How to Adopt a Child in Nepal

Adoption is a wonderful option for building a family, and more and more Americans are choosing to look overseas to adopt their child. While any adoption entails a large amount of paperwork and bureaucracy, the process for adopting from Nepal is relatively quick and simple. It is also one of the more affordable international programs and, unlike most other countries, young infants are available for adoption.

Things You'll Need

• Personal documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, tax records and proof of employment Fees for home study and for adoption (per schedule)

Instructions

Decide on an Adoption Agency

1. Research adoption agencies. This process can best be started via the Internet, where you can request an information pack from each agency. Not all agencies offer services for adoptions from Nepal, so be certain to narrow your search to those that do.

2. Review the information that you receive from each agency. This includes fee schedules, refund policies, travel and other program requirements, as well as what the adoption process is like. The program fees and services that are offered can vary greatly among agencies. You will need to decide what level of service you require. Some agencies offer discounts for clients who are willing to handle more of the paperwork on their own.

3. Check references for your top choices. Any reputable adoption agency will be happy to offer you the names and contact information of satisfied clients. It is important that you speak with other families that have adopted from Nepal if at all possible, as they can give you some idea of what the process is like.

Complete Your Dossier and Home Study

1. Find an agency to complete your home study. Some international agencies offer home study services while others do not. If they do not, it will necessitate your contacting a private service to begin the process.

2. Gather documents needed for your home study. You will be supplied with a complete list of needed documents, which will include items such as birth certificates for all family members, marriage certificates and divorce decrees (where applicable), tax returns, employment verification and health information.

3. Complete the study. Your social worker will set up one or more appointments to tour your home and interview household members as well as family and friends who will serve as references.

4. Gather documents for your dossier. The dossier is the entire adoption application packet that will be sent to the Nepalese government for processing. The adoption agency will again supply you with a list of needed documents, which you will complete and return to them. The more quickly you complete the paperwork, the more quickly you will receive your child referral.

Child Referral and Placement

1. Within a period of 2-3 months after your dossier is complete, you will receive a child referral from the Nepalese government via your agency. When you accept the referred child, you will make your first trip to Nepal to sign preliminary paperwork.

2. When the file is approved in Nepal, you must make a second trip there to sign papers, receive the adoption certificate, have documents translated, get your child's passport and arrange for a physical examination and travel back to the U.S. (Alternatively, parents may choose to stay in Nepal for one long trip of 3-5 weeks rather than taking two separate trips to complete paperwork.)

3. The Nepalese government requires post-placement reports and photos at specified intervals. Your adoption agency will assist you in preparing and mailing these when they are required.

Tips & Warnings

• Before considering international adoption, families may wish to check for travel advisories warning U.S. citizens against traveling to certain countries. Each family should carefully research this issue and make a decision based upon their personal circumstances. Although many families have successfully adopted Nepalese children, international adoption laws are always subject to change. Adopting internationally requires a great deal of patience and flexibility, and prospective parents should inquire as to the refund policies of their agency in the unlikely event that changes in legal or political climate delay your adoption.

Resources

• Information on Adopting From Nepal
• Directory of Agencies That Offer Adoption in Nepal