International Adoption
International adoption is a wonderful way to build your family and provide a family for a child. The process varies in time and expenses, depending upon the country that you select.
Continue reading for an overview on what you need to know, and how to get started with the adoption process through Adopt International.
International Adoption Services
Here are the typical steps for International adoption
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Choose a Primary Provider
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Immigration Application and Approval
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Prepare a dossier
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Referral and Acceptance of Referral
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Post Placement Supervision
To learn more about our International Adoption Program please sign up to attend an info night by registering here.
Process Overview
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The Home Study assessment is a mandatory part of the adoption process. This part of your adoption journey can be a rewarding one, and help you learn about what it means to parent an adopted child.
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It was once thought that passing a home study was the biggest "hurdle" in the adoption process. But we know from experience that most people “pass” their home studies with ease, and actually enjoy the process and confess to really learning something new and relevant. We conduct home studies with respect and openness.
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Hire a Primary Provider - Your Home Study agency may be your Primary Provider, or you may choose another agency that works with the country, support you in creating a dossier, identifies your child and helps complete your adoption in the foreign country.
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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.
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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.
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Access U.S.C.I.S. 1600A Application here.
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Access U.S.C.I.S. 1800A Application here.
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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 in the country you are adoption from. The list must be provided by the Primary Provider - the organization working in or with the foreign country.
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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.
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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.
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Pre-placement and Placement Travel - Some countries may require visits to the country prior to placement. The length of time to stay in the country before coming home with the child vary. Some countries require you to stay for a few days. Some country stays may be weeks or a month.
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Complete Post Placement Supervision - State law and country regulations require 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.
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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. Readoption is California and is the easiest way for families to obtain a US birth certificate.
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Post Adoption Support for Adoptees and Adoptive Families.
Adopt International believes that adoption is a life long issue, and we will support you whenever an adoption issue arises.
The Home Study is a mandatory part of the adoption process. This part of your adoption journey can be a rewarding one, and help you learn about what it means to parent an adopted child.
It was once thought that passing a home study was the biggest "hurdle" in the adoption process. But we know from experience that most people “pass” their home studies with ease, and actually enjoy the process and confess to really learning something new and relevant. We conduct home studies with respect and openness and proudly work with single parents, non-traditional families and traditional families alike.
Before beginning your Home Study, we welcome the opportunity to have you schedule a free consult with one of our Social Workers to give you an overview of the entire process. After we receive your application, a social worker will be assigned to you and will call to make an appointment to begin the Home Study process.
During the eight to twelve week Home Study process you will:
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Gather Paperwork
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Supporting documents like birth/marriage certificates, financial records, medical records, reference etc. are required by California Department of Social Services. We will give you plenty of instruction to make this part as painless as possible!
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Complete Education
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For international adoptions you will be covering 10 hours and 11 topics that will give you a thorough understanding of international adoption process, child backgrounds, child development, transracial and transcultural issues, creating attachment, family adjustment and many more issues. We teach 4-6 hours of the training and will give you referral resources for the additional requirements.
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Meet with your social worker
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The study includes discussing topics of motivation for adoption, financial stability, current health status, criminal histories, family support, understanding of adoption (domestic or international), and your commitments to helping your child understand his or her history.
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These discussions are meant to helpful, NOT judgmental. Your social worker is an excellent source of knowledge and support that we want you to take complete advantage of throughout the entire adoption process.
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The Home Study will include a final “approval,” that specifies the age, health and ethnicity of the child you want to adopt.
Click here for downloadable Home Study applications
You will be prompted for a username and password. Call us for a short intake and we will provide those to you.
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The International Home Study fee includes $350 Application fee for new clients, $2,600 International Home Study fee, $500 Hague Administrative fee, and $1,000 Intercountry Licensing, Accreditation, and Approval fee for a total of $4,450 for completing the international home study process.
The Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption is an international agreement between participating countries on best adoption procedures. Adopt International has been accredited since the Hague was implemented in the US in 2008.
These procedures have basically two goals in mind:
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The best interest of children is considered with each inter-country adoption.
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The prevention of abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.
There are over 70 countries that have joined the Convention. The immigration adoption process for these countries is different from the rest of the countries. Therefore, it is imperative for you to
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Know if you are adopting from a Hague country
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Have a thorough understanding of the Hague Convention
Readoption & Finalization
You will complete a readoption if you completed a full and final adoption in the country from which you adopted to obtain a California birth certificate. If you completed a guardianship you will need to complete a finalization in order to complete your adoption.
Finalization is the process in which you finalize your adoption in court and obtain a final Adoption Decree, and a new birth certificate. This will be done after you have completed your post placement requirements.
Readoption is very similar, except that you do not need to finalize your adoption, but only file to receive a new birth certificate and local adoption decree. A United States birth certificate will enable a certificate of citizenship to be issued in the child’s new name.
Readoption is required in California and must be filed within 60 days of returning home with your child.
Please contact our office to receive the packet of court document and instructions.
