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.
Expand All Guide SectionsInternational 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.
- 1. Selecting an agency, if you are using one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AHealthyMe!
is a Web site from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Use it to answer your most pressing questions about adoption.
International Adoption Programs and Requirements
You may not have an initial preference as to the country from which to adopt, and that's OK. Some countries make it significantly easier to adopt internationally than others, some have specific requirements for the adoptive parents (such as that they are married or earn a certain amount of money), and some may have children of one sex or age. Each of these factors can help you determine which country is right for your adoption needs.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Choose a country with a legal, established adoption system. You don't want to lose time and money or suffer the heartache of an adoption stopped in the middle of the process.
- Narrow your search. Use the Web to research adoption agencies. Find out the number of children an agency places and in which countries. This will give you a good sense of where Americans have successfully adopted.
- Find out how long a particular country has had an adoption program and learn why the country has an adoption program. For example, China's one-child policy is one reason many girls are available for adoption there. In parts of Africa, many children are orphaned having lost family members to the AIDS epidemic.
- Find out the sex and age range of available children in a particular country. Is this a match with your own interests?
- Some countries require prospective adoptive parents to be married. If you are single, there are still countries from which you can adopt. You can use the Web to locate agencies that work with single parents.
- Know that countries can change adoption requirements whenever they choose, even during the adoption process. When you're getting your information from the Web, make sure it's current by checking the site's copyright date and the publication dates of articles.
- Remember, each country has different adoption laws, regulations, and fees.
Dulcinea's Picks
The U.S. Department of State
is by far the best place to look for intercountry adoption requirements. You'll find "Country-specific Adoption Flyers" that let you know a bit about each country's requirements for international adoption. This site also has intercountry adoption fact sheets on many countries as well as a chart showing the number of immigrant visas issued in 2006 to orphans coming to the U.S.
Adoption.com
provides links to short summaries of the adoption requirements of a number of countries. Click on the country of your choice and you will find a map of the country, a brief overview of the sort of adoptions available, how much travel time is required by the adoptive parents, and if singles are allowed to adopt a child.
Heritage Communication
provides a brief but thoughtful list of topics to think about when choosing a country from which to adopt.
Adoptive Families Magazine
has a chart showing an overview of international adoption requirements by country. (Note: China requirements have yet to be updated on the chart).
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
is a nonprofit organization working for ethical adoption practices. Here you'll find international adoption statistics in chart and graph form that demonstrate adoption trends by country.
Adoption Home Study
All countries require the completion of an adoption home study before you adopt. The home study is a snapshot of you and/or your family and is used by countries to match you with a child. Often, perspective adoptive parents start the home study process without having decided on an adopting country. The home study includes a series of interviews with a certified or licensed agency social worker. Fees for the study range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Expect a series of interviews in your home. Before you begin, know that you will be asked many personal questions about you and/or your partner. Questions might include: Describe your job. What was your childhood like? What is your educational background? What is your present relationship with your family? What is the role of religion or spirituality in your life? How would you describe your marriage? What is your approach to discipline? Why did you decide to adopt? What are your plans to maintain your child's racial and/or ethnic heritage? How would you describe your home and community? What is your plan for childcare? What is your financial situation?
- Many adoption agency Web sites post examples of the kinds of questions you can expect in your home study. Using these to prepare ahead of time can keep you from fumbling for answers or, worse, saying things you later regret.
- Choose a certified and licensed person to complete your home study. Often, adoption agencies will also handle the home study, and their Web sites will indicate that.
Dulcinea's Picks
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
gives a list of details that must appear in a home study. This Web site fully describes the home study process and the things you should prepare to encounter. The information provided is cut-and-dry but very practical for anyone ready to partake in a home study.
Children Welfare Information Gateway
provides a clear and informative article on the steps in the home study process. The information is divided up by an introduction, a description of the procedure's elements, a description of a home study report, and common concerns.
World Partners Adoption, Inc.
has an insightful article on what to expect from a home study. It begins with when you should be wary of a home study agency and then provides you with enough information about the process so that the agency won't be wary of you. This Web site is straightforward and easy to use; simply scroll through the rather lengthy text.
