There are many reasons people choose to adopt a child from a foreign country, including a shorter waiting period, the ability to adopt a same-race child and the likelihood that the birth parents will not be involved in the child's life post-adoption. Some people might simply have an interest in another culture. Whatever your reason for adopting a child from a foreign country, you should know that the foreign adoption process can be much more complicated than adopting a child from your own country. Here is the general process through which you will go, but each situation is different.
Step 1
Find an agency. In order to adopt a child from a foreign country, you will need to find an agency that deals specifically with adoptions from the country of your choice, knows the government requirements and will be able to guide you through the adoption process. Choose a reputable agency and check references.
Step 2
Get the agency's approval. A good agency will require you to undergo an approval process in which they determine if you meet their requirements for adopting a child. This may include an orientation, background checks and a home visit to make sure that you can provide a safe and comfortable environment for a child.
Step 3
Wait for assignment of a child. In some cases, there may be children waiting for adoption in your country of choice; in other cases you may have to wait for a period of time. Your agency will search for suitable matches for you in the country you have chosen and will alert you when a match has been found.
Step 4
Accept or decline the child assignment. Once you have received a child assignment, you have the right to accept or decline that child based on the information the agency provides you. If you choose to decline the assignment, the agency will continue to search for a child that meets your requirements.
Step 5
Travel to the child's home country, once you have accepted a child assignment, to meet the child and fill out the necessary paperwork required by the country's government. You may be able to fill out some of this paperwork prior to your trip, while other paperwork may require that you fill it out in person and wait while it is processed. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so you should be prepared to stay for an extended period of time.
Step 6
Bring the child home. Once you have satisfied all the requirements, you will be allowed to take the child home. You will also need to complete paperwork for your home country, and the agency will help you prepare that. The agency should also at this time be providing advice or assistance with introducing the child to his or her new home.
