Notice on Intercountry Adoption in Liberia

Recent Problem With Adoptive Children Departing Liberia With An Escort


March 17, 2008


On March 14, the director of a U.S. adoption agency and three employees of the agency were prevented from departing Liberia with recently adopted Liberian children.  The children were in possession of lawful adoption decrees and valid U.S. immigrant visas, and their escorts had Powers of Attorney from the adoptive parents of the children which allowed them to act as escorts.  The director of the agency was later told that adoptive children will not be permitted to depart Liberia with an escort unless their travel had been cleared by the Ministers of Justice and Gender.  The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia is seeking confirmation of this new requirement.  The Government of Liberia is currently reviewing its adoption laws and regulations with the aim of strengthening the current system.