Frequently Asked Questions
What is an international Adoption?
Where do I begin?
Should we expect a signed contract?
What is the difference between an adoption agency and adoption facilitator?
Is there a risk in working with non licensed individuals?
What is a dossier?
What is the difference between an IR-4 and IR-3 Visa
Do I have to finalize the adoption
when I bring my child home.
What is an international adoption?
An international adoption is where a family from one country adopts a child from another country. The adoptive family must comply with the law of their state, federal law and the law of the country.
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Where do I begin?
Your first step is to do your homework there are hundreds of agencies and adoption professionals that advertise their services. Check with the licensing office of the adoption professional's home state, the Better Business Bureau, and the adoption boards on the web. Always ask for references and ask those references for other references.
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Should we expect a signed contract?
Absolutely!!!!! Do not enter into a relationship with any adoption professional without an adoption services agreement. This protects you. The contract should address your rights and obligations as adoptive parents as well as the adoption professional's responsibility to you. Fees should be clearly stated.
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What is the difference between an adoption agency and an adoption facilitator?
An adoption agency is usually a corporation, either for profit or not for profit that is licensed by its home state to provide adoption services. An adoption facilitator is a person or corporation not licensed by the state but still provides adoption services.
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Is there a risk in working with non licensed individuals?
Yes. Non licensed individuals are not regulated by any government entity. On the other hand, licensed adoption agencies are required to carry malpractice insurance, require a board of directors, minimum continuing education, and qualified staff. Adoption attorneys are licensed by their local bar, usually carry malpractice insurance and must also comply with continuing education requirements.
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What is a dossier?
A dossier is a groups of documents that are required to pursue an adoption in a foreign country. The dossier usually includes a home study, criminal background checks, proof of financial solvency, medical letters, letters of reference, proof of marriage and birth certificates. The documents contained in the dossier vary from country to country.
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What is the difference between an IR-4 and IR-3 Visa
An IR-3 Visa is issued to an adopted child that has been personally seen by both parents prior to the completion of the adoption. An IR-4 Visa is a visa given to a child that is intended to be adopted in the United States or a child whose parents did not see them prior to the completion of the adoption. This is why families are asked at the embassy, "When was the first time you saw the child?" The consular official will then ask to see your passport.
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Do I have to finalize the adoption when I bring my child home?
If you receive an IR-4 Visa, 8 C.F.R. 204.3 requires that adoptive family either adopt in their home state or file some type judicial process.
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