subject: International Adoption: Choose a Christian Agency [print this page] International Adoption: Choose a Christian Agency
So you want to look for international adoption information? The first step in your international adoption information search would be to find an ethical, licensed and knowledgeable Christian adoption agency. While an international adoption is a wonderful way to give children a permanent hope and loving home, the process is extremely difficult and your key to success is a Christian adoption agency. But just what international adoption information should you look for to help you choose the right Christian adoption agency? Here are five tips for choosing the right Christian adoption agency for your international adoption.
What is a Christian adoption agency and why is a "Christian" agency important? The Encarta Dictionary defines Christian as kind and unselfish showing qualities such as kindness, helpfulness, and concern for others. Most Christian adoption agencies are non-profit and in the country to provide a kindness and be helpful to the children who are orphaned and in need of a loving caring family. Many Christian adoption agencies have non-profit financial arms to help these orphanages with money, equipment, medical supplies and trained personnel in an effort, not only to provide homes for the children, but to help the children in their care and the individuals they hire, to understand correct ways to serve the children. You do not need to be a Christian to adopt from a Christian adoption agency, but no matter if you adopt from an international adoption agency or a Christian adoption agency, it is vital you do your homework. Understand which countries are good adoption countries and if the Christian adoption agency is licensed to work in this country. Not all Christian adoption agencies are licensed for every country. Most focus on specific countries because they have a vested interest in that country. Most Christian adoption agencies will be members of The Hague Accreditation or the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS).
Look for more international adoption information on the Internet. This will help you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of any international adoption. The Internet has more information than you'll want to read in a lifetime. Be sure to check the Hague and the government adoption sites.
Once you've chosen two or three international adoption agencies, it's time to investigate. It's wise to ask them for the names of people they've worked with before and contact those parents and ask them how their international adoption agency helped, didn't help or could have been better. Ask about their experience and if they'd use the agency again or even adopt internationally. Then contact the State licensing agency and ask if the international adoption agency's license is current and if there are any major complaints. The Better Business Bureau can also tell you if there have been complaints against the international adoption agency you are considering. See if the international adoption agency is a member of The Hague Accreditation or JCICS. Then meet with the agency and ask to see all their information, their paperwork, fee schedules, and all contracts you will need to sign.
Don't sign any documents until you read them and understand them thoroughly. A signed legal document has standing in a court, both financial and emotional, so don't sign anything until you READ it and UNDERSTAND it. A licensed, well respected, Hague Accreditation Christian adoption agency or an international adoption agency member of JCICS will be more than happy to spend extensive time with you to help you understand the commitments you are making to the international adoption agency and the child you are trying to adopt. Your Christian adoption agency can walk you through the massive stacks of legal paperwork from the US State Department; they can talk with you about home studies, and the reports you will have to file after the child is placed in your home. Be sure to ask, the international adoption agency or the Christian adoption agency can't read your mind, they'll try to answer all the questions, but if you don't ask you won't get an answer.
Once you decide on a Christian adoption agency, don't keep second guessing yourself. Get working. International adoption takes a lot of time, decision-making, and planning. International adoptions don't happen overnight, there are mounds of US State Department paperwork, planning for the new child, organizing your household, finding the financing, understanding the country where your international adoption will take place and the challenges your child will have in moving to the US and understanding the challenges you will have with a new baby or child. A good dose of patience will be a vital key to surviving an international adoption.
It is hoped that you will find some information in this article that will help you along your way. Always make sure you understand the process and any contracts you sign.
