There are literally millions of children around the world in orphanages that need a home.  Perhaps the home that could be available to them is yours.  We have available for your reference our adoption story and what it has meant to us.

In order to adopt internationally, you must satisfy the requirements of two countries - the one where the child currently resides and your own.  All foreign countries do not allow their children to be adopted internationally, or are very restrictive on their requirements.  Whatever country you choose to adopt from will have a procedure that must be followed.  The requirements will vary from country to country depending upon the laws of that country and at time a country will change their requirements and procedures.  Periodically, adoptions from one country may be suspended because of negotiations they are having with your country.

So with the many countries having differing procedures, how do you find out the qualifications and requirements to adopt from a particular country?                 

You need to find a good adoption agency. 

There are many agencies so how do you select which one to use? 

Select an agency that is experienced in adoptions with the country of your choice.  They should have  experience placing several children each year from that country, and not just an occasional placement.  Talk to people who have already adopted using any agency that you are considering.

What requirements will you need to meet?  As already stated they will vary from country to country, but in general you will probably have to supply the following:

•  Home Study
•  Police Report
•  Physical Examination Report
•  Birth Certificates of the adopting parents
•  Marriage License (some countries allow unmarried people to adopt)
•  Employment Verification
•  Financial Statement
•  Approval from your country's immigration office
•  Some countries requires you to travel there to receive your child.  Some of them even requires you to make multiple trips to the country.

It will be the job of your agency to guide you as you obtain all of the documents and get them properly notarized, certified, and authenticated.  They will then review your documents and forward them to the proper authority in your child's country.  They will also guide you through the process of actually receiving your child and any post placement reporting that needs to be done.  For a fee, some agencies will even do some of the paperwork for you.

Agencies that we suggest for more information:

• A Helping Hand
• America World Adoption Association
• Bethany Christian Service
• Children's Hope International      
• Dillon International                                    
• Holt International Children Services        
• Love Baskets, Inc.                                    

Some of these agencies holds free seminars around the country explaining the adoption process.  Check their web sites for the date, time, and location of one coming to your area.