International Adoption; Adopting a Child from Another Country

There are many myths about adopting children from another country. When you hear someone say that they will just hop over to China or Vietnam or wherever and pick up a child, you can be sure that is a person who doesn't have a clue what he is talking about.

Adopting internationally is a very difficult, very long process. It doesn't happen quickly, and it isn't for the faint of heart.

The first step in international adoption is deciding on a country. This requires finding out which countries have international adoption programs, which countries will accept you as an applicant and what is required to adopt from these countries. Some countries only have older children or sibling groups available. Other countries will not accept single people. Some countries have very strict requirements about the health, financial status and criminal background of prospective adoptive parents.

Once you've found a country that fits your requirements and will accept you as an applicant, you must decide on an agency. Do your research because some agencies are definitely better than others. Talk to people who have used some of the different agencies and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the agencies to send you their paperwork, and go through it carefully. You do not have to use an adoption agency from your own state.

When you have chosen an agency, you will need a homestudy. This will allow you to file for an I-171H, the document allowing you to bring a child into the United States.

Your homestudy will involve a social worker visiting your home to see that it is safe for a child and to ask you a variety of intrusive, personal questions. Expect this because it can be pretty shocking if you don't. You will be required to give a physical, a financial report and other information. You will also be asked to have your fingerprints run for a criminal background check. This process can take about a month depending on how fast your social worker is and how quickly you can get the information you need. When you have a homestudy, you can file for an I-171H. Your adoption agency will help you with this.

The I-171H is for the United States government. The government of the country you are applying to adopt from will also ask for a collection of paperwork. This is called a dossier and its contents vary by country. Your agency will give you a list of paperwork required for your dossier. Often you will be asked to provide copies of your marriage certificate, your financial information, your health information and a criminal background check. Some of the documents will have to be notarized. Usually you will then be required to send the documents to your state for authentication of the notarization.

Once this is completed, your dossier goes to the country where you plan to adopt.

After this the process varies greatly depending on the country. Some countries will match you with a child and you will wait until the paperwork is ready to go and retrieve your child. Some countries require you to visit your child's orphanage. The specific requirements will be explained by your agency.

International adoption can cost between about $20,000 and $60,000. It varies greatly by country. It usually takes at least a year if not longer.

The best news is that once the process is complete, every families agrees it was worth it!