Now that you know which countries you will
explore, look at agencies that have a program in those countries. Ideally, you
will find an agency that has a program in each of the countries you are
interested in. Once again, be sure that you fit the agency’s eligibility
criteria, their geographic reach, (Some agencies have geographic limits.) their
fee structure. Narrow your choices to several candidates then begin to research
those agencies extensively. Check out their website, speak on the phone with
the person who runs the program in your country of interest, and send away for
written materials. You will be surprised at how quickly you will get a feeling
for different philosophies and operating styles when you do this type of
investigation.
Once you pick an agency, you are on
your way!
As in any adoption, you will complete
an application for the agency and undergo a home study (see Chapter Nine). You
will also begin to prepare your international adoption dossier. Get ready to
get organized.
Foreign countries tend to have many, many
requirements for international adoptive parents. You will fill out many forms,
some with five copies that all have to be typed in as originals. You will also
find that many countries do not use the same standard paper as the U.S.,
i.e., 81/2” by 11”, so you’ll need to be creative with copying and using
typewriters.
Most international adoptions require that every form you
submit, e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree,
certificate of health insurance, have both a notary seal, be certified by the
state and authenticated by its embassy.
