Substantial changes by the Liberian government bring an end to the moratorium on inter-country adoptions.
On June 30th, it was announced that Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf had lifted the ban on adoptions in Liberia. The official press release of the announcement can be read on the Liberian Executive Mansion website.
The Liberian government has also put into place standard operating procedures and accreditation guidelines with strong safeguards for both domestic and inter-country adoptions. President Johnson-Sirleaf has indicated that the revised laws, regulations, and procedures for adoption must be strictly adhered to.
Additionally, preference for inter-country adoptions will be given to adoption agencies whose home country is a “Hague Convention Country” because in those countries the governments are under international obligation to monitor and provide protection for adopted persons.
This will be done through constant monitoring of adoption agencies and by ensuring such agencies are compliant with the policies of the Hague Convention.
Sadly, the need for proper adoption procedures and regulatory methods for orphanages to address the needs of affected children was made especially evident in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis. Many children lost not only their biological parents but their extended biological family members as well.
The Office of Children’s Issues and the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia will provide updates on adoption.state.gov as soon as more information becomes available.
You can read more here: Liberian Leader Lifts Moratorium on Child Adoption In Liberia