Birth families

To be eligible to adopt from India, the following criteria must be met:

1. At least one spouse must be a US citizen.

2. Couples must be married for a minimum of 2 years.

3. Same sex couples will not be eligible.

4. Single women are eligible.

5. PAPs must be financially stable with the ability to comfortably support a child.

6. PAPs with a history of substance abuse, unstable relationships, serious medical illness or unstable mental health will not be eligible. PAPs with a legal history will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

7. PAPs with a history of domestic or child abuse will not be eligible.

If you or your partner (if applicable) qualify for intercountry adoption in India (see 1. above), we would like to schedule some time with you to complete a consultation and answer your questions about our India program. Email your inquiry to adopt@adoptinter.org.

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is India’s Central Authority that oversees in-country and inter-country adoptions for India. Adopt International is privileged to be licensed by CARA for international adoptions from India. India follows the best practices and standards according to the Hague adoption guidelines. Efforts are made to reunite or maintain the child with their biological family, and when not possible to seek a domestic family first and then an international adoptive family. CARA is the entity that matches children in good health with prospective adoptive families.

[taken from NCFA site]

A Hague Country is a country that has signed and implemented the international treaty referred to as the Hague Convention on Adoption. It is an international agreement to establish safeguards so that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child. The Convention entered into force for the United States in April 2008. The Hague Adoption Convention applies to adoptions between the United States and the other countries that have also joined it. The Hague regulates the way adoptions are carried out and provides certain procedural safeguards internationally instead of leaving the procedure up to individual countries.

A non-Hague Country is a country that has not signed and implemented the Hague Convention on Adoption.

Note: The Universal Accreditation Act (UAA), requires that adoption service providers in the U.S. who are working with prospective adoptive parents in non-Hague adoptions must comply with the same accreditation requirement and standards for all children, regardless of their country of origin.

Please inquire for the most up to date costs/fees associated with our India Country Program. Email adopt@adoptinter.org.

Yes, you can adopt a relative from India if the child has become orphaned or if the biological parent/parents are incapable of providing care for the child. Each relative adoption request must be approved on a case by case basis. Please email Sharmeela@adoptinter.org with details of your case and she can schedule an intake interview.

The medical history of the birth parents or genetic history is not known. At referral the medical report of the child will include growth measures of height, weight and head circumference taken periodically from the time the child is admitted into the orphanage. Any major illness or hospitalization, medications the child may be taking, and immunizations given to the child are all mentioned in the referral medical report. If the child has a known special need then reports from a specialist as well as the CMO’s report validating the child’s special need will also be available.

After CARA issues the No objection Certificate, parent/parents may take custody of their child. They must live in India with their child till their process is completed. This may involve a 4 to 5 month stay in India.

Children ages 0-6 years are cared for in orphanages called Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA). Children ages 6- 12 and 12-18 live in group homes called child care institutes (CCI). They range in size and condition. Some SAAs and CCI’s are government run while others are private non profits registered with CARA. There is a process underway in India where foster families are being recruited to provide care for the children but this is in the early stages.

It is important to note that USCIS only approves those cases where a child has become orphaned or when the biological parents, if living, are incapable of providing care for the child.

• The Prospective Adoptive Parents:

  • At least one spouse must be a US citizen.

  • Couples must be married for a minimum of 2 years.

  • Same sex couples will not be eligible.

  • Single women or single men are eligible.

  • PAPs must be financially stable with the ability to comfortably support a child.

  • PAPs should not have any history of domestic or child abuse.

The children:

• The child(ren) to be adopted must be from the PAPs family tree.

• Orphaned or clear factual evidence that the birth parent/parents are incapable of providing care for their child due to financial, mental health or medical issues.

The child must be from the PAPs family as verified by a family tree. They can be the child of a sibling, cousin, niece or nephew.

For relative adoptions we use the Hague process. On the US side there is no difference in process as USCIS issues the I800A, I800 and Article 5 approvals as with all adoptions. On the India side there are a few additional steps involved. As the child is living with family members, there are no child referral documents. Instead, the District Child Protective Unit (DCPU) where the child resides conducts a family background verification. The parent or guardian of the child in India is interviewed, documents are verified, and a family background report is generated by DCPU which serves as the child study report. CARA then issues a pre-approval letter approving the adoption plan. The adoption order is issued by the District Magistrates office, or a family court if the child resides in Maharashtra State. CARA then issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a Certificate of Conformity validating that the adoption has taken place as per the Hague process.

