AdoptionInternational Adoption
Step-by-Step Guide to International Adoption
Beginning the homestudy process
Selecting a country and placing agency
Immigration and naturalization forms
Assignment/waiting for your child
Home at last/post-placement services
Beginning the homestudy process
Your homestudy is an important step in the adoption process. Your Catholic Charities social worker will provide education and support during this period.The homestudy usually consists of four to six office visits and one home visit and is generally completed within a few months. It is then presented to the international placing agency of your choice for translation.
A number of important topics are discussed during the homestudy, including your family history, education, parenting skills, and relationships.
Your Catholic Charities social worker will address your thoughts about adopting a child from a different culture, your questions and concerns about the health of the child, your timeframe, and any other expectations you may have.
You will be asked to compile certain documents, references, forms, and questionnaires that will make up your dossier. A dossier is the group of documents necessary to satisfy your chosen country’s adoption requirements. Your dossier will include such things as your homestudy, birth certificate(s), police checks, references, and medical reports. Your placing agency will supply a specific list of needed information.
The fee for an international homestudy at Catholic Charities is $1,500. If a synopsis (a brief version of the homestudy) is also required, there will be an additional $100 charge.
Selecting a country and placing agency
In order to proceed with an international adoption, you must be willing to explore your thoughts about many questions.Do you have a preference for a certain country or do you have an affinity towards a particular culture?
Do you have a strong preference for the gender or age of your child? What type of concerns do you have about the health of your child?
Is it important for you to actively select a child by viewing a video or pictures, or are you comfortable having a child assigned to you?
Travel timeframes and arrangements should also be discussed, as length of stay in a particular country can vary and may be affected by political changes. Only a few countries offer escort services.
Once these questions have been answered, you are in a position to select a placing agency. Catholic Charities has worked with an extensive number of agencies from across the country and can assist you with this decision.
Immigration and naturalization forms
Prospective adoptive parents must file an I-600A application form with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) in order to adopt a foreign-born child. At least one of the adopting parents must be a United States citizen.Catholic Charities will provide you with the phone number for USCIS. After you call, USCIS will send you a packet which must be completed and returned to them with the appropriate fees and required documentation. When USCIS receives your paperwork and fees, they will open a file in your name.
A week or two you after your file is opened, you will be sent an appointment to be fingerprinted for an FBI background check. Any person over the age of 18 who is residing in your home must be fingerprinted.
Your homestudy should be completed during this time, and you will be submitting it to the USCIS.
Processing time for USCIS approval is approximately 75 days after your file is complete, and your approval is valid for 18 months.
The initial packet sent you by the USCIS will contain the necessary information for obtaining U.S. citizenship for your child.
Assignment/waiting for your child
"Assignment" refers to that time when a specific child has been identified for placement in your home. The assignment waiting time for your child varies depending on your specific requests for the type of child you desire and the eligibility requirements of your child’s country of birth.It is vital that you have realistic expectations and remain somewhat flexible during the assignment process. It is also important to know your placing agency’s policy if you choose to decline a referral.
Remember that all children who have been institutionalized may have some emotional issues and developmental delays due to the separation and loss they have already experienced.
Once you have accepted your assigned child, the waiting begins. During the past few months you have experienced a whirlwind of paperwork and meetings, which has suddenly come to a halt. This is often the most difficult part of the international adoption process!
When you receive your child’s medical report, pictures, or video, we suggest obtaining a comprehensive screening by consulting with a pediatric infectious disease and developmental specialist. Catholic Charities can provide you with a list of referrals in your area.
While you are waiting for your child, you may need support and encouragement. Your social worker at Catholic Charities is available.
Try to be realistic about your expectations, flexible, organized, determined, and most of all, patient. Together we can make this very emotional process a positive, rewarding, and memorable experience.
Home at last/post-placement services
It is not unusual for parents and children to have some difficulties in the first week or two of life "back home." Remember, you and your child are still learning about each other and the bonding process may take longer than you anticipated. Your child is with new people, in a new country with all unfamiliar surroundings, including a new home, a new bed, new language, and new food. Both you and your child may be tired from the travel and the excitement. Be patient! Catholic Charities will be happy to assist you during these early days.It may be helpful to join support groups and become acquainted with other families who have adopted internationally. It also is important that you keep your child’s heritage alive by reading books, experimenting with different foods, celebrating special holidays, and attending cultural events and festivals. Time will pass and soothe the initial shock and concerns, and love and trust will grow accordingly.
Most international countries require post placement supervision reports, updates, and pictures. Catholic Charities’ post-placement fees are contingent upon the number of children receiving services and the location of the visit. Again, the amount of visits and reports will be determined by your child’s placing agency.
