Traveling to Lesotho in October, 2011 was an amazing experience. I was able to visit with the Central Authority as the US Hague Accredited Agency. Adopt International works cooperatively with AMFAA, Americans for African Adoptions, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. AMFAA has worked in Lesotho for over three years and has placed children from toddler age through school age children. We are hopeful that together we can represent one entity that can place children in the US. Lesotho has decided at this time, to work only with four Hague approved countries. Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the U.S. were represented in the governmental meeting where questions and answers were provided in order to have the same requirements and practices for all of us. The following is what we learned from the Lesotho officials. – Lynne Silver, Executive Director

Adoptive Parent Criteria

• 25-60 years of age, 25-50 for infant and toddlers
• Single women or couples that have been married for longer than two years may apply

Adoption Process

Families submit a complete dossier, meeting the country requirements. After it is reviewed here, we submit it in Lesotho where it is presented to the Ministry of Women and Children for approval. The children are all in few orphanages spread throughout the country. Each orphanage provides the names of children that meet the requirements for international adoption. The Ministry of Women and Children then reviews the child’s file, reviews the adoptive parent files and then makes the appropriate match. An attorney who represents the agency then proceeds to finalize the adoption. Working cooperatively with the Ministry, the child’s documents can be completed. The family may then travel to pick up their child. The country requires that each family must stay in the country for a minimum of 14 days to successfully create an attached family. After that time, the family can receive the documents and travel to South Africa to complete the immigration process for entry into the United States. This of course is the quick version of what can be a lengthy process.

We are happy to discuss the issues related to adopting from this country with you personally. We can work with agencies throughout the U.S. as long as they are licensed and can prepare the Home Study in accordance with our requirements, including meeting the post adoption visit requirements.

Culture

Lesotho is a small country with all of its borders surrounded by South Africa. The people are amazing and helpful. It is a country that is working toward being progressive and modern, but keeps to their strong ideals and values. The condition of the orphanages varies, depending on the availability of resources from both the government and outside donors.

Costs

It costs roughly $19,100 to adopt from Lesotho, including program fees fro AMFAA and Adopt International, the country fees and donations for the orphanage and development.

^{Home Study and post placement fees are not included and will be determined by your Home Study agency.
Immigration fees are not included. The application currently costs $720 plus $80/person for fingerprint clearance. Every other renewal is free.
Visa application fees and in-country medicals are not included.
Travel, lodging, food, and personal expenses are the responsibility of the applicants and will vary depending on point of origin and amenities.
All fees are subject to change without notice.}