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Liberia: Statistical report released for adopted children in U.S
Feb 8, 2008
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer

Updates of statistic of Liberian children adopted by parents in the United States of America have been released with over 353 adoptions being instituted in 2006 alone. Recent United States Immigration visa statistics shows a steady increase in the number of immigration visa issuances to Liberian orphan children and children whose parents desire to let them benefit from such initiative.

According to the statistic released in the Immigration website, 23 children were adopted by American parents in 2002; 29 in 2003; 86 in 2004 and 183 in 2005. The first step according to the report revealed that adoption under Liberian law starts from the Ministry of Justice where legal formalities will be considered before a petition for adoption are filed in the probate court.

The report revealed that residency requirement does not exist while the place of birth and residence of the adoptive parents are not a determining factor. Marriage requirements or age range are not specific prerequisite for adoptive parents.

The United States adoption statistical report warns any parents wishing to engage in the process to fully research the various agencies or facilitators they plan to use for adoption services. The report further extended advise to prospective adoptive parents based in the United States to contact the Better Business Bureau or the licensing office of the appropriate State Government agency in the United States where the agency is located or licensed.

Proper awareness in the process of adopting children are not very common in Liberia with majority of less fortunate parents wishing to secure the future of their children through adoption expressing fear of not seeing them again. From all indications, adopted children who are now overgrown return back with variety of improvement in their lives. Many boast of solid education and better care that is far as compare to that of Liberia.

Another fear normally express by parents wishing to give their children out for adoption surrounds the old aged slave trade and its impact. Many parents believe that if they agreed to the adoption, their children are going to be use as casual Laborers or sex slaves once they become older. Such perception impedes the overwhelming opportunities prospective adopted children would wish to benefit in the future.

About the Author:
Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@theliberiantimes.com.