How Does Foreign Adoption Work

Each year, thousands of Americans adopt a child from overseas. However, the process of adopting a child from another country can be difficult. Those seeking foreign adoption must comply not only with U.S. federal law and the laws of their home state but also with the laws of the child’s country of origin. Depending on whether you adopt a child from a country that is part of the Hague Adoption Convention or not, there may be other rules with which you must comply. As far as the process is concerned, adoptive parents must first file an application with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, pay the application fee, pass an FBI fingerprint and background check, and undergo a home study. Ultimately, you must be able to show that you are eligible to adopt and capable of providing proper care to a child. Due to the complexity of intercountry adoptions, most adoptive families work with an adoption attorney or an agency. Make sure the attorney or other provider has the appropriate licenses, accreditations, and experience to help you with your particular needs. For more information, visit adoption.state.gov. Good luck.