HOW TO START

International adoption is a complex legal process involving U.S. state, federal law and foreign law. Although the process can be complicated, we strive to help you have a memorable and pleasant adoption experience. You can take comfort in the fact that you will not be alone during this journey; we will assist you throughout all steps in the adoption process.

1. Application : Complete an application and return it to our office with a family photograph and the application fee. We will respond with a detailed information packet describing the adoption process, fee structure, our services, and what to expect along the way.

2. Child Referral: Tell us about your expectations, your desires in adopting a child, and we will find just the right child for you. You can also visit our Waiting Children Photo listing and contact us for further information about children available for adoption. Please write down the ID# of the child you have questions about. Some countries or regions ask that we not photo list their children.  We provide information on these children to our clients directly.

3. Dossier Preparation: With your acceptance of referral or choosing a country of adoption, we will begin coordinating your dossier preparation. 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. We will work very closely with you to complete your adoption dossier.

4. Home study: A Home Study is a standard procedure in either domestic or international adoption process. It is performed by a licensed agency in your state to ensure that your family is suitable to raise an adoptive child. The Home Study is required by the U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services to approve your I-600A form for international adoption. A letter from a Home Study performing agency is also required for your Dossier that will be submitted to local authorities in the country of your adoptive child. We may have suggestions for you on home study agencies, based on a prior family's experience

5. USCIS: Call the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Services, and request an I-600-A packet. You can also call (1-800-870-FORM) or download the application from the web site.

Form I-600A must be filed with the INS, and then they will notify you for your appointment to be fingerprinted. In some states, you can hand deliver your

I-600A form to your local USCIS office and they will fingerprint you right then. (This could save you 2-3 weeks time.) Since it takes up to 12 weeks to receive USCIS clearance, it is advisable to submit the I-600A application before your home study is completed. Just enclose a cover letter explaining that your home study will be forwarded to the USCIS upon completion. Please note that the

I-600A (orange form) currently costs $545.00 to process.  Add in the fingerprint processing fees ($70.00 per person).  You will send in your check (include fingerprint fees with $545.00) with the I-600A, and you will need no money for the I-600 (blue form), which you will take with you to country of your adoption.  We will provide you with instructions on how to fill in the I-600A form depending on country you adopting from.

6. Authenticating: Authenticating (or apostilling) your documents. Prior to authenticating your documents, you should send a copy of the documents to Adopt a Miracle for final review. Depending on which program you choose we either submit the completed dossier or request an assignment of a child from the birth country.

7. Travel Preparation:   Once all of your completed documents are submitted, we will translate and deliver your documents to proper official offices.  We will advise you regarding your flight arrangements. We will help to make your travel affordable and expedient. We do have special discounts for families traveling for adoption (humanitarian) purposes.

8. Travel: Once you have permission to travel, we will send you a travel packet and you will travel to the child's birth country, complete and finalize the adoption, and obtain the child's visa to come home! Our competent experienced staff will ensure that you are escorted and taken care of from the time you step off the plane until you are boarding it again for home with your child! During your travel, we will provide you with a coordinator, interpreter, driver and transportation.

9. Post-Placement:   Upon your return home, you will meet with your social worker for the first six-month report to ensure placement and adjustment are going well.  Countries we work with also require reports from the family at 12, 24, and 36 months after adoption.  These photos and reports of your child with your family will be translated and sent to your child's region so they can see how your child is adjusting and developing in his new home!