Relative adoptions are subject to the same Hague process as all other adoptions from India.

As with all India adoptions, documents validating stability of the Prospective Adoption Parents are needed. The homestudy process is required and conversations will focus on trauma, adjustment and appropriate developmental stages depending on the child’s age. Homestudy documents include doctor and employer letters, letters of reference, and fingerprint clearances.

In India, documents specific to a relative adoption include letters of relinquishment by a parent or guardian, death certificates of the biological parent if applicable, police reports if the birth parents has been incarcerated, letters from a doctor or therapist if the child is being relinquished due to medical or psychological instability of the birth parent. A medical report of the child to be adopted, and a letter of consent to the adoption plan if the child is over age 5, are also needed.

For an already completed adoption, USCIS has provisions for an I-130 visa for eligible parents. Adoption agencies are not involved in this process and parents use the guidance of an immigration attorney. If the adoptive parents wish to use the Hague adoption process they must first get the existing adoption order nullified by an Indian court and then restart their adoption as per the Hague process.

If the child was adopted by an informal deed that has not been registered or recognized by CARA, the parents can contact us for guidance on restarting their adoption under the Hague process.

USCIS requires clear factual evidence that the birth parent/parents, if alive, are incapable of providing care for their child. Proving incapacity, especially if incapacity is solely due to financial reasons, can be challenging. Adopt International thoroughly assesses and reviews the circumstances unique to each family, prior to accepting a family that requests a relative adoption process.

Multiple government agencies on the India side are involved in a relative adoption. Additionally the PAPs live in the US and it is their designated family member or the child’s guardian in India that has to work with these agencies to facilitate the adoption. Delays are therefore inherent in this process and should be anticipated.

Yes. Adoptive parents for relative adoptions typically stay in India for 4 to 6 weeks. They apply for their adopted child’s passport, attend the passport interview with their child, and then complete the final 3 steps in the process to bring their child home.

CARA does not require post adoption visits for relative adoptions. Adopt International requires at least 3 visits to be completed within a year of arrival, to support the child’s adjustment and integration into the adoptive family. CA residents are also required to complete a re-adoption.

• At least one spouse must be a US citizen.

• Couples must be married for a minimum of 2 years.

• Same sex couples will not be eligible.

• Single women are eligible.

• PAPs must be financially stable with the ability to comfortably support a child.

• PAPs with a history of substance abuse, unstable relationships, serious medical illness or unstable mental health will not be eligible. PAPs with a legal history will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Share Children listed on the CARA Portal are available to OCI and NRI families only, for the first 14 days. Therefore, the children with mild, manageable or correctable needs usually get reserved in the first 14 days. After 14 days non OCI or NRI PAPs may reserve the child.

• Families without OCI or NRI status must be open to a child with a moderate need.

In the last few years Adopt International has placed a number of children with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss, cleft lip and palate, minor/correctable heart issues (ASD, VSD, PFO, PDA), metabolic disorders, HIV +, born to a birth mother who was HIV+, premature birth, low weight, kidney issues, club foot, and amblyopia.

We also see children on the list with downsyndrome, missing digits or limbs, skeletal dysplasia, missing eye, and other more severe medical needs.

Yes, typically the wait time is much shorter for families open to special needs, as the list is typically updated weekly. There is no penalty for considering a child and not moving forward with the match. Once the match is made the adoption and visa processes are the same as a child in good health.

Yes, timelines are typically shorter for special needs adoptions. We have seen wait times vary from 4 days to 3 years. Typically families that are open to considering a child with known special needs are matched in about a year.

Once the match is accepted the timeline is similar to a child in good health.

• What support is available to help families prepare for parenting a child with identified needs?

Pediatricians who specialize in adoption medicine are amazing resources to help PAPs evaluate potential child referrals and also in preparing PAPS to parent the child. Local Children’s Hospitals can also be a wealth of information. Adopt International can connect you to other families who have already adopted a child with an identified need to chat about their experience..

• Are there resources or training Adopt International recommends or requires?

These two medical clinics have assisted families with international adoptions for decades.

