The Samoa Law Reform Commission was tasked to conduct research and analysis of overseas adoption under the Infant’s Ordinance 1960. 

This was highlighted in the S.L.R.C. Annual report for financial year 2018. 

“In September 2017, the S.L.R.C. received a Term of Reference from the Office of the Attorney General to review the Infants Ordinance 1960. 

“The T.O.R. is as follows: 1) To conduct research and analysis of the Infants Ordinance 1960 (“the Ordinance”) in particular the provisions on ‘overseas adoption’, to confirm whether it conforms with existing international conventions, treaties, agreements and best practices in matters to do with local and overseas adoption. 

And 2) To provide recommendations for reform of the same to ensure that before overseas adoptions are granted, no other suitable arrangements can be accommodated for the infant here in Samoa.” 

According to the report, under the same T.O.R., the Prime Minister also raised a query on the Infants Ordinance 1960. - Preliminary legal and doctrinal and international law research was undertaken.

“The Commission’s findings were that Samoa was in compliance with international conventions on inter-country adoptions,” says the report.