Home Study process

India specific questions

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• How long does the adoption process take? 

  • On average, the process to adopt takes anywhere from 18-24 months.  This can largely depend on the responsiveness of applicants during initial phases and on responsiveness of country/government officials in later phases.

  • But again, there is great variability based on a number of factors.

• Can I begin working on my adoption before I meet all country minimum requirements? 

  • You may not apply with Children of the World until you meet all country minimum requirements. (This includes beginning to work on your home study before you meet all criteria). 

  • If you must wait – use this time to research and educate yourself.  Trust us – this will NOT be time wasted.

• Can I apply to adopt from both countries (India and China) at the same time?

  • No

• What if I get pregnant while in the adoption process? 

  • India - If you become pregnant during the adoption process, you will need to pause the process until 1 year after the child is born. 

  • China – If you become pregnant before you are matched with and have accepted a referral, you may need to pause the process until 3 years after the child is born.  Should you become pregnant after you have officially accepted your referral, completion of the adoption will be determined case-by-case with the CCCWA.

• What if I or my spouse change jobs during the adoption process? 

  • Depending on what stage of the process you are in, your home study will need to be updated. Keep your adoption coordinator informed of any changes.

• What if our family has to make a move during the adoption process?

  • Try, if at all possible to refrain from making any major changes until your adoption is complete. If you move, but remain in the same state, your home study will need to be updated and your social worker will need to visit your new home.  If you move to another state, a new home study provider will need to be enlisted to update your home study. Any updates to a home study will also need to be made known to US Immigration. This may incur additional charges from US Immigration. Keep your adoption coordinator informed of any potential changes so that they can advise you on how to proceed.

• What if a family member or friend moves in with us or moves out of our home while in the adoption process?      

  • You will need to inform your adoption coordinator of these types of changes. Anyone living with you, for any length of time, during your adoption process must be documented in your home study report. This includes adults, children, missionaries, exchange students, live-in nannies, etc – anyone staying longer that a vacation.

  • If there are ANY changes to your household (even if temporary) your home study report must be updated (this will include having additional background clearances/evaluations/and interviews completed for adults and, at minimum medical evaluations, for children) and US Immigration must be notified.  This may incur additional charges from US Immigration.

• What is a Dossier?

  • A dossier is a set of carefully prepared documents that will accompany your enrollment with your country’s central adoption authority (CARA for India and CCCWA for China).  The dossier is similar to a “portfolio”.  It is has very specific requirements, is “time-sensitive”, and must be authenticated.

• Does COTW assist with the Dossier Authentication process?

  • Yes – we handle the entire dossier authentication process for our clients.

• Does COTW assist with the US Immigration process?

  • Yes – we complete the US Immigration paperwork for our clients.  We have clients review for accuracy – but, we navigate the bulk of the process.

• Do we have to travel to the country to pick up our child? Do both parents have to go?

  • Yes, you will be expected to travel to pick up your child.  Only in extreme circumstances will countries allow just 1 parent of couples to travel. 

• Will we have a guide the entire time we are in-country?

  • You will have a guide for the majority of the time you are in-country. There might be times when individuals/couples are expected to make a plane ride, train ride, or other in-country journey without a personal guide.  Additionally, while in your child’s orphanage city – there might be limited resources to hire a “dedicated” guide the length of your stay.  Prospective adoptive parents are encouraged to educate themselves, ahead of time, about international travel.

• Will COTW make all of our travel arrangements?

  • Children of the World will make all necessary in-country appointments for embassy and child medical exams. Our adoption coordinators work very hard to prepare families for travel and organize all materials/paperwork you will need in-country.

  • In regards to flight and hotel arrangements, this will depend on your country.  At minimum, your adoption coordinator will provide you with recommendations and advice for making your travel arrangements. 

• Can our existing children or other family members travel with us?

  • We recommend that children under 13 yrs old remain home with a guardian while parents travel. There are so many key moments during travel that require adoptive parents’ full and undivided attention.