• University of Minnesota Adoption Medicine Clinic

• International Adoption Clinic at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

The National Council for Adoption has some great resources for families considering adopting a child with special needs. https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/children-with-medical-special-needs-considering-the-impact-on-child-development/

https://adoption.talentlms.com/plus/catalog

The reporting requirements for a child with a special need is the same as a child in good health. You will be seen by your social worker 4 times in the first year after arrival and 2x in the second year. These visits are intended to offer you support with your transition into parenthood or the growth of your family. The reports are sent back to CARA and the child’s orphanage. Compliance with post adoption reports helps to keep countries open to intercountry adoption.

1. At least one spouse must be a US citizen.

2. Couples must be married for a minimum of 2 years.

3. Same sex couples will not be eligible.

4. Single women are eligible.

5. PAPs must be financially stable with the ability to comfortably support a child.

6. PAPs with a history of substance abuse, unstable relationships, serious medical illness or unstable mental health will not be eligible. PAPs with a legal history will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

7. The combined age of the PAPs determines eligibility with regard to the age of the child desired. CARA counts age in years, months and days

   1. PAPs with combined age of less than 85 years, or under age 40 for singles, can request a child ages 0 to 2 years.

   2. PAPs with a combined age of less than 90 years, or under age 45 for singles, can request a child ages 2 to 4 years.

   3. PAPs with a combined age of less than 100 years, or under age 50 for singles, can request a child ages 4 to 8 years.

   4. PAPs with combined age of less than 110 years, or under age 55 for singles, can request a child ages 8 to 18 years.

   5. There must be a minimum age gap of 25 years between the PAPs and the child.

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is India’s Central Authority that oversees in-country and inter-country adoptions for India. India follows the best practices and standards according to the Hague adoption guidelines.

Children between the ages of 0-16 years are available for adoption. Children available for adoption may be orphaned or abandoned due to poverty or teenage pregnancies, and other family situations. Thorough investigations take place to locate the parents of an abandoned child and counseling is offered to birth parents relinquishing a child. Only those children declared to be legally free for adoption are referred to the PAPs.

The adoption process from India depends on numerous factors.

• Families must complete their home study through a Hague-accredited agency. For families living in CA or HI, Adopt International will conduct the homestudy. For families in other States, Adopt International will help the family identify a Hague accredited agency in their State and both agencies will contract to work together on different parts of the adoption process.

• A homestudy process requires the PAPS to turn in a lot of documents. If a family prioritizes making time to provide all the required documents, a homestudy can be completed in 8-12 weeks.

• Once the HS is complete, families complete the I800A form; Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country and await USCIS approval.

• While awaiting I800A approval, PAPs submit the documents required for their CARA registration so that the agency can register them with CARA.

• PAPS typically receive I800A approval in about 8-10 weeks.

• Approval time for the CARA application can vary from a few weeks to several months.

• PAPs that are only open to considering a child in good health must be prepared to wait for a long time. The wait time is not predictable and changes as more children get added to CARA’s database. Currently it takes about 4 years to be matched with a child in good health.

• Male and female children are available, and families may indicate a gender preference. This may impact your wait time.

• PAPS may indicate 3 preferred States of Choice or a zone of choice, though this may extend the wait time for a referral.

Contact adopt@adoptinter.org to inquiry about current wait times.

The wait time for a referral is lengthy and unpredictable and can take up to 4 years. PAP’s who are open to considering children with known special medical needs or developmental delays may experience shorter wait times.

PAPS receive a medical exam report, (MER) a child study report (CSR) and a photograph of the child referred to them. The MER provides information on the child’s health, growth measures (Height, Weight and Head Circumference), immunizations and any history of illness or hospitalization and illness. THE CSR provides information on the child’s motor, social and emotional skills, the child's personality, likes, and dislikes. The PAPs get 30 days to decide on the referral and during this time they can consult with a doctor of their choice and can also visit the child in India to help make an informed decision on the referral.

Yes, both Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) are required to travel to India to receive their child. Some Regional passport offices also require the PAPs to be present for the passport appointment for their child. Families will need to complete the final 3 steps in the process after taking custody of their child. They must travel to Delhi for the exit permit, pre-visa medical exam, and the visa interview. The in-country stay to complete these 3 steps is around 7 to 10 days. If required to attend the passport appointment the stay will be longer; around 3 weeks.

