a better world....the adoption connection inc.

What Does The Adoption Process Involve?

There are several steps to the process of building your family through International Adoption. Details will vary depending upon your choice of country. There are, however, a few predictable points in the process which we have outline for you below.

The Home Study: The first official step in the adoption process is a Home Study conducted by our International social worker. The Home Study consists of a series of interviews with a social worker. These meetings are intended to assist the prospective adoptive parents to think through their capacity to adopt a child, particularly one from a different culture and ethnic background. The social worker will also educate prospective adoptive parents on the process and risks of international adoption. Social workers are required to assess and determine that an individual or couple will be able to provide a safe and nurturing environment for a new child in their home. It is important to remember that you and your social worker are working toward the same goal of providing a warm and loving home for a child. Take a deep breath, relax, be candid and most importantly, be yourself.

Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services "CIS" (formerly known as US Immigration and Naturalization Service): It is necessary to file a petition with CIS to obtain approval to adopt a foreign orphan. We will provide you with information about the process. You will complete a form, submit documentation of citizenship, proof of marriage/divorce (if applicable) and be fingerprinted for an FBI background check. You will also need to submit a copy of your Home Study to CIS. Once your petition is granted, it remains valid for 18 months from the approval date.

Dossier Preparation: When your Home Study is complete and you have chosen a country, it is time to begin preparation of your dossier. A dossier is a compilation of documents which are required by your child's country. Specific document requirements vary by country. However, some general documents required are verification(s) of employment, physician statements, Home Study, birth certificate(s), character references, police check(s) and letters of recommendation. Each country has specific requirements to authenticate these documents. We will provide you with all the necessary information to successfully complete the process.
Receiving a Referral of a Child: The process varies by country, the length of their waiting lists and your own specific desires regarding your child. We will give you any and all information provided by the country about your child. You may choose the age and gender of your child. There are several excellent international adoption clinics in the United States that are quite willing to review referral photos, videos and medical reports for prospective adoptive parents. We are privileged to have a physician who is an adoptive medicine specialist as a consulant to A Better World.

Waiting for Your Child: Now comes the hard part! Until now, you have been busy, there has been no time to sit and think. You have a picture of a child who is a continent (or two!) away from you and you wait - wait to meet him/her, wait to have him/her come home and meet your family. This waiting time varies by country. We will be able to give you an estimated time frame. However, please remember we are unable to control the actions of foreign governments who may speed up or slow down the adoption process or close it entirely. When we offer education classes and support groups, this is an excellent time to attend and connect with others who are also waiting. Take this time to learn more about your child's culture, the language and cuisine. Clip newspaper articles about your child's country to put in your childís lifebook.

Coming Home: Whether you travel or have your child escorted home will depend upon the country and/or your preferences. Once your child is home, there will be an adjustment period for everyone.

In Conclusion: As you can see, this is an intricate and challenging process. You will need to be flexible, organized, patient and committed. You will also need to trust and feel comfortable with the professionals who are guiding you. Stay the course and your dream of building your family will become a reality.

The Process of International Adoption

While the specific steps may vary from country to country, there is a basic format to the process of adopting internationally.

Select your agency.
Complete and submit its application
You will be contacted by an International Social Worker to begin your Home Study process
Complete your Immigration and Naturalization Services pre filing (I-600A)
Complete your Home Study process
Prepare your dossier specific to the requirements of your chosen country. We will provide you with information and support to guide you through this process
When a child becomes available for your family, you will be contacted by your social worker who will provide as much information as possible on the child. Please keep in mind that the quality and quantity of information available varies greatly by country, or even by regions within a country.
Upon acceptance of a referral, the social worker will walk you through your process of acceptance that is particular to your child's country and liaison.
Upon completion of all necessary proceedings, either you or your child will be ready to travel. Who does most of the traveling (you or your child) depends upon the country, whether or not they permit escorting, and whether or not you choose to utilize this service should it be available.
Once your child is home, post placement visits are required. It is important to note that these visits are essential, not only for providing you with support and information but also for helping agencies keep the doors open through which future children can enter. By reassuring a country that the children are thriving, we are better able to combat the rumors that fear and ignorance can foster.