  • While we recommend that single adoptive parents enlist a close family member or friend to travel with them, we also caution that adult “guests” educate themselves on the importance of adoptive parent and child bonding early on.  Because of this, we often discourage other adult family members traveling with couples.

• What are the steps of the domestic adoption process?

  • There are many steps within the adoption process and an information call is the first step, however, the process always begins with a home study.

• At what point is the adoption finalized?

  • The adoption is finalized in a court proceeding that happens within the months following the placement of the child/children and after a post adoption report is submitted by the social worker that completed the home study.

• How much does domestic adoption cost?

  • The cost varies based on birth mother needs and time of placement.  Typically, a Domestic Adoption costs between $15,000 and $25,000.

• Do I need to hire an attorney to adopt?

  • Yes, an attorney is mandatory for finalization.  We partner with Deirdra L. Drinkard for local placements.

• How does domestic adoption work in Alabama?

  • Completing your Home Study is always the first step.  Placement and transfer of custody comes next.  Then the post adoption visits, and finally the finalization or court hearing.

• How long will it take for me to get a match?

  • As the domestic adoption coordinator, I can honestly say that I never know how long before a match happens.  I have had families waiting for up to two years, and I have had families matched before their home study is completed.  I use a match process for all birth mothers.  I have the birth mothers complete a “dream match” profile and I have the prospective adoptive parents complete a similar profile in what they want for a child/children.  Based on these profile sheets, I match.  I pull these matched profile books for birth mothers to view.  From the birth mothers’ choices, I set up initial meetings between birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents.  On occasion, I have had birth mothers leave a hospital against medical advice.   With little to no meeting with myself, I will contact the prospective adoptive families that have been waiting the longest and are willing to accept a child that may need additional care in NICU or PICU units in the hospital.  These newborns often have had exposure to drugs or alcohol.

• Can I say no to a match?

  • Yes, a family always has the right to decline a match based on exposures in utero or family histories.

• When I am presented a match, is it guaranteed to work out?

  • There is no 100% guarantee until finalization.  However, we do take a great deal of time nurturing our birth mothers and providing counseling services with a private outside licensed therapist.

• Can I be registered with more than one placing agency?

  • Absolutely, and we encourage this.  We have a long standing and well balanced relationship with several agencies along the Gulf Coast region.

• What is open adoption?

  • Open adoption occurs when potential birth mothers and prospective adoptive families have a personal interaction with one another. In this type of adoption, the identities of all parties are shared. Interaction can differ from one family to another and may include letters, e-mails, telephone calls, or visits. The level of openness is discussed and agreed upon in the meetings with the birth mother and prospective adoptive parents, and coordinated by myself, as the adoption coordinator.

• Do I have to have a relationship with the birth family?

  • The level of openness is agreed upon in the early meetings with the birth mother. 

• What happens if I move to another state during the adoption process?

  • You are unable to leave the state in which you filed for adoption until the adoption is finalized. 

• Is it okay if I become pregnant during the adoption process?

  • It is not encouraged to have family changes during the adoption process.  If it would alter your home study, then you must update your home study each time a major change happens.  Some examples include marriage, divorce, job changes, new home, child born, etc.

• What are some of the challenges that may be experienced during the adoption process?

  • The waiting period is the most difficult period in adoption.

• What is the role of the adoption coordinator?

  • An adoption coordinator is a professional who manages and facilitates the adoption process by matching children needing permanent homes with potential adoptive families, working closely with social workers, attorneys, and other relevant parties to ensure a smooth and successful adoption journey; essentially acting as a central point of contact throughout the process.

• What is the role of the social worker?

  • The social worker role in adoption at the beginning is to visit the home, interview the families, and verify the documentation collected in order to write a thorough and complete home study report.  Social Workers provide counseling and support, as well as answer questions during the visits.  The social worker will also visit to follow up once placement has been made to verify all is well, then they will complete a post adoption report attesting to the bonding and attachment they witness.  These reports are necessary for court in the finalization hearing.

