How to Prepare an Adoption Dossier

The adoption dossier is a very important part of almost all international adoptions. The dossier is what represents you as potential adoptive parents to the country where you would like to adopt. Many countries have very strict requirements for adoption dossiers and it can be a bit overwhelming when you first start to put one together. Knowing how to prepare a dossier will help you in this important step towards adopting your child.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Request written dossier instructions from your agency. Many documents have to be done in a very specific way and you need proper instructions to do them correctly. Don’t just start out on your own. Wait until you know exactly what to do.

2. Get organized by creating files or a binder to keep everything together during the process. Make sections for documents that need to be done, those that are completed but not notarized and those that are ready to be sent to your state or consulate.

3. Make a checklist of documents if one is not provided by your agency. Start at the beginning and work through methodically. Read the instructions for each document before you work on getting it.

4. Talk to the individuals who will be helping you with each document before they start to work. Banks, employers, doctors and other individuals will be much more open to doing a document correctly the first time than having to do it over again.

5. Look over each document once you receive it to make sure it is correct and meets all of the requirements laid out in your instructions. Pay careful attention to wording, the spelling of names, the color of ink used and the type of signature. Additionally, look at the notary’s signature and stamp to be sure that they are in line with the country’s requirements.

6. Gather all of your documents once they are complete and check them over one last time. Be sure that you have everything required and that each piece of paper is in the right format.

7. Follow your agency’s instructions in order to get your documents state certified and consulate authenticated, if required. Keep careful track of the documents you send to the state or consulate by using a courier service or verified shipping method.

8. Review the dossier one last time after the certification and authentication have been completed. ubmit it to your agency via a verified shipping method to ensure that it is not misplaced.

9. Wait for your agency to inspect your dossier. Occasionally you may have to redo a document and resubmit it. If your agency asks you to resubmit a document, be sure to ask questions and find out exactly what needs to be changed.

10. Wait for word that your dossier has been approved and then move on to the next part of the adoption process. You are one step closer to building your family through international adoption.