[jwtibble]

Looking to possibly adopt a baby boy from American Samoa. My first question is; it still possible and if so could you please direct me to a reliable site on the subject matter. Also if anybody knows the approximate costs with adopting a child from Samoa, assuming it’s even possible this would also be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

[DPline]

Your best best for basic reliable information is the State Department website.

Samoa

Good luck!

[caths1964]

Originally Posted by jwtibble

Looking to possibly adopt a baby boy from American Samoa. My first question is; it still possible and if so could you please direct me to a reliable site on the subject matter. Also if anybody knows the approximate costs with adopting a child from Samoa, assuming it’s even possible this would also be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

Very few children are now adopted from Samoa (one each in 2007 and 2008). If you check down near the bottom of the first link, you will see there was a peak between 2002 and 2005. This is explained in the second link. Polynesian nations have a different concept of adoption and that was taken advantage of.

Samoa Adoption Requirements - Adopt.com

US couple sentenced over Samoan adoption scam - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Also, I wouldn't have put this thread under "General Asian". There is a subforum for Pacific Islands.

[jwtibble]

Sorry didn't notice before, was looking for the word Samoa. Reposted in proper category, thanks for making me aware of this.

[DPline]

I just reread this and wanted to clarify - your title says Samoa, but in the message you say American Samoa.

Which one are you considering as that would make a difference.

[jwtibble]

American Samoa, I looked at the link you sent me in the prior reply and it appeared to be Western Samoa, which would also work if possible. Thanks by the way the link, it appears to be very informative..

[DPline]

My understanding is that because American Samoa is a territory of the United States that adoption from there would be considered a domestic adoption. Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption?
Whereas Samoa is an independent country from which it would be an international adoption.