption]] service providers, no referrals of children to prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] made, and no [[adoption]] petitions filed with the Liberian court while the suspension is in effect. The Liberian Government has made no provisions for the grandfathering of cases under the existing laws. Therefore any case in which a full and final [[adoption]] had not been completed prior to January 26, 2009 is effectively on hold.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has been informed by the Government of Liberia that it will issue exit clearances, on a case-by-case basis, to children whose full and final [[adoption]] had been completed prior to January 26, 2009 and approved by Liberia's Ad-hoc Central [[Adoption]] Authority. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who believe their case might fall into this category should contact the Consular Section at adoptionsmonrovia@state.gov to discuss next steps in the visa process and any gaps in their [[adoption]] file. Additionally, the Government of Liberia is requiring that all [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] appear personally for the exit clearance interview. Processing the visa and obtaining the exit clearance takes about a week of time, but [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are advised to purchase open-ended return tickets, as there is no guarantee as to how quickly the exit clearance can be obtained.  
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[[Liberia]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Liberia]].
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and [[adoption]] service providers are reminded that a consular officer is required, by law, to complete a For I-604 (determination of [[orphan]] status) before issuing a visa in all IR-3 and IR-4 [[adoption]] cases. In some cases, this may require only a conversation with the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]], but in others it may require a full field investigation, possibly lasting several weeks. Since verifying the parent-child relationships in Liberia is difficult, we also expect that in most cases where the child was relinquished by the [[Birth Parent|birth parent]], [[DNA Testing|DNA testing]] will be recommended in order to establish a blood relationship between the [[adopted]] child and claimed [[Birth Parent|birth parent]](s).
 
  
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Please continue to monitor [[adoption]].state.gov  for updated information.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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'''[[Liberia]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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The Ministry of Justice
  
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Liberia 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 Liberia did not change.
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==The Process==
  
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The process for adopting a child from [[Liberia]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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'''Currently there is a moratorium on new adoptions and all approved adoptions must be approved by the ad-hoc [[adoption]] committee before the children may leave the country.'''  Any prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] who is in the process of adopting from Liberia should contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia at the following e-mail address.
 
  
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Liberia]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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In July 2008, the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare began carefully reviewing all [[adoption]] cases submitted to them for approval. This change occurred because the Government of Liberia noticed an increasing number of cases in which [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] decided to terminate their parent/child relationship with Liberian adoptive children.  The Liberian Parliament is considering a revised [[adoption]] law, which was proposed in November 2007. If enacted, the new law would provide additional safeguards to protect adoptive children, birth parents, and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Liberia]].
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==Residency==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Liberia]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Liberia]].
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
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==Income==
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=After Adoption=
  
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==Other==
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'''What does [[Liberia]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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Liberian law has no post-[[adoption]] requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. Parents should confirm any post-[[adoption]] requirements with their legal representatives.
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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=How to Adopt=
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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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==    Adoption Authority==
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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==The Process==
 
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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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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=After Adoption=
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Liberia]]'''
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111 U.N. Drive
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Mamba Point
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Monrovia, [[Liberia]]
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Tel: 231-077-207-326
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Fax: 231-770-010-370
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Email: ConsularMonrovia@state.gov
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'''Liberian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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Cllr. Philip Banks , Minister of Justice
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Ministry of Justice Building
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Ashmun Street (Opposite College of West Africa )
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Monrovia, [[Liberia]]
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Special Assistant: +231 6 520140 (Onesimus Bawon)
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Secretary: +231 6 551-598 ( Massa Johnson)
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'''Embassy of [[Liberia]]'''
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5201 16th Street, N.W.
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20011
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Tel: (202) 723-0437
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Fax: (202) 723-0436
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Email: info@embassyofliberia.org
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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The National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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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=liberia
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 05:15, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Downtown Monrovia.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Schoolgirls.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Monrovia Street.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Boy grinding sugar cane.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kakata, Margibi County.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Voinjama Mosque.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Lake Bomi, Tubmanburg.
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 Liberia

Settlement of freed slaves from the US in what is today Liberia began in 1822; by 1847, the Americo-Liberians were able to establish a republic. William TUBMAN, president from 1944-71, did much to promote foreign investment and to bridge the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendants of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. To learn more please read About Liberia.


Liberia Adoption Alert

There have been multiple adoption alerts for Liberia. To learn more please read Liberia Adoption Alert.


Hague Convention Information

Liberia 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 Liberia did not change. To learn more please read about Liberia and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

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


Who Can Be Adopted

Liberia has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Liberia.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Liberia's Adoption Authority

The Ministry of Justice

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Liberia 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 in Liberia
  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 Liberia.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Liberia. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Liberia.


After Adoption

What does Liberia require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Liberian law has no post-adoption requirements for adoptive parents. Parents should confirm any post-adoption requirements with their legal representatives.


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


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Liberia

111 U.N. Drive Mamba Point Monrovia, Liberia Tel: 231-077-207-326 Fax: 231-770-010-370 Email: ConsularMonrovia@state.gov


Liberian Adoption Authority

Cllr. Philip Banks , Minister of Justice Ministry of Justice Building Ashmun Street (Opposite College of West Africa ) Monrovia, Liberia Special Assistant: +231 6 520140 (Onesimus Bawon) Secretary: +231 6 551-598 ( Massa Johnson)


Embassy of Liberia

5201 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20011 Tel: (202) 723-0437 Fax: (202) 723-0436 Email: info@embassyofliberia.org


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)

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=liberia