1800HomeStudy.com
has a national listing of home study professionals. Find and select your state on the map, fill in the required information fields, and 1800HomesStudy.com will e-mail your information to the appropriate local professional. In addition to the Q&A and supplementary articles on the left-hand side of the Web site, you can also browse a sample of a home study.
International Adoption Costs
International adoption costs can range from about $10,000 to $30,000. Remember, these are only rough estimates. These costs can include home study fees, country adoption fees, dossier fees, travel, escort fees, translation fees, passport fees, etc. Fees are paid for before, during, and on completion of an adoption.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Check the Web sites of different adoption agencies to compare fees. But still always clarify all adoption agency fees in writing, and make sure you understand which services are covered in your agency's fees and which aren't.
- Most agencies require fees to be paid before and during adoption. Be wary of agencies that request all of the fees upfront.
Dulcinea's Picks
Adoptive Families Magazine
has downloadable adoption budgeting Excel worksheets to track your expenses throughout the adoption process. For even more insight, read "How We Afforded Our Adoption," a compilation of the best ideas for raising the necessary funds, gathered from families who have adopted.
The National Endowment for Financial Education
has information on how to make international adoption more affordable. This site includes details on family leave, employee benefits, and tax credits.
Spence-Chapin
has a brochure you can download with suggestions about how to afford adoption. Although this site focuses on how to budget adoption specifically while using the Spence-Chapin agency, most of the information is helpful for everyone. Spence-Chapin is a private nonprofit adoption agency based in New York City.
National Adoption Foundation (NAF)
says its mission is to provide potential adopting families with information and resources on financial assistance. Click the "How We Can Help" link to see the financial help programs they offer or use the "Ask a Pro" feature to voice your question directly to a "qualified professional expert."
Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS)
has a downloadable cost comparison worksheet in Excel format to help you determine international adoption costs while examining different approaches.
Find an Adoption Agency or Adoption Lawyer
You can handle adoption on your own or through an adoption agency or adoption lawyer. The decision is up to you and should be based on your needs. Some people choose an adoption agency based on reputation or by fees. Some people want to work with an agency near where they live and others choose to work with an agency in another part of the country.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many national adoption organizations have member agencies that meet their standards and requirements. Use the Web to locate agencies associated with groups that work on behalf of adopted children.
- Research several agencies. Attend their information sessions. Find out the number of children placed and size of the agency. Ask for references.
- Contact your State Licensing Board to make sure the agency's license is current. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints. Go online to do this quickly and efficiently.
- Check upfront and clarify agency fees, the refund policy, and what services will be provided.
- Find out what services the agency provides pre- and post-adoption.
Dulcinea's Picks
Adoptive Families Magazine
has a list of questions to help you choose an adoption agency. These questions concern placement, timing, costs, the international programs, and more.
The Joint Council on International Children's Services
has a list of member agencies you can browse through alphabetically or by category. Click on "Listing Alphabetically" to find the agencies identified with addresses, phone numbers, e-mail, Web sites, and names of the directors.
Adoption.com
lists adoption agencies, attorneys, and other adoption specialists by state. Simply click on your state to get a list of agencies with a brief description, list of services, and links to their Web sites.
The National Council for Adoption (NCFA)
lists its member agencies so that you can contact one nearby to get your adoption process underway. You can download the NCFA directory to read through the agency options or you can search NCFA's online database by entering your city or state for immediate results.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway
lists agencies from several private organizations in its National Adoption Directory. The site also offers steps to assess the reputations of private, licensed adoption agencies with links to the necessary resources and contacts you might need while making these assessments.
The American Academy of Adoption Agencies
includes a list of attorneys who specialize in adoption law. Look under the Membership Directory link to find an attorney by state. The "Retaining an Attorney" section lists reasons to hire an adoption attorney as well as tips for the hiring process.
The Better Business Bureau
is a tool you can use to look up a reliability report on an adoption agency you might already have in mind. Using the BBB, you can benefit from the experiences of others to feel better about your decision. Note that if you are using this Web site to search for an agency near you, set the distance from your postal code to a large area for sufficient results.
