How to Begin

start Whether it be a domestic or international adoption beginning the adoption journey seems a daunting task at first glance. However, you can quickly change that outlook and turn the adventure into a "can do" task if you start at the beginning.

First and Foremost:
Be an informed consumer first and foremost when undertaking this step-by-step process.

Take a trip down to your local bookstore and pick up books on the types of adoption which interest you.

Join an adoption listserve where adoptive parents discuss all success and pitfalls of adoption. For international adoption from Eastern Europe, we suggest and endorse, The Eastern European Adoption Coalition, Inc. The listserver is an outstanding resource for families, adoptive families helping adoptive families and the E.E.A.C. site has valuable information from adoptive parents and educators who have been involved. Especially important is their innovative "Agency Registry" where adoptive parents share their experiences regarding adoption agencies in promoting adoption knowledge.

When you have determined what type of adoption would be best for your family and lifestyle - then all adoptions begin with the Homestudy.

The Homestudy:
What is a home study?

- Most states have laws regarding homestudies and their importance. All couples and single persons wishing to adopt must be approved by a home study agency. Some states allow licensed social workers not affiliated by adoption agencies to do homestudies. However, if you intend to do an international adoption, some countries require an adoption agencies license to be submitted with the study. Be sure to check this out before having your homestudy.

- This process is done by a social worker who gathers documents from you,meets and interviews you, your home and sometimes in their office as well, and counsels you concerning adoption. The social worker is there to ascertain information that would point toward the possibility that a child joining your family would be a positive experience for all involved, not necessarily there to judge you, per se. Agencies are much more interested in bringing families together, than keeping them apart.

- When choosing someone to do your homestudy, chose someone you feel comfortable with. The social worker you chose will come to your home and interview both you and your spouse together and alone. This person visiting your home, learns alot about your personal life, and feeling comfortable with the person you are working with is very important. Also, be sure to ask when they can complete your homestudy. If you are on a long list of waiting persons, this may very well add months to your adoption process.
Also, shop around for the "cost" of the homestudy. This will vary from 500 to 2000 or more. Chose wisely. You will need to save as much money as possible for other adoption expenses. Ask also, if the homestudy cost will provice for post placement services. (Reports that must be written after your child is home.)

The Interview:
The interview can be an opportunity for you to learn more about adoption. After the worker's questions have been asked, be sure to have a list of your own questions to offer him or her. The interviews will be with you and your spouse together, and both of you alone with the social worker.

Questions frequently asked:
- How do you feel about your childhood?
- How did your parents parent you?
- How were you punished when you did wrong?
- How do you get along with your birth family now and do they approve of your plans to adopt?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten?
- What do you like most about your spouse? What do you like least?

Suggestions:
Be open and try to be at ease. If you have had a past infraction of the law (remember the background check) be sure to explain that and be upfront. Your social worker will need to address that in the homestudy. Have your home clean and free from hazards. However, do not make yourself frenzied with cleaning.

Documents Needed:
In advance of your meeting, your worker will ask that certain documents be gathered as part of the homestudy. These documents will include:

Autobiographicals

Statement of Finances

Criminal Record/Clearance

References

Health Statements

International Adoptions Require a "DOSSIER":
passport

Documents for a dossier
(It is recommended that you prepare two dossiers, one to submit and one to take when you travel overseas)

INS form I-600A
(The costs here change frequently - check the Home Land Security website often)
The cost is $405 and $25 for every person to be fingerprinted (all household members 18 and over). It takes several weeks for this to be processed. To check on Fingerprints Status (having cleared I.N.S.) The contact for the F.B.I. 1-304-625-5590.

Home Study

Letters of recommendation (often three)

Letters from employer(s) stating position and salary.
If self employed, summary of assets and income from accountant/auditor.

Copies of last 3 years income tax returns.

Medical examination report for each applicant.
( Must not be more than 3 months old at travel time)

Copies of Drivers License

2 Marriage certificates.
(and divorce decrees, if applicable)

3 Birth certificates for each applicant.

Letter from local police department stating no record of arrest.

3 copies of identifying page of each applicant's passport.

Power of attorney for representative in foreign country.
(provided by your agency)

Photo essay of yourselves, home, neighborhood.

Statement of Child Acceptance.
This is required by some agencies.

Application to the Ministry of Education - 2

Copy of deed to property or lease or rental agreement.

Bank letters indicating checking and savings amounts.

Property Tax Bill.

Copy of agency's license.
(provided by agency)

CORI (criminal record) report.
(provided by the agency)

INS Form 171-H.
The INS issues this after it has approved your application (I-600A) and cables it to the US Embassy

One post placement Agreement from the Homestudy Agency.

*When trying to complete a dossier, it is necessary to know where to find your Office of Secretary of State. Look Here!

NOW, that you know how to begin, and where to go for Resources on adoption, most likely your next thought is, "But how do I afford this?" and "What do I need to travel abroad?"
Click Here for some answers!

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