International Adoption: Getting Started

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:33:00 -0800

About a year ago I sat down and put together a very simple document outlining how the international adoption process works and how to get started. I thought back to how I felt when we first began the journey of adoption and what I wish I had known at the time.

I hope it is helpful to those considering adoption or a great resource you can point your friends to.

Choose an Agency or Adoption Lawyer

Some Agencies to Consider

Holt International www.holtinternational.org
Christian World Adoption www.cwa.org
Bethany Christian Services www.bethany.org
America World Adoption www.awaa.org

Call or Go Online to Request an Adoption Packet

This will help you determine what countries the agency works with and their cost structure
They often have videos and resources with their mission statement (sometimes available online)
Whatever route you decide to take make sure you check the agency’s reputation before sending them any money. You can do this at Joint Council on International Children’s Services, Christian Alliance for Orphans or just by talking with other families who have been through the process.

Consider Funding

Grants

Adoption Tax Credit

To find out your eligibility take a free online course at: http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org

Send in an Application to Your Agency of Choice

This is often available to submit online.

Complete Your Home Study

This is typically done by your agency unless they do not have a local office in your area. If they are not able to do it, they will give you a list of licensed agencies you can choose from.
The purpose of the home study is to educate and prepare you, evaluate your health and ability to care for a child, and to gather enough information to help you determine a proper match with a child whose needs you can meet.
Your home study will include: training, interviews and home visits by your social worker, health and income statements, background checks, personal autobiographical statements, and references.
It is important to remember that a home study is not designed to find perfect parents but safe and appropriate homes for children.

Complete a Dossier

Required paperwork will vary from state to state and foreign country to country. Your agency will provide you with a very specific list of what is required and how to go about obtaining it.
A dossier often includes: FBI clearances, copies of your taxes, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services www.uscis.gov) authorization, your home study, more detailed letters of reference.
Many of these documents will need to be notarized…look for a friend, relative or real estate agent in your church who is willing to donate their notary services.
Contact your agency if you have questions or need help filling out forms.

Wait to be Matched with a Child

Once all your paperwork is complete the waiting begins. Be sure to surround yourself with friends and family who can provide prayer support during this time. The waiting can be the hardest part of the journey.
Use this wait to prepare for your child’s arrival: Set up their room, hold yard sales, bake sales etc. to help raise money, learn about their birth culture, look for a local restaurant where you can try cultural food, but above all spend lots of time in prayer!
Educate and prepare yourself for the unique issues that come with adoption. Read books such as Adopted for Life and The Connected Child.
These things will give you a better understanding of what to expect - similar to the premarital counseling you took before your wedding that helped prepare you for marriage.

Cacey Klein

International Adoption: Getting Started