International adoption is a wonderful way to incorporate cultural awareness and help a child who needs a family. The process varies in time and expenses, depending upon the country that you select.
Here are the steps:
1. Understand the rules
The process differs if you are adopting from a Hague or non-Hague country. Our staff can assist you in understanding the regulations.
2. Complete an Adoption Home Study
The Home Study agency that you choose to work with should be a place where you have confidence in their expertise and services.
3. Hire a placing agency
Your Home Study agency may be your Placement Agency, or you may choose another agency that identifies your child and helps complete your adoption in the foreign country.
4. Obtain Immigration Pre-approval
Make an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If you are adopting from a Hague Country, you will be filing an I-800A; if you are adopting from a non-Hague Country, you will be filing an I-600A.
5. Prepare your dossier
Every country has a list of documents required when making an application; this may go to a central authority, the attorney or court. The list must be provided by the placement entity, the organization working in or with the foreign country.
6. Receive a child referral or assignment
The agency with whom you are working will identify a child that matches the request that you have made.
7. Child Acceptance
Families review the information with medical professionals so that they make an informed decision before they sign their acceptance. It is important never to accept a referral that you believe is not right for you, and we will advocate for you. The child’s needs should always be the priority.
8. Pre-placement and Placement Travel
Some countries may require visits to the country prior to placement.
9. Complete Post Placement Supervision State law requires that you have meetings with a social worker after your child is in your home. We take this opportunity to provide support, education and guidance in making your child’s transition and attachment as healthy as possible.
10. Finalize or Readopt We will walk you through how to file the right court documents so that you can receive your final Adoption Decree and a new birth certificate that reflects you as the parent/s. Although readoption is not required in our state, it is the easiest way for families to obtain a US birth certificate.
11. Post Adoption Support for Adoptees and Adoptive Families
ADOPT believes that adoption is a life long issue, and we will support you whenever an adoption issue arises.