Adoption Questions and Answers

F.A.Q and Other Adoption Matters

All adoptive families have many questions before and after they make a commitment to adopt a child or children. On this page we will try to answer some of the questions and of course there may be many more we did not think of, but feel free to e-mail us and help us improve this page.

Why should we adopt internationally?

International adoption is somewhat speedier to completion than domestic adoption. In most foreign countries you do not have to be on a long waiting list, even though we know there are exceptions due to the numerous and often changing requirements of the foreign governments.
In most foreign countries adoption is finalized in a Regional court and the adoption is irrevocable.

Are we eligible?

You are eligible if:
- You are of age 25 - 55, some countries will also accept over age 55.
-Couples and singles can adopt. For single man it is harder to adopt in some countries but very welcome to adopt in others.
-If you have a completed home study by a licensed agency in the state of your residency and meet the requirements of BCIS.
-You are US citizen.

How long takes the adoption process?

Most adoptions can be completed in 4 - 8 month, of course with exceptions in case the foreign governments require some new documents or change their requirements. If you have a completed home study and your INS approval when you come to us for a referral, the process may take less time. We can not precisely give a time frame because of so many variables.

What is the cost of an international adoption?

The cost of an international adoption consists basically of the agency's program fee which is a fixed amount (for our agency it is lower if parents adopt a special needs child), and this is actually the smaller component of the overall cost of the adoption. The agency's program fee includes the processing of all the required US and foreign government documents and advocacy and coordination of the placement of the child.
The foreign fee is different for each country according to each country government requirements and they can change. Also travel expenses and in country expenses are very variable. Basically an international adoption can range from 17,000 - 30,000 depending on child's medical status, country and other variables.

What about the child's physical and mental health?

No children, not even your biological ones, are perfectly healthy.
Children that are living since birth in orphanages will have some attachment issues, may have developmental delays, and may have some medical conditions that have been diagnosed or that have not been diagnosed. In some countries abandoned or orphan children are placed after birth in foster homes or in smaller placement centers where they receive more one on one care, more attention and stimulation, which will in turn diminish the developmental delay and psychological development. Most countries provide detailed medical information on the children and in some countries parents may request, while there, a medical examination done by a specialist in that country, for some extra cost. Al children adopted internationally must be tested for AIDS, Hepatitis B, and TB. Before receiving the child's visa to come to US, the child must be examined by a US Embassy approved doctor.

Why are so many children in orphanages?

The primary cause is because of poor economic conditions. Biological parents are very poor, have no jobs, fertility rates are high and birth control is not affordable or religious beliefs will not allow the use of it. These children's families struggle to survive and in some cases they will be reunited with their families when their biological parents can financially care for them. Also most of the foreign governments do not want to give up their children because it is an embarrassment to them to open their orphanage doors to some strangers and they think they can very well take care of the children in their own country.

Why is travel required?

Adoptive parents are required to travel to the country from where they are adopting their child because the country laws require them to appear in court with their child. From other point of view, the international country government thinks that this unique opportunity for the parents to spend some time with their child and form a connection to their child and to his or her culture. In very few countries escort is available to bring home the child and so the second trip can be avoided. Adoption Avenues recommends adoptive parents to travel and get to meet and know their child or children before the court date, because in case the parents think something is wrong with the child they can get more medical information or have the child evaluated while in country, or if they definitely decide they do not want to accept the child they can get another referral.

Who will help us when we get in the country?

When you get to the airport you will be met by our facilitator who speaks English and who will accompany you and drive you where ever you need to go. These people are very professional and competent. All the arrangements will be made prior to your arrival in the country and most families find the process smooth and comfortable. You should be prepared for minor inconveniences which can happen on any trip, like late plane arrivals, jet legs, food orientation, etc. You will have with you our emergency phone numbers where you can reach us 24 hours and also we would advice if you can, take with you a cell phone that can be used in Eastern Europe.

Will our child be a US citizen once home in US?

Yes your child or children will become automatically US citizens upon their arrival in the US, because of the Child Citizenship Act passed on October 2000.

Do we need to readopt our child in US?

Yes, in most cases it is necessary to re-adopt, because it is your state requirement in order to have your child's birth certificate issued here in US or for any other paper work your child will need here in US. Our agency strongly encourages all parents to re-adopt after they arrive home in US.

Why do we need to do post placement reports?

Post placement reports are brief descriptions of your child's life and adjustment in your family, in school and in society. It is required by the foreign country periodically for few years. The post placement reports are done by your social worker and need to be accompanied by some photos. Then they are sent to your adoption agency and they will send them to the foreign country to reassure the government that they made the right decision in the best interest of the child and are crucial for the continuation of the international adoptions in this country.

How will we communicate with our child after we come home to US?

This is a very important issue in building a strong bondage with your child and makes you and your child comfortable with each other. There are some things you can do. You can learn some basic words in your child's language and will use at first more sign language. If your child is younger it will be easier for you and for him/her to learn English. The older the child is the harder it is, but as you knows children learning faster than adults a new language. It is easier for the child if you point to the object and repeat a couple of times, naming the object. Find activities that your child likes the most and try to combine this activity with learning English. Talk to your child all the time in English, read him/her books with pictures, sing songs, watch the kids programs on TV, draw, have your child play with children his/her age who speak English. Be patient and keep talking with your child in English, he/she will learn quickly to speak this language.

You can get more information and ideas on the web site at www.esl.net/eslres.html

For more information on adoption please feel free to call or e-mail us at info@adoptionavenues.org

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