Who can adopt?
What are the age requirements?
What are the residency requirements?
Are there any other requirements?
Approximately how long does the process take?
Approximately how much will it cost?
Can we select the child we want to adopt?
Do I have to travel to Ethiopia?
How do I get started?
What is an I-600A?
Can I start an adoption if I already have one in process?
What are the requirements for a Post-Adoption Report?
What is a home study?
What paperwork will I need?
What is the difference between a notarized copy, a true copy, and an authenticated copy?
GENERAL ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS
1. Who can adopt?
Our services are available for all prospective adoptive parents who are citizens of the United States and it Territories. (At least one parent must be a citizen of the US)
Married couples and single women may adopt.
2. What are the age requirements?
One parent should be at least 25 years of age and no older than 55 years of age.
Prospective parents should be no older than 50 years of age to adopt an infant.
3. What are the residency requirements?
At least one parent must be a US citizen. If travel is required, the US citizen must travel. The US citizen may have dual citizenship. The family may reside inside or outside the United States.
4. Are there any other requirements?
Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) must have no history of spousal or child abuse. Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) must agree to complete medical evaluations, criminal clearance checks, and other forms of evaluation
5. Approximately how long does the process take?
Currently you can expect the process to take about one year. This is from the time you submit your application to Hope Adoption Agency to the time you bring your child home.
Many things contribute to the length of time the process takes, therefore, times are approximate.
6. Approximately how much will it cost?
The costs for adopting a child from Ethiopia can be found on the complete fee schedule. The published fees do not include homestudy fees, travel or hotel expenses. However, in most cases, some if not all of the fees can be recovered through tax credits and other programs designed to assist families who wish to adopt. Half of the fee is due upon referral and the other is due before traveling to Ethiopia. If you plan on having your child escorted (additional cost), this half will be due before the child comes home.
7. Can we select the child we want to adopt?
No, it is not possible to choose from different children. Adoptive parents may request children of a specific gender, age range and health status (including any special needs you would consider). Hope will provide full dislcosure of age, sex, and a personal profile of each of child and we will personally find a child that is most compatible with your family.
8. Do I have to travel to Ethiopia?
Effective May 9, 2010, Ethiopia requests that one or both parents appear in court.
After court is passed, prospective parent(s) may travel to Ethiopia for the Embassy appointment or have the child escorted from Ethiopia. For married applicants: if desired, one parent may choose not to travel.
GETTING STARTED
9. How do I get started?
Download an application. Find an agency licensed to do international home studies in your state and begin the home study process. Download the I-600A form from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
10. What is an I-600A?
The I-600A is a United State Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form that is also called the Application for the Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. This form allows the USCIS to begin processing a family’s request to bring an orphan into the United States. It is a good idea to file the I-600A as soon as possible.
TIP: When filling out this or any other USCIS form, decide who is going to be the “Chief Petitioner” and keep that person consistent on all USCIS forms. If only one parent is a US citizen, that person must be the chief petitioner.
11. Can I start an adoption if I already have one in process?
It depends on the country you choose to adopt from. As with any part of the process, requirements are subject to change without notice. Currently, Ethiopia places no restrictions on a family being pregnant or having another adoption in process. Each country has its own set of requirements. Prospective adoptive parent(s) should be aware that even if they have adopted before or have a current adoption in process, new paperwork will be required, new copies of forms will need to be requested, and a
new I-600A will need to be completed.
12. What are the requirements for a Post-Adoption Report?
Post-adoption reports are required by Ethiopia until the child turns 18 years of age. Reports must be prepared and submitted by your home study provider at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year from the date the child arrives in the United States. Families should meet with their social workers well in advance of the due dates for the post placement reports.
After the 1 year report is submitted, adoptive parents may complete the remainder of the annual reports.
13. What is a home study?
A home study is a process of education and evaluation that helps determine if a family is ready to adopt. Home studies are conducted by a social worker licensed in a family’s state of residence. Requirements for home studies vary by state but generally include in-depth interviews with prospective adoptive parent(s) and at least one visit to the home. Interviews will cover prospective adoptive parent(s)’ motivation to adopt, personal and family backgrounds, views on child rearing, and preparation for international adoption. During the home study process, social workers help prospective adoptive families by providing information and resources according to the families’ needs. Upon the completion of interviews, visit(s), and adoption education, the social worker submits a written report to the adoption agency and makes a recommendation.
For families who live in the St. Louis, Missouri area, Hope’s social worker supervisor will provide home study services. After your application is submitted and approved, the social worker supervisor will contact you to schedule your home studies.
14. What paperwork will I need?
There are many types of paperwork required to complete an international adoption, including state requirements. The following types of documents are generally required to complete an international adoption:
- child abuse registry clearance
- FBI and/or local criminal clearance
- physician’s report
- employment/income verification
- names, addresses, telephone numbers of references
- copies of marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s) as applicable
- birth certificates for every individual living in the household
15. What is the difference between a notarized copy, a true copy, and an authenticated copy?
A notarized copy is signed in the presence of a licensed Notary and bears the Notary’s signature and seal.
A true copy is a signed and notarized document that states that the original copy of a legal document is in the possession of the stated party and that the attached copy is a true copy of the original.
An authenticated copy bears the state’s authentication certificate. This certificate certifies the authenticity of the issuing official or notary public’s signature on the document certifies the capacity in which the person has acted, and identifies the seal/stamp on the document.
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