Choosing an adoption agency is a big step. You may feel happy about adoption. You may also feel unsure about where to start. It is normal to have questions.
If you want to adopt a child from another country, an international adoption agency can help you. Children’s House International helps families learn about adoption programs in different countries. Our team can explain the steps and the adoption rules for the country you choose.
How to Choose an International Adoption Agency
Ask Important Questions
International adoption involves several steps. A good agency can explain each step clearly and in simple language. You may want to ask questions like:
- Which countries do they work with?
- What are the steps?
- What documents will I need?
- Can you help with my home study?
- What help will I get after adoption?
- Whom can I contact if I need help?
Check the Countries
First, check which countries the agency works with. Each country has its own adoption rules. These may cover your age, family size, health, income, and other factors. Before you choose an international adoption agency, make sure it works with the country you are interested in adopting from.
Ask About the Home Study
Home study is an important part of adoption. A social worker will learn about you and your family. They may ask about your family, home, lifestyle, career, finances, and plans for the child. The social worker may also visit your home. Home study helps show that your family and home are ready for a child.
Children’s House International provides home study services in Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Texas, Utah, and Washington. If you live in another state, you may need to work with a local Hague-accredited agency for your home study.
Home study and placement services are different. While CHI provides home study services in the states mentioned above, families can work with us for international placement regardless of where they live in the United States, as long as their chosen country is one we work with.
Ask About Help After Adoption
Adoption does not end when a child joins your family. Your family may still need help and support. Ask the agency what help it offers after adoption.
CHI provides post-adoption services. These may include social worker visits and reports required after an international adoption.
Choose the Right Team
The right international adoption agency can help you feel supported. It should be a team you can trust and talk to when you have questions. Children’s House International is a Hague-accredited non-profit international adoption agency. It was founded in 1975.
Through adoption programs in countries around the world, CHI has helped place more than 3,000 children with families.
Contact us to know more about international adoption, home studies, and post-adoption services. Our team is ready to guide you and help you understand the next steps.
Call us at 360-383-0623.