BACK TO TOP

• What agency does Children of the World work with in Puerto Rico?

  • Children of the World works directly with REVA (The Department of Families and Children) in Puerto Rico.  We have several attorneys we partner with once the match is made and finalization is set.

• What are the steps involved in adopting from Puerto Rico?

  • You first must complete a Home Study completed and approved in order to begin the adoption process in Puerto Rico.  Once we have a completed home study, we prepare a file with the home study, home study documents, photos, and other information.  Children of the World will then send the file to REVA for review and registration.  Once the file is accepted, a registration letter will be emailed and then physically mailed to the family.  This notifies the family the file will be placed in the queue for match consideration.  Once a month, the REVA match committee meets to review children eligible for matches.  If a family is chosen, they will receive an email asking if they would like to set up a zoom call with the social workers to discuss the child (or children) and review the possible match details.  The zoom call takes several hours.  The social workers will review the entire medical and psycho/social profiles of the child (or children).  If they are of school age, the social worker will review school records as well.  This is the time to ask detailed questions about the child (or children).  The call ends with REVA and the social worker from Puerto Rico asking if you would like to meet the child in person, and move forward in the adoption process.  Once you agree to meet, you will make travel plans and we will coordinate the meetings.  You will travel to Puerto Rico and attend several days of in-person meetings with the child (or children), then you will travel home.  After returning home, the social worker will coordinate with you on bringing the child to you and placing the child (or children) in your care under “supervised placement”.  This means the social worker will make zoom calls once a month and an in-person visit to bring the paperwork for finalization.

• How much does it cost to adopt from Puerto Rico?

  • The cost is between $8,000 - $10,000, varying based on whom is completing the home study.  A fee schedule with a complete breakdown will be emailed to the client once documents are signed.

• How long does it take to get a match from REVA?

  • The time varies based on age of desired placement.  The younger the child the longer the wait.  Older children and sibling groups are a faster placement.  However, the typical wait time is 18 months to 2 years.

• Can I be registered in the Domestic Adoption Program and the Puerto Rico program at the same time?

  • Puerto Rico is considered a Domestic Adoption. Therefore, you can be registered in both the Domestic Infant Adoption Program and Puerto Rico Adoption Programs at the same time.

• Can I adopt an infant from Puerto Rico?

  • The youngest placement is typically 12 months, unless there is a sibling group available that has a newborn/infant.

• Will I need to travel to Puerto Rico?

  • Yes, you will make two mandatory trips to Puerto Rico.  One to meet the child (or children) initially, and one to have the hearing for finalization.

BACK TO TOP

• What is a Home Study?

  • The home study is actually a 12-15 page report that, if approved, allows families to continue through the adoption process. Having an approved/completed home study is the first step for any adoption.  The home study process consists of prospective adoptive parents gathering all items needed (several background clearances, medical and mental health evaluations, documentation, certificates, and references) and meeting with an assigned social worker (in their home), who will then write the report. The process typically takes 90 days to complete.

• How long is a home study good for?

  • Many states, including Alabama, require a home study for adoption to be updated every twelve months. For international adoption, USCIS requires updates every 14-15 months after the I800a approval.

• When a home study is updated, do we have to pay the full home study fee again?

  • COTW has a significantly reduced charge for the update if we completed the original home study. This information will be on the fee schedule supplied at inquiry.

• I want to adopt through COTW, can COTW complete my home study too?

  • If you are a resident of Alabama, COTW will complete your home study. If you are NOT a resident of Alabama, your COTW adoption coordinator will help you find a licensed home study provider in your state.

• I am adopting internationally with another placing agency, can COTW complete my home study? 

  • Yes – if you are a resident of Alabama. Please contact our home study only coordinator here.

• I already have a home study completed in my state. Can COTW accept this home study with the appropriate changes?

  • Several factors will apply – is your home study for domestic or international adoption? How long ago was it completed, was your home study preparer licensed/accredited, etc?  We will do what we can to help minimize any additional steps.  Your adoption coordinator will let you know what needs to be done from a case by case basis.

