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INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
We can help you build your family through International Adoption
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) International Adoption Resources
Planning to adopt from China? The Adoption & Family Support Center is now partnered with Martha Murray, a Chinese Adoption Coordinator.
Adoption of a child from outside the United States is an International adoption. The United
States became a member of the Hague Convention in April 2008. Prior to April 2008, many adoption agencies became accredited, a process of becoming eligible to work with member countries under regulated set standards with regard to adoptions.
It is hoped that the new rules will provide prospective adoptive parents with better health and social information regarding the child. The more extensive background checks, training and interviews required of the adoptive parents are intended to ensure that adoptive parents are better prepared and fully informed of the challenges associated with adopting internationally. Preparation for international adoptions has always taken longer as compared to adopting domestically, but now requires additional time because of the new rules.
Not all countries are Hague members, so you must first determine if your country of choice is a Hague member. The first requirement under Hague is that you work with an “accredited” agency in the United States, to assure you are meeting all of the requirements of your adoption country. If your adoption country is not a Hague member (a non-Hague country), we strongly recommend that you work with an adoption agency who is familiar with that country’s adoption practices and guidelines.
In either case, you will need a qualified home study provider. Not all home study providers are qualified to prepare families for adoption of a child from a Hague Convention country. Make sure you ask this question before starting the home study process. The Adoption & Family Support Center is qualified to perform home studies for both Hague and non-Hague countries through our agency and our partnerships. If you are considering international adoption, there are many things you can do to prepare before starting your adoption process.
The home study provider will need to tailor your home study report to the specific requirements of your country of choice. Therefore, you should do as much advance research as possible to determine which country best suits your adoption needs. Once that choice has been made, you will want to research the various Hague accredited agencies working with your country of choice.
We have had positive experiences with several International agencies. Call Pam at 386-747-7811 and she will be happy to share this information.
Research can be conducted on the Internet, at the library and through discussions with others who have adopted internationally (neighbors, friends, support groups, seminars, etc.) Also be sure to read Internet comments made by others regarding particular agencies – good and bad – to get a complete picture. Remember, too, that the most apropos comments will be those made most recently when working with Hague member countries.
Call the agencies you would consider working with to talk with their staff, get information regarding fees and to request an application packet. The cost for an application packet will be minimal and you are under no obligation until you complete an application with a particular agency.
In addition to the research, you can begin preparing for your international adoption by gathering documents and information that your home study provider and agency will need. Remember, your home study provider must be in your state, but the agency you choose to work with does not. Documents and information needed include:
- A list of all addresses where each adult person in your household has lived since 18 years of age, including other countries if applicable, and including military service posts, peace corps or other overseas residences.
- Certified copies of birth certificates for all household members.
- Permanent resident documents or naturalization papers, if applicable.
- Certified copy of prospective adoptive parents’ marriage license.
- Certified copies prospective adoptive parents’ divorce decrees.
- Copies of driver’s licenses on prospective adoptive parents.
- If applicable, certified copies of documents showing the disposition of any criminal action you – or any adult member of your household – has been involved in.
Information contained on this site is not intended to be legal advise. We suggest calling an attorney to obtain legal counsel.
The Adoption & Family Support Center, LLC, 709 Hills Blvd., Port Orange, Florida 32127
Toll Free: 866-221-6562 Main Number: 386-760-5804
INTERNATIONAL
ADOPTIONS
