[kiwi]

Welcome to the Pacific Island Adoption General Support board. This board is for those who are adopting from any of the Pacific Islands and would like to share thier experiences or ask question about adopting from Pacific islands.

[hnordman]

Hi we are looking for other families how are or have already adopted from Western Samoa. We would like to make a connection with some others out there. We are in the process and now that it is a small program, but do know too that their are other's out there. We would love to share our love and heart aches too. Thanks and best of luck to all of you! Heather

[kellieb]

Hello,

We would also like to adopt a child from Samoa. We have looked into so many agencies, however we have no idea who to trust. Can you please help us with any information. There appears to be many who are going through private individuals. What do you know about this? Any information to point us in the right direction would be great.

Thank you,
Kellie

[kune]

Just be aware that some of the agencies working out of Samoa are less than ideal. Below is a link to a news item that appeared in our local papers. There was a subsequent problem after this too - involving the same or a similar agency but I can't find a copy of the story.
New Zealand has a fairly large number of Samoan citizens who have moved away from their Island nation and I know our Govt is looking into the exploitation of children by American agencies- and the perception is that many of the women surrendering their children are not aware of the finality of adoption. The lawyers are getting rich fiighting in the courts for the guileless families who want their children back and still the agencies are recruiting potential parents and children for placements.

Be very careful.
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411424/594334/
and
http://www.samoaobserver.ws/news/loc.../1608ln001.htm

Ann