How to Organize an International Adoption

While adopting a child is difficult enough, adopting one from another country adds many more layers of red tape. The process is lengthy, emotionally draining and expensive. It's not all dire, though--so long as you find a fabulous agency who will partner with you every step of the way. Be patient and keep a level head.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Prepare financially and emotionally for a lengthy, bureaucratic process that can take from six months to several years (and $8,000 to $30,000) to complete.
2. Talk to friends and colleagues who have completed an adoption. Ask lots of questions about the whole process. Zero in on their choice of agency and find out all the pros and cons. Then do some comparison-shopping online. Narrow your prospects to several international agencies and call them. You're searching for an organization who will partner with you. Look for a good fit, a sense of warmth and trust, a feeling that they're deeply invested in a positive outcome for you and the child.
3. Select an agency. Ask for an information packet and fill out the application forms. Discuss details of the application process, schedule your home study and submit the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) forms.
4. Compare host countries. Most agencies feature a chart on their Web site that lists, by country, the ages and genders of available children, their living situation (orphanage, foster care) requirements for parents, the waiting period, travel requirements, adoption fees and so on. Apply to the country of your choice.
5. Prepare for the all-important home study. Typically a three-part process, the home study includes visits from a social worker, gathering of paperwork and attending adoption classes.
6. Carefully consider the age, health and status of the child you are prepared to adopt to ensure a good fit. Make your preferences, abilities and limitations clear to the agency.
7. Choose a child from agency photos or videos. Ask your pediatrician to review the child's file and health records before finalizing your choice. Be prepared for an emotional experience when you receive your final referral--the child who will soon become yours.
8. Travel to your child's country to get your son or daughter--how many times you'll go there varies by country. Bring along a family member or friend for safety, sanity and to help navigate paperwork if you're going solo. It can be a lengthy, expensive and emotionally trying process. See 436 Plan a Trip to a Different Culture.
9. File adoption papers in your child's country and yours. Pick up his or her passport and visa, schedule a medical exam and obtain visa photos. This entire process typically takes two to three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Also see 249 Plan Your Family, 259 Foster a Child, 254 Prepare for a New Baby and 260 Organize Your Life as a New Parent.
• Take full advantage of classes offered by your agency or hospital, including attachment and bonding, blending cultures, dealing with the emotional roller coaster, and basic child care.
• Complete all paperwork requested by your agency and any other agency or governmental body involved. If you lack a single form, you can be forced to begin anew.
• For information on the regulations and requirements of your adoptive child's country, contact the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Overseas Citizens Services Office of Children Issues (travel.state.gov/adopt.html).
• Have all documents ready to go: birth and marriage certificates, fingerprints, medical exams, personal references and current passports.
• Institutionalized children from Third World countries often have delays and medical problems. Once you sign the adoption papers, the child's health care is your responsibility.