An additional first trip after referral is optional and up to the family. Some families want to meet the child prior to acceptance and others move forward without this step. This trip is typically only for a few days.

On rare occasions, an additional trip may be needed if the District Magistrate or the Family Court requires the PAPs to be present at the adoption hearing. In most cases PAPs attend the adoption hearing via video call.

Typically it would be around 8 months after referral acceptance.

In a non relative adoption you will be seen by your social worker 4 times in the first year after arrival and 2 times in the second year. These visits are intended to offer you support with your transition into parenthood or the growth of your family. The reports are sent back to CARA and the child’s orphanage. Compliance with post adoption reports helps to keep countries open to intercountry adoption.

Home study fees differ between domestic and international home studies, and specific requirements. To inquire about home study fees, email adopt@adoptinter.org.

Domestic Home Studies are generally valid for one year, and International Home Studies are generally valid until your immigration adoption approval expires.

After your home study is completed, it is submitted to your placing agency to be presented to birth families (for domestic adoptions) or submitted as part of your country dossier and USCIS immigration application (for international adoptions).

Home studies are prepared specifically to meet each state’s regulations. For families who are moving from one state to another, we may be able to work with your previous agencies and “endorse” your previous home study, which means we may be able to reuse some information from your previous home study and reduce the time and fees to update your home study.

Yes, both domestic and international home studies must meet state requirements; however, international home studies must also meet Hague and country-specific requirements. International home studies involve more training and more child abuse clearance(s).

All adult members of the household must complete FBI, DOJ, and child abuse clearances. In addition, out-of-state child abuse reports must be obtained from states you have resided in, in the last 5 years (for domestic home studies) or since age 18 (for international home studies). Some states and country requirements also require national and state sex offender, local police, and/or DMV clearances.

Yes, all household members are part of the home study. Adults over 18 years of age must complete a criminal background check, provide a medical clearance, and complete a short interview. Documentation for children in the home includes a medical and school report. They must also be present at the home inspection for observation/short interview, depending on the child’s age.

Yes. Children and family members residing in your home must be at the home inspection interview.

No, one of the first steps in starting an adoption is starting a home study. For international adoption, you must have secured a Primary Provider before an international home study is officially started.

Some of the most common reasons for a delay in a completed home study are a lack of transparency or disclosure of information and/or a delay in submitting documents in a timely manner. Reasons for a denied home study may include a lack of transparency and disclosure of vital information.

Contact your home study agency once a major life event has occurred, including a change of residence, a new adult in the household, a new child in the family, a significant decrease in financial status, a change in family (eg, divorce), or a significant change in health.

Yes, your home study is confidential and only shared with agencies and authorities that you have authorized us to share with. In general, this includes your placing agency/ Primary Provider, attorney, judge, US immigration, and foreign governments. Some states require an expectant parent to see a redacted version of the report. This would only be done with your consent.

Open adoption allows for some level of ongoing contact between birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. This can include sharing photos, letters, phone calls, or even in-person visits. The level of openness can be flexible and based on what everyone is comfortable with.

Yes, in California, open adoption agreements can be legally enforceable if they're in writing and approved by the court as part of the adoption process. However, the agreement must serve the best interests of the child, and all parties must voluntarily agree to the terms.

Yes. In open adoption, birth parents have the opportunity to choose the adoptive family. You can review profiles, talk with potential families, and even meet them to decide who feels like the right fit for your child.

Contact can range from occasional updates and photo exchanges to regular visits, depending on what you and the adoptive family agree on. Every open adoption is unique, and the level of contact is tailored to what works best for everyone involved.

Yes, contact can change over time based on mutual agreement. Relationships evolve, and it's common for families to adjust their level of contact to reflect what’s best for the child and for everyone involved.

That’s okay. Open adoption is about choices, and if you decide that ongoing contact isn’t right for you, your wishes will be respected. You can still choose a family and create a plan without committing to future communication.

In most open adoptions, yes. Depending on the level of contact, your child will often know your name, your story, and have a sense of your love and reasons for choosing adoption. This openness can help the child form a healthy identity.

Many adoptive parents embrace open adoption because it helps them better support their child’s emotional and cultural identity. They often view birth parents as an important part of their child’s story and value the connection.

