Getting started with International Adoption

International Adoption can be an exciting journey, taking you to remote places in the globe you may have never dreamed you would visit. As one of the several ways to build your family, it requires a different state of mind than domestic or foster care adoption. After all, you will be bringing a child into your life that has a different cultural background and heritage, and this is something to be respected and enjoyed. Adopting internationally requires that we observe the laws of the country where we live and the country from which we hope to adopt.

In most cases, international adoptions are finalized in the country of origin, so once you come home with your child, he or she is already legally yours. There are a number of countries that work with U.S. couples hoping to adopt, so identifying which country works best for your family is usually the first step you would take when moving forward.

This brings in considerations of age, gender, race and medical needs. A qualified adoption professional can assist you in identifying the most important requirements, which will ultimately direct you to the country program that is best for your family.

The common and most popular international adoption programs are China, Guatemala, Russia and Korea, but changes in laws, policies and requirements, both in the U.S. and in the country of origin can affect this. Some upcoming changes, which will impact international adoption, include the United States' ratification of The Hague Treaty on Inter-Country Adoptions. Once ratified, there will be some differences in how adoptions proceed in certain countries, and no difference in others.

For more information on that Hague and its potential ramifications, see http://www.jcics.org/JCICS%20Hague%20Overview%20Article.pdf

In order to adopt internationally, you must meet certain minimum standards, as defined by the U.S. Government. This is generally initiated by the filing of an I-600A at your local USCIS office. For further information, see www.uscis.gov.

Click on a international link below to learn more about the programs that are offered: