Republic of Marshall Islands Program
As Minnesota’s largest provider of supportive services to birthparents and as longtime advocates of openness in adoption, LSSMN is pleased to offer an intercountry adoption program which embraces open adoption and the benefits it provides to all parties of the adoption triad.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) adoption program offers families a uniquely combined experience with the traditional intercountry process and travel, along with the opportunity to build lasting relationships with their child’s birth family. Adoptive families interested in this program must be welcoming of an open relationship with the child's birth family and the benefits this brings to the wellbeing of the adopted child. Families should also be open to children of either gender. We will discuss individual situations on a case by case basis.
Who are the children in need?
The children in need of adoption from the Marshall Islands are generally healthy infants (12 months of age or younger), with toddlers and older children available only occasionally. Poverty and a high birth rate are the biggest factors affecting the need for child placement. The Marshall Islands have no orphanages to care for these children whose birthparents lack the resources to care for them on their own. They are in great need of loving families which can provide these children with the loving care and resources they need to grow and thrive.
Though not a Hague country, the RMI Central Adoption Authority ("CAA") is responsible for the supervision of all adoption proceedings, and they work with birth parents and their families to match all adoptive parents with available children. Once a birthmother contacts the CAA for assistance, she will receive support for her daily needs and basic pre-natal care.
The length of time you will wait for a child referral will vary depending on the number of expectant mothers in the program. Most families can expect to be matched with a child approximately 3-9 months after their dossier is submitted, with travel occurring approximately 3 to 4 weeks after receiving and accepting your referral.
More Information: Please download the most recent program brochure including parent requirements, current fees, anticipated timelines and travel information:
Marshall Islands - MN Residents (PDF)
Marshall Islands - Non-MN Residents (PDF)
Ready to begin your journey with LSSMN? To request registration materials, information meeting dates or to speak with an adoption specialist about our international adoption programs, please contact us today!
Lynne Haggar
612.879.5230 / 1.888.205.3769 ext. 230
Lynne.Haggar@lssmn.org
