Adoption
International Adoption
Step-by-Step Guide to International
Adoption
Beginning
the homestudy process
Selecting
a country and placing agency
Immigration
and naturalization form
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 $1,800. If a synopsis
(a brief version of the homestudy) is also required, there will be
an additional $100 charge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
International Adoption
Adoption Program Offices
Frequently Asked Questions
About International Adoption
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