International adoption involves two adoption agencies, two country's adoption law, two embassies, passports, visas . . . the pre-adoption list seems daunting. With proper preparation, however, there are ways to navigate all of the challenges. Once the child is home, there is a new set of challenges but those, too, can be successfully met by resourcefully seeking out those who have gone before.
Research Foreign Adoption Law
It is important to research the adoption laws of the country where the children will be adopted from. All countries have different requirements and expectations.
For example, some countries may require the adoptive family to earn a minimum annual salary. Another country may expect the adoptive parents to reside in the country for a minimum amount of time prior to the completion of the adoption. Adoption agencies are well-versed in the legal requirements of the countries they represent.
Find Reputable International Adoption Agencies
Ask around, seeking families who have successfully adopted children from a foreign country. Research the agencies recommended, and request references. All agencies will require fees to fund their programs, but if it seems the fees are excessive relative to the services provided, check other agencies.
A reputable foreign adoption agency will make arrangements for visiting and picking up the children, obtaining visas, travel arrangements and even translators throughout the trip.
Hire a Private Social Worker Experienced in International Adoption
The social worker will do a home-study evaluation and report the findings to the adoption agency. The home-study will address questions such as: Is there room in the home for additional children? Does the adoptive family have the necessary resources, including salary? Do the adoptive parents and/or siblings have experience with children, or criminal records? Essentially, the social worker’s job is to evaluate whether or not the adoptive home is suitable for and in the best interest of the children to be adopted.
The social worker will have follow up visits for up to several years, depending on the requirements of the country the children are being adopted from. These visits will involve meeting with the adopted children and the adoptive family, and making a report back to the initiating country, through the adoption agency.
Find a Mentor Who Has Adopted Foreign Children
A mentor is someone who has been through the foreign adoption process. His or her experience is invaluable to new adoptive families. The mentor can help select an adoption agency, help prepare the piles of paperwork, and in general be supportive and encouraging, both during the process and after the children are home.
If a mentor is not available, an adoption support group is extremely encouraged. This not only benefits the family prior to the adoption, but also the adopted children, who can associate with other children who have been relocated from their native lands.
Find an Interpreter Who Speaks the Adopted Child's Language
Along with support groups, seek out a local person who speaks the children’s native language, and arrange to meet with him or her on a regular basis, at least weekly. This will give the children a change to understand and be understood during the frightening period of transitioning to the new language.
Meeting with such a person will also give the adoptive family the opportunity to understand and be understood by their new children. Find out the questions the children have, and ask the interpreter to explain things to the children. This is essential for the children to have a smooth transition into their new culture, as well as fostering communication between the new family.
International adoption is very rewarding. Parents who have adopted foreign children often return to the same country for more children down the road. They may also adopt several children from a variety of foreign countries, giving new meaning to the phrase, “Blended Family!”
SOURCE:
http://international-adoption.suite101.com/article.cfm/international-adoption-tips-for-adopting-foreign-children
Research Foreign Adoption Law
It is important to research the adoption laws of the country where the children will be adopted from. All countries have different requirements and expectations.
For example, some countries may require the adoptive family to earn a minimum annual salary. Another country may expect the adoptive parents to reside in the country for a minimum amount of time prior to the completion of the adoption. Adoption agencies are well-versed in the legal requirements of the countries they represent.
Find Reputable International Adoption Agencies
Ask around, seeking families who have successfully adopted children from a foreign country. Research the agencies recommended, and request references. All agencies will require fees to fund their programs, but if it seems the fees are excessive relative to the services provided, check other agencies.
A reputable foreign adoption agency will make arrangements for visiting and picking up the children, obtaining visas, travel arrangements and even translators throughout the trip.
Hire a Private Social Worker Experienced in International Adoption
The social worker will do a home-study evaluation and report the findings to the adoption agency. The home-study will address questions such as: Is there room in the home for additional children? Does the adoptive family have the necessary resources, including salary? Do the adoptive parents and/or siblings have experience with children, or criminal records? Essentially, the social worker’s job is to evaluate whether or not the adoptive home is suitable for and in the best interest of the children to be adopted.
The social worker will have follow up visits for up to several years, depending on the requirements of the country the children are being adopted from. These visits will involve meeting with the adopted children and the adoptive family, and making a report back to the initiating country, through the adoption agency.
Find a Mentor Who Has Adopted Foreign Children
A mentor is someone who has been through the foreign adoption process. His or her experience is invaluable to new adoptive families. The mentor can help select an adoption agency, help prepare the piles of paperwork, and in general be supportive and encouraging, both during the process and after the children are home.
If a mentor is not available, an adoption support group is extremely encouraged. This not only benefits the family prior to the adoption, but also the adopted children, who can associate with other children who have been relocated from their native lands.
Find an Interpreter Who Speaks the Adopted Child's Language
Along with support groups, seek out a local person who speaks the children’s native language, and arrange to meet with him or her on a regular basis, at least weekly. This will give the children a change to understand and be understood during the frightening period of transitioning to the new language.
Meeting with such a person will also give the adoptive family the opportunity to understand and be understood by their new children. Find out the questions the children have, and ask the interpreter to explain things to the children. This is essential for the children to have a smooth transition into their new culture, as well as fostering communication between the new family.
International adoption is very rewarding. Parents who have adopted foreign children often return to the same country for more children down the road. They may also adopt several children from a variety of foreign countries, giving new meaning to the phrase, “Blended Family!”
SOURCE:
http://international-adoption.suite101.com/article.cfm/international-adoption-tips-for-adopting-foreign-children
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