International Adoption Process

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International Adoption

Whether you have already decided to adopt internationally or are first exploring the possibility, the Web can give you an overview of the international adoption process and U.S. international adoption requirements. Online, you'll be able to research countries that have established international adoption programs, learn about the associated costs and how to select a reputable adoption agency, learn about potential issues facing children who have spent time in orphanages, find support groups in your area, and find current adoption-related news and publications.

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International Adoption Process

To complete an international adoption, United States citizens must fulfill the requirements of the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (BCIS). You must also meet the foreign country's requirements in which the child resides and in some cases, the requirements of the state where the adoptive parent(s) live.

Dulcinea's Insight

It's important to get familiar with the language of international adoption. Many adoption-related Web sites include glossaries, and that's a great place to start.

International adoption forms can be overwhelming. Some forms can be found on the Web and downloaded for your use. Examples include the I-600 or I-600A mentioned below.

Finding an adoption specialist or working with an adoption agency can help. Keep copies of all items and be clear on what you are signing.

It's important to educate yourself throughout the process. Read every document that you are asked to sign. If you have any concerns, check with an adoption lawyer or other informed person. Order multiple copies of all documents. It will cost you more but will be worth the expense in the event that something is lost or misplaced.

General steps in the process of adopting internationally include:
- 1. Selecting an agency, if you are using one.
- 2. Completing a home study, which is a series of interviews with a social worker to assess you and/or your partner's ability to provide a loving home for a child. For more details, see the section below.
- 3. Starting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) process. File an I-600 or I-600A form, supporting documents, and fees.
- 4. Collecting documents for your dossier. The dossier is a collection of documents that will be translated and sent to the country from which you wish you adopt. The documents will be used to identify a child who meets the needs of you and your family. Documents include birth and marriage certificates, financial statements, proof of employment, personal references, and photographs.
- 5. Notarizing and certifying documents by the county courthouse in which the notary is commissioned. After certification, all the documents will be sent to the State level for authentication. When documents are authenticated, they are affixed with a State seal.
- 6. Translating all documents in the language of the country from which you are adopting.
- 7. Waiting for a referral of a child from the adopting country. The waiting time for a referral varies from country to country. Accept or deny the referral.
- 8. Arranging for travel to visit or pick up your child. Countries vary on the number of visit(s) and length of visit(s) to meet or pick up your child.
- 9. Meeting the country's postadoption requirements.

Dulcinea's Picks

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides an overview of the international adoption process. This site reviews the legal steps needed to bring an adopted child into the country. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a link listing the necessary U.S. paperwork needed to adopt and in some cases, download and print the necessary forms. Find an FAQ on citizenship requirements.

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U.S. Department of State provides specific information for each step of the adoption process and outlines the necessary forms that must be filed before and during an adoption. Scroll halfway down the page for an informative Q&A. The site also includes an extensive list of online resources, adoption organizations, and books.

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The Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) is an advocacy group working on behalf of children around the world. The site provides a clear and concise overview of the international adoption process as well as a list of options and advice. After reading through the material, use the "Frequently Asked Questions" link at the bottom of the page to address any other concerns you might have.

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Adoption.com is a family-run Web site providing a variety of adoption resources. Use this glossary of adoption-related terms to gain a better understanding of the jargon you might encounter during the adoption process. If you want to learn more about one of the terms, each glossary entry contains a link to more resources on that topic.

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The International Family Services (IFS) a nonprofit adoption agency working in selected states, includes a useful diagram outlining the steps of the adoption process and indicates who is responsible for taking care of each step. IFS divides the procedure into four phases to clarify the objectives of each step along the way; these are described in greater detail beneath the diagram.

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Adoptive Families Magazine includes the basics behind adoption. This site is vast but easy to use. You'll find articles on every step in the adoption process along with an adoption guide that includes all the necessary steps in the adoption process, as well as how to finance adoption and information on specific countries.

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iParenting Media includes a concise article that addresses the major concerns parents face when considering adoption. Cost, choosing a country, health concerns, and choosing the adoption agency are the focal points of this article. Information is honest but brief. Click the links below the text to learn more about the mentioned issues.

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Child Welfare Information Gateway provides fact sheets on the adoption process in a step-by-step format. On the table of contents, click the step you would like to learn more about. This will take you to a page of straightforward information and links to further resources, and even to downloadable forms.

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AHealthyMe! is a Web site from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Use it to answer your most pressing questions about adoption.

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