Getting Started with International or Domestic Adoption

Adopt International is Hague accredited by Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME) (previously accredited by the Council on Accreditation starting in 1997).  Adopt International adheres to the highest standards of practice and ethics in the field of adoption. 

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It is a lot of work to adopt a child. We help to make this a manageable and rewarding experience. The “right” adoption for you can depend on many different factors, so please feel free to call us anytime for a completely free, personalized consult. 

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(To learn about step parent adoption click HERE)

 

In a nutshell, a typical adoption goes something like this:

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Step 1: Decide which type of adoption is right for you: DOMESTIC OR INTERNATIONAL

 

Step 2: Sign up with a placement agency or Primary Provider, like Adopt (your placement agency may be different from your Home Study agency, especially if you are adopting internationally)

 

Step 3: Complete an Adoption Home Study Assessment

 

The Home Study consists of the following:

• Gathering Paperwork.

• Completing Education.

• Meetings with your social worker.
   

The Home Study will include a final “approval,” that specifies the age, health and ethnicity of the child you want to adopt.

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Click here to access our Home Study applications

*Note: You will only have access after you've completed an intake with Adopt staff

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If you are adopting INTERNATIONALLY, you will also need to complete USCIS and Country Requirements. 

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Step 4: Wait to be matched or receive a referral 

 

Step 5: Bring your child home and complete your supervision period

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Step 6: Complete Finalization or Readoption

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Check out our FAQs and Glossary for more informtion.

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Adopt strongly believes the adoption is a life-long process. Our doors will always be open to families and birth families who ever find themselves in need of adoption advice or support, no matter the age of your child.