PLAN Loving Adoptions Now, Inc.

PLEASE NOTE: We are currently waiting for the Liberian government to announce new adoption procedures to be put into effect before we can take any new cases. We believe these changes should occur by June 1, 2008. Please check back frequently for further updates.

Liberia, a small country on the coast of West Africa, was the first African republic established by former Black American slaves. Liberia has been influenced by the United States in many ways. Five percent of the more than two million people have Black American ancestry, with the rest of the population belonging to local tribes. Recent civil wars have taken many lives and left thousands of orphaned children. PLAN has recognized the overwhelming needs and numbers of orphans of Liberia and has worked since 1997 with a Christian group who cares for needy children. Most children placed through PLAN are kept in private foster homes until they’re placed with their new adoptive families. They are supervised medically and started in school when appropriate. This is a wonderful transitional time for the waiting children.

DOSSIER REQUIREMENTS: Following is a list of documents needed to complete an adoption in Liberia. Specific details and assistance will be provided when completing dossier.

PREADOPT EDUCATION: Preadopt education is required for all adopting families. If your homestudy agency does not offer at least ten hours of approved, adoption-specific education, you will need to take PLAN’s adoption course. For more information about preadopt education, please click here.

CHILDREN AVAILABLE: Boys and girls are available; many are age 4 and up; some younger children are available; many siblings are available; some are true war orphans, but many are relinquished by relatives or one surviving parent who cannot care for the child due to extreme poverty. Limited medical care is available. Children referred for adoption are in relatively good condition considering their circumstances, but it is not uncommon for children to arrive with usually correctable conditions that were not diagnosed in advance. Families must be prepared to accept the risks, but the bright, happy smiles of these children attest to their resilient spirits, and adoptive families will tell you how their children blossom under the care of a loving family. PLAN’s system of private foster care provides a nurturing transition time for many of the children.

FAMILY REQUIREMENTS: There are no specific family requirements at this time. Age of the parents is not a factor and single women will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Preference is for families who can make a statement of faith. This program requires a special commitment and flexibility is a must.

REFERRAL & PROCESSING TIME: Waiting time for referral of a child, after dossier reaches Liberia varies, but is usually 0 to 8 months. (It is sometimes possible to choose an older child from waiting children photographs – when available.) Referral information is minimal, generally just a name and birth date. There is little or no medical information provided in advance, but the children are tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, and sickle cell anemia; some limited medical care is provided when possible. Once the family accepts a child referred, it usually takes around 5 to 7 months to complete the adoption, visa, and escorting process.

LENGTH OF TRAVEL: Children are escorted; adoptive parents are not required to travel.

Liberia

Last Revised - 11/07/2007