Adoption Advice
One of the best resources for international adoption advice is other parents who have adopted. Join in on the conversation. Below is a list of general sites to tap into a support group. Once you decide on a country to adopt from, there are many country-specific support groups. For example, Families with Children from China (FCC) has chapters around the country; another support group is the Guatemala Adoptive Families Network.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Read adoption-related blogs. Many adoptive parents have kept blogs detailing their journey before, during, and after adoption. These are a great resource for learning about adoption agencies and the adoption process for various countries.
- Online support groups can give you useful feedback but can also be a source of misinformation and rumor. Be selective.
Dulcinea's Picks
North American Council on Adoptable Children
has a listing of adoptive parent groups around the country. Search for groups by state or type of adoption. You can even download a guide for starting up your own support group by clicking the link at the top of the Web site.
Adopting.com
lists support groups based on the country from where your child was adopted. Choose your child's native country and then read the descriptions of the various online groups to communicate with other parents or prospective parents of children from that country.
Adoptive Families Magazine
helps you locate a parent support group by state, type of family, and country served. The results will provide you with the group's contact information, as well as group information including fee, number of members, and types of group activities. You can also find a list of adoption blogs on this site.
ComeUnity
provides a list of different mailing lists (listservs) for families interested in international adoption. The lists are organized by country of the child's birth as well as by discussion topic. Each organization is listed with a practical description of that group.
Adoptionblogs.com
contains a list of blogs by topic and country. Though not all blog entries are focused on the specifics of adoption, you can search this compilation of writing for specific adoption words and phrases to find entries most relevant to you. Or use the menu on the left to read blogs by author or topic.
Adoption and Health
Special consideration should be taken by parents of adopted children to ensure that your child grows into a healthy, happy adult. Although this is not the case for all international adoptions, in certain instances health or emotional issues can develop as a result of your child's living conditions before she was adopted. Learn as much as you can about the history of your child's health and about prior living conditions so that you can be prepared for any special needs or concerns should they arise.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many adoption agencies and organizations provide articles on health-related topics on their Web sites.
- It's important to learn about potential health risks of adopted children so that you can address them.
Dulcinea's Picks
The International Adoption Clinic
at the University of Minnesota shares information about health for internationally adopted children. Use the "What's Inside" menu on the left of the page to find out about pre- and post-adoption issues, the clinic's research, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
highlights general information on overseas medical examinations (required by U.S. law) and recommendations for follow-up medical examinations once back in the United States. This site lists and explains the possible medical issues of internationally adopted children so that you can ensure your child is protected.
Familydoctor.org
has a section on International Adoption with summaries of the health issues adopted children often face when moving internationally. The site also walks you through getting the correct medical paperwork for a visa, as well as other concerns. After answering parents' frequently asked questions, the author offers a recommended reading list for more comprehensive information.
ComeUnity
provides a directory of adoption medical clinics in the United States and Canada. Listings are sorted alphabetically by their location. Some clinics' names are linked to their Web sites while others aren't, but all include contact information.
Orphandoctor
includes articles on diseases and health issues faced by adopted children who have come to the United States after living in a foreign country. Dr. Aronson provides her own services from a New York City practice, but also seeks to inform families about health for adopted children through her own insight and links to articles. Go to her medical resources section to get information on topics such as region-specific health issues for China, Russia, and Ethiopia.
Adoption News
If you are considering international adoption you should try to keep up on what is happening with international adoption laws, regulations, and news. A country can change its adoption laws at any time. As such, it's important to find reliable sources of adoption news.
Dulcinea's Insight
- An adoption agency is a good source, as is the official adoption site of the country from which you are adopting.
- Be careful of relying only on support groups or blogs for adoption news. It's best to use a resource that you know is reliable.
Dulcinea's Picks
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
has a free monthly Adoption Institute E-Newsletter that covers adoption news and research. Fill in your personal information on the form to get an e-mail every month focusing on emerging issues in adoption law, policy, practice, research, news, and resources.
The Joint Council on International Children's Services Newsroom
has updates of adoption law developments listed by country. Click on the flag icon for each country to find country adoption status and the latest information on their international adoption policy.
Adoptive Families Magazine
provides adoption news updates concerning new adoption laws, research, and other new findings to keep you current. The articles are divided by month but be warned that not all of the links are to actual articles and some links may be broken.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