Research shows that children in open adoptions often benefit from the openness and are not confused. Having access to their birth story and knowing where they come from can provide comfort and clarity rather than confusion—especially when the relationship is handled with honesty and love.

Yes. In fact, many expectant parents find comfort in meeting the adoptive family during pregnancy. This can help build trust and create a foundation for your ongoing relationship.

In California, you can change your mind after birth until you legally sign the adoption papers and they are processed through the Department of Social Services, which can only happen after the baby is born. Once the papers are signed and your revocation period has passed, the adoption becomes permanent. It is usually 2-3 weeks after the baby is born.

In Hawaii you can change your mind after birth before you sign the adoption papers and give the adoptive family physical custody. Our social workers encourage you not to sign anything until you feel confident in your decisions and feel ready to sign the documents. We do not rush or pressure you in any way.

Yes, Adopt International is Hague accredited (by IAAME) and licensed (CA and HI) to provide adoption services. We meet all state, federal, and international standards for ethical adoption practices. This accreditation ensures that families and children receive the highest level of transparency, support, and legal compliance throughout the adoption process.

The length of the adoption process can vary depending on the type of adoption (domestic, international, or foster care), the country involved (for international adoptions), and individual circumstances. On average, it can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months. Our team will walk with you every step of the way to help keep things moving forward as smoothly as possible.

A Home Study is a comprehensive assessment that ensures adoptive families are prepared and qualified to provide a safe, loving home for a child through adoption. It includes interviews, background checks, home visits, lots of paperwork, and education. The Home Study is required by both state and international adoption laws and helps match families with the right child based on their strengths and readiness.

Yes, California residents can adopt internationally. Adopt International is licensed to provide international adoption services and will help you meet U.S. immigration and California, or Hawaii, state regulations.

You will likely be required to complete a number of post adoption visits so that reports can be sent back to your child’s country of origin to update them on how you all are doing, your child’s growth and adjustment. Each country determines how many visits and reports are needed and the timing of such.

Post-adoption support is a key part of our commitment to families. We offer resources such as counseling, support groups, referrals, and educational materials. Whether you have questions about parenting, cultural connection, or adjustment challenges, our team is here to provide ongoing support well after your adoption is complete.

Home study fees different between domestic and international home study and specific requirements. To inquire about home study fees, email adopt@adoptinter.org.

Domestic Home Studies are generally valid for one year and International Home Studies are generally valid until your immigration adoption approval expires.

After your home study is completed, it is submitted to your placing agency to be presented to birth families (for domestic adoptions) or submitted as part of your country dossier and USCIS immigration application (for international adoptions).

No, home studies are prepared specifically to meet each state’s regulation. For families who are moving from one state to another, we may be able to work with your previous agencies and “endorse” your previous home study, which means we may be able to reuse some information from your previous home study and reduce the time and fees to update your home study.

Yes, both domestic and international home studies must meet state requirements; however, international home studies must also meet Hague and country specific requirements. International home studies involve more training and more child abuse clearance.

All adult members of the household must complete FBI, DOJ and child abuse reports in California. In addition, out of state child abuse reports must be obtained from states you have resided in, in the last 5 years (for domestic home studies) or since age 18 (for international home studies). For Hawaii, you must also complete a federal and Hawaii sex offender report.

Yes, all household members are part of the home study. Adults over 18 years of age must complete a criminal background check, provide a medical clearance and complete a short interview. Documentation for children in the home include a medical and school report. They must also be present at the home inspection for observation/short interview, depending on the child’s age.

Yes. Children and family members residing in your home must be at the home inspection interview.

No, one of the first steps in starting an adoption is starting a home study. For international adoption, you must have secured a Primary Provider before an international home study is officially started.

Some of the most common reasons for a delay of a completed home study is lack of transparency or disclosure of information and/or a delay in submitting documents in a timely manner. Reasons for a denied home study may include lack of transparency and disclosure of vital information.

Contact your home study agency once a major life event has occurred, including change of residence, a new adult in the household, a new child in the family, significant decrease in financial status, change in family (eg divorce) or significant change in health.

Yes, your home study is confidential and only shared with agencies and authorities that you have authorized us to share with. In general, this includes your placing agency/ Primary Provider, attorney, judge, US immigration and foreign governments. Some states require an expectant parent to see a redacted version of the report, this would only be done with your consent.