• I have already begun the process of a home study in my state, not knowing what country I would adopt from. Can COTW accept this home study? 

  • Your home study will need to be “country-specific”.  It is best to have COTW involved in the home study process as soon as possible to avoid lengthening your process with “re-do’s”.  **Additionally, some home study preparers have increased fees for changes made late in the home study process.

• I’ve recently adopted, & we’ve now moved to Alabama. Can COTW provide post placement services for me?    

  • Yes! Welcome to Alabama.  Please contact our home study only coordinator here.

• Does COTW have an established relationship with the Central Adoption Authority of India (CARA)?

  • Yes, COTW is licensed by CARA and has had a positive, well established relationship for many years.

• Does COTW only place special needs children from India?

  • CARA guidelines allow for Indian born applicants to request to be matched with a healthy referral.  All other applicants will be matched with a child with special needs.  Please see our special needs grid here – for a list of common special needs.  

• Has COTW had any disruptions from India? How many and why?

  • Yes, we have had 2. In both cases the child’s initial reaction to the mother was not positive and the adoptive parent(s) feared this would not change/improve with time. We were able to re-place the children involved in these cases into already approved families. Their adjustments have been very positive.

• Does COTW work with Indian couples that live in the U.S.?

  • Yes, if at least one prospective adoptive parent is a US citizen. (either by birth or naturalization)

• Is it possible for Indian citizens living in the US with green cards to adopt from India?

  • Unfortunately, U.S. immigration requires that at least one of the prospective adoptive parents has to be a U.S. citizen to bring an adopted child into the US under the Hague Convention. Indian parents must live with their adopted child in India for 2 years to apply for a visa for their child.

• Do Indian couples living in the U.S. get preferential treatment with CARA regarding adopting an Indian child?      

  • We do not believe Indian couples receive preferential treatment.  However, applicants who were born in India do have the ability to request to be matched with only a healthy child.  Couples/Individuals making this request are likely to experience an increase in wait time for a referral.

• Does COTW handle relative adoptions from India?

  • No, we do not.

• What age child can I adopt?

  • The minimum age difference between the parent (youngest parent, for couples) and the child is 25 yrs.

  • Single applicants 46 – 50 yrs may adopt a child 4 yrs or older. 

  • Single Applicants 51 – 55 yrs may adopt a child 8 yrs or older.

  • For couples, CARA will examine your combined age, at registration to determine the minimum age child you are eligible to adopt.

  • Couples with a combined age at registration of 91-100 may adopt a child 4yrs or older.

  • Couples with a combined age at registration of 101-110 may adopt a child 8yrs or older.

• When am I registered with CARA?

  • Applicants are registered with CARA after COTW receives a finalized approved home study report from the social worker / home study provider & the registration documents from the applicant(s). 

• How many trips to India will I be asked to make?

  • Traditionally, prospective adoptive parents will make 1 trip to India (avg of 10 days).  Recently, we are finding that more and more families are being asked to make a second, earlier, trip to appear for the adoption court hearing. 

  • When making the decision to apply for our India adoption program, please make sure you understand the REQUIREMENT of a second trip is a possibility.

• Will I have to go to court in India to appear before a judge?

  • This is a possibility.  We are seeing more and more judges request families appear for adoption court hearings. Please keep in mind that this request is typically motivated by the magistrate’s desire to ensure he/she is ruling in the best interest of the child.

• Does COTW allow prospective adoptive parents to foster their child in India at the appropriate time?

  • Typically, no. Fostering is not a decision to be made lightly. Prospective adoptive families must understand the risks and significant amount of time this type of extended travel demands of the COTW staff and resources.  In VERY special circumstances fostering in India is allowed – but, only when it is approved in advance by the orphanage and approved by our Director of International Programs. 

• Can we take an extra trip to meet / visit our child before the adoption is finalized?

  • Only after ____________ and if the visit is approved by your orphanage.