Call to discuss our international "waiting children".If you are thinking about adopting internationally, the first task is to gather research about the process, the professionals, and the countries you are interested in. This can be done with a trip to the library, on the Internet, at a good book store, or discussing it with a knowledgeable professional in the field. .
Soon you will become familiar with the language. You will learn the meaning of words such as dossier, authentication, home study, orphan, and Form I-600. With this newfound knowledge, you're prepared to meet with professionals to assist you with this placement.
Because you have done your research, you are prepared with questions to ask the professional. "How long have you been placing children from a particular country?" " How many placements are done in a year?" "Do you give a detailed breakdown of fees and costs?" "Are the children healthy? How will we know this?"
These are just a few of the many questions you will have during this process. It is best to choose a professional who is available to answer questions and with whom you feel comfortable asking questions. You will be spending many hours with this person or staff, so it is important to choose carefully. Inquire about the reputation and competence of the person assisting you through the licensing divisions of your state or local Bar association.
Filings & procedures
You will need to file with the Immigration and Naturalization Service for permission to adopt a child from a specific country. Submitting Form I-600A is the first step that you take to initiate this process, which usually takes two to four months before obtaining approval.
A "home study" must be done by a professional licensed in your state. Then, with help, you can research the country from which you chose to adopt your child. Once completed, you will prepare a packet to send to that country. This packet is called a dossier.
A dossier is comprised of documents (required by the country of the child's origin) to advise its government of the country of your choosing of your desire to adopt a child from that country. The list of documents will vary with the country that you choose. Once the dossier is completed, your initial work is accomplished. Depending on the country, you should receive a "match" any time from between one month to one year.
Then one day it happens, and you see the picture of the child you will love, and all the work and research pays off. Be prepared, be careful. and be a prepared parent.
Some Questions & Answers about International Adoptions
Q. How Long does the process take?
After you have met the criteria for immigration by completing a home study and have been approved by INS, you are ready to accept a referral of a child for adoption from your country of choice. This process takes from three months to one year depending upon the country that you choose.
Many factors enter into the length of time this placement takes. Since we have no control over what happens in a foreign country, we will share with you time estimates based on our information as to current procedures and requirements.
Q. How old are the available children?
Generally, from birth to age four.
Q. When are the fees payable?
One half of the fees are payable on the referral of the child to you and your acceptance of this child. The balance is payable when a referral is obtained. .
Q. How often are updated medical reports and photos given to a family while they wait?
The child is taken to the doctor monthly or more often if necessary. Monthly reports can be obtained as well as pictures. A family may travel and see the child if this is permitted by the country. Agency placement from government-run agencies may not allow a visit.
Q. Are children in private foster homes or orphanages?
Many of our children will be in private foster homes. If we receive a referral from an agency run by the state, then the child will be in an orphanage.
Q. Are escorts available to bring the child to the U.S.?
Depending upon the country chosen, escorts may be available to you. However, this lengthens the process because the escort is required to submit necessary paperwork for immigration. We find that the more complicated the request, the longer it takes.
Q. What happens if the mother changes her mind before the case is decided?
Courts of the country of origin will grant the mother’s wishes and return the child to her. In that case, the one-half fees that were paid are applied to another adoptive placement. No money can be returned in that most if not all would be spent by this time of the fees paid to date.
Q. How much information can be obtained regarding the status of our case?
Information may be obtained from the local foreign correspondent handling the adoption. It is important to locate a professional who has a good working relationship with the local foreign correspondent in the country from which you will be adopting your child so this information is readily available to you.
Q. What is the health of the children?
The health of the children is reported to be excellent unless you are advised differently. Again we are dealing with a different culture and depending on medical reports from medical practitioners who may not be American trained. Testing for HIV and Hepatitis is routine. A medical examination is performed initially upon referral and a final exam must be done to present to immigration upon application for a passport.
"Call me at (954) 564-6900 or e-mail me at MAS@Scherer.net if you need information about international adoption. I will be available to answer your questions or refer you to knowledgeable professionals to assist you."
