QUESTIONS?

Why an International Adoption?

More then 25,000 children were adopted internationally by American families. While international adoption can take 6-12 months, domestic adoption can take even longer, particularly for parents desiring Caucasian infants. International adoption does not involve contact with the birth parent. The decision to adopt a child internationally can open a new world for adoptive parents. International adoption gives children a chance to live in a loving home.

Is it possible for single parents to adopt?

Yes. Single women are accepted by all of the countries we work with Of course, each country has its own particular restrictions on age, marital status and the number of children living in your home. As an agency we do not discriminate against anyone because of marital status and we will assist you in finding a country which is right for you.

Is travel required? Why can't our child be brought to us?

The laws of the countries in which we work require parents to appear in the courts of their country. And some U.S. Embassies will not issue exit visas for the child unless parents travel to the foreign country. Several countries require two trips; the first to see the child and the second to bring the child back to the U.S. In a few countries escorts are available to bring children home and the second trip can be avoided. Parents who visit the foreign country have a unique opportunity to form a connection to their child and to his or her culture because of the experiences gained in traveling.

What will happen when I get there?

You will be met and fully escorted throughout your entire stay by one of Adopt a Miracle coordinator. Our coordinators speak English and will escort parents and serve as interpreters during all official meetings and court hearings. They are available should parents have any problems and can provide information on local dining, places of interest, tour arrangements, and shopping. All arrangements will be made prior to arrival in the country. You should be prepared for minor inconveniences which can happen on any trip such as late plane arrivals, jet lag, food orientation, etc. Major delays or problems are very rare.

Are the children healthy?

Whether you give birth to a child or adopt one, there is no guarantee of perfect health. Most countries provide detailed information on the child's health, any known conditions and information on vaccinations. Children adopted internationally must be tested for AIDS and Hepatitis B. Also, children must be examined by a U.S. Embassy approved doctor for the issuance of a visa. Many medical conditions which are cannot be corrected in another country may be a minor correctable medical problem here in the U.S. We encourage families to have the medical reports and/or videos reviewed by medical adoption specialists here in the U.S. We will work with you and your physician to obtain answers to any questions or concerns you may have. 

Can I be specific about the sex and age of a child I wish to adopt?

Yes, you can. Most foreign governments provide photos and videos with basic information about the adoptive children and will allow you to choose your child. Some countries, however, do not provide photos to choose from and will give you a child assignment along with a photo and medical records at the time of referral. After viewing the photo and medical records you can accept this referral or ask for another one. Because a second referral means another wait, most parents accept the first referral they are given.

Why does foreign adoption take so long?

The length of time involved in the foreign adoption process is due to the numerous requirements of not only the U. S. government but also a foreign government. Our experienced adoption specialists, here and abroad, are highly skilled in handling complicated negotiations and meeting all requirements in the most expedient manner to complete your adoption as quickly as possible.

Can I adopt more than one child and how does that affect the cost?

Many foreign governments allow parents to adopt more than one child at once. Parents do realize some savings when adopting more than one child at a time, such as paying only once for traveling costs and agency fees that is only paid once.

Why are children given up for adoption?

In most developing countries, the poor live in poverty so acute that the decision to give up a child for adoption can be a deep act of love and hope for a better future for the child. These countries are too poor to provide welfare assistance programs, so many mothers decide to abandon their child at the maternity hospital, orphanage, and even a police station. Some birth parents continue to visit the child in the institution, knowing their child is being fed and medically cared for beyond the parent's means. In many places birth control is unavailable, prohibitively expensive or culturally condemned. Unwed mothers can also be shunned by society and there is not safety net to assist her in providing for her children.

How do parents decide on which country is right?

When choosing which country or foreign program is right parents need to consider several factors, such as the country's laws and eligibility requirements, travel requirements, the manner of referrals, the age and sex of the children readily available, and their general health. For example, some foreign countries have eligibility limitations on the age of prospective parents, single parenting, and whether parents can adopt more than one child. Some foreign countries require longer or more difficult trips, or two trips. Some foreign countries refer a specific child to the adoptive parents, while other foreign countries allow the parents to choose among videotapes of available children (usually obtained by the agency's representative abroad).

How long does an international adoption take?  

Generally, the entire process takes between 6-12 months to complete. There are several steps you must complete. The first step is obtaining an approved home study by a licensed social worker or agency in your state of residence. You must also apply with the Bureau of Immigration and Citizenship Services (BCIS) for pre-approval to adopt a foreign-born child. You can visit www.bcis.gov and download Form I-600a. Contact us if you have any questions about completing the form. This steps make take several months depending on your homestudy provider's timeline and your local BCIS office processing times. The next step is preparing the documents (dossier) required by the country from which you plan to adopt. Documents must be notarized, state sealed or apostilled, authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and/or the Embassy of the country from which you are adopting. The time involved depends on how quickly you can gather the required documents and the processing times of the various state departments and embassies involved in the process. This can take between 1 and several months, sometimes longer. Once the documents are completed and authenticated, they are forwarded to the foreign country. At this point documents are translated, legalized, filed with the appropriate authorities and the adoption process begins. The adoption process and timelines vary greatly by program. See our Programs for further information on the specific process within each country or Contact us for further answers to your questions.

What is a dossier?

A dossier contains all the documents required by the foreign government to complete the adoption of a child. The foreign authorities use these documents to evaluate the prospective adoptive parents and to document that the adoption is in the best interests of the child. It is compiled according to the laws of the country where you intend to adopt. Law and custom will dictate which documents are required in the dossier and how they shall be prepared and presented. Documents typically included in a foreign dossier are the home study, photos of the prospective parents and their home, BCIS pre-approval to adopt, criminal record and child abuse clearances, employment verification letters, financial statements, petitions to the court or other foreign authority, medical statements, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, passports, deed or lease to home, and sometimes personal references. These documents must be notarized, legalized, authenticated and translated as the foreign country specifies.

What happens after we return with our child?

When you return home, you will need to send us post placement reports. We will assist with post-adoption legal issues.

Will my child be a U. S. citizen?

Because of the passage of the Child Citizenship Act on October, 2000, foreign adopted children will become U.S. citizens automatically upon their arrival in the U.S.

Please contact us if you have any other questions: info@adoptamiracle.com