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| Overview |
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a unique international adoption program. The adoptions are “open”, meaning that adoptive and birth families of the children have contact, and often develop a long-term relationship. Adoptive families interested in this program must be open to children of either gender and genuinely welcoming of an open relationship with the child’s birth family. At the time of this writing (January 2011) this is a PILOT Program, meaning that this program is very new and families should proceed carefully as the program develops.
Important Cultural NoteThe people of the Marshall Islands have long standing adoption practices. They think of adoption less as a severing of a relationship, and more as the joining together of two families. Like a marriage. Although birthmothers are counseled about the legal permanency of adoption, this program is designed to fully respect the cultural practices of the families placing children for adoption. Adoptive families are most strongly encouraged to understand and embrace this cultural viewpoint.
Children Available:
Primarily, infants are available. Some toddlers and older children may also be available at times.
Parent Qualifications:
By law, single parents may apply for adoption, but may not be easily approved by the Marshallese government. Married couples, married over one year, may adopt.
Travel:
One trip, approximately 3-5 weeks is required. Both parents must travel; one parent may depart after 2 weeks.
Timeline:
As this is a new program, the timeline is estimated: Dossier submission to referral may be 3-9 months. Travel approximately 2-5 weeks after referral.
Tips:To get started, please read the RainbowKids Adoption Guide (left menu) first. The next step is to contact and compare agencies. You may easily do this by using the Contact Wizard on our website. Receiving feedback about agencies from an online discussion group is always helpful as well. Finally, when you bring your child home, be sure and send your story to RainbowKids. We love hearing from proud new families!
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| To contact all agencies placing children from Marshall Islands with just one form, click here |
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