Relative adoption is when a child is legally adopted by a member of their extended family, such as an aunt, uncle, sibling, or cousin.

Yes, unless their parental rights have been terminated, or in cases of death or abandonment.

Yes, for both U.S. and international processes.

On average, 18–24 months.

It depends on whether the adoption is recognized by the child’s country’s Central Authority. Guidance from an adoption agency is essential.

Costs are similar to other adoptions, but some fees (like orphanage support) may be waived.

Not always. An attorney may be needed in the child’s country of origin or in complicated U.S. cases.

We’ll help you think of all your options, and the pros and cons of each of them. We are always here to listen and sort through your emotions so you are comfortable with the choice you make in the end. Adopt can also give you referrals to other programs, counselors, and connect you to other birth moms or parenting resources.

Open adoption is when you choose the family who will parent your child, and you have the option to stay in touch with that family. Often times in open adoption you will exchange pictures, letters, and have visits with the family and your child. If you are interested we can share lots of research with you about how this is best for everyone involved, but ultimately you get to make the decision that feels most comfortable to you.

Families make picture books about themselves for you to start to get to know them. After you look at the books and have chosen a family you can, if you want to, meet them face to face. If you don’t like the first family you meet it’s perfectly alright to keep looking until you find the best family for you and your baby.

Yes, we are available 24/7 no matter where you are living. We can work with you to pick one of our waiting families, who are in California and Hawaii, or work with an agency in another state in order to make sure you have the best family and adoption plan for you.

If you are matched with a family before going into labor we will work with you, the adoptive family, and the hospital employees to create a hospital plan that meet your needs. This plan is flexible and can always change depending on how you are feeling at the hospital. We believe this is your time to call the shots and make sure the experience is what you want it to be.

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If you are admitted to the hospital and have not been matched yet, don’t worry. With our over 40 years of domestic adoption experience working with women, we are well versed in being flexible, and working quickly in order for you to pick an adoptive family, meet them, and even have the baby go home with them. We can help you fill out the paperwork, or can work with you to get it completed after discharge.

No, some of the expectant mothers we work with, don’t want to pick the family, and we are happy to do that for you if you want. We will ask you questions about yourself that help us narrow down who would be a good match for you and your baby.

Every open adoption is different because the relationship between the adoptive family, birth family, and adoptee changes based on how much and what kind of contact the birth family wants. Often birth families are in touch with the adoptive family pretty soon after the baby is born, and receive pictures, letters and even have visits with the child. Before the adoptive parents are able to finalize the adoption they have to wait 6 months. During that time they will meet with a social workers 4 times to check in on the baby, their parenting, and to make sure everything is going smoothly.

Don’t worry. We have been doing this for a long time and no matter how much time we have before the baby comes we will make sure you are supported, and feel comfortable throughout the process. We work with people at all stages of their pregnancy and some women even after they have delivered.

No, there is never any cost to birth families. Most state laws allow the adoptive family to pay for pregnancy related expenses for the birth mothers a few months before delivery and 1 or 2 months after. This means any maternity clothes you need will be covered, along with the medical bills, as well as a few other expenses. Every state is different but we can help you figure out what is allowed and what isn’t.

We will find a loving forever family for your child no matter what your medical history entails. Depending on the type and amount of the drugs used, we will make sure to match you with a family who is prepared to raise a child who may have been impacted by drugs in utero. It is important that you are honest and upfront about the drug use so we can match you with an appropriate family.

If you decide to parent your child we are completely supportive of you and the decision you have come to. This is a big and important decision, and we would never want you to feel pressure to place your child for adoption - no one will be upset with you.

One of the benefits of open adoption is that there are no secrets. Children are told about their past and their birth families. They understand the decisions that you made when they were a baby were in the best interest of you and your child. Also, many birth parents enjoy making scrapbooks and albums that document pregnancy, birth, and the early life of their child from the perspective of the birth parent. We have seen that when children grow up knowing their birth families and are able to ask you questions they do better. They have less confusion, less anger and feelings of resentment and abandonment. Since we have been around for so long we have seen the benefits of open adoption first hand. Children of open adoption enjoy getting to know how they are like their birth families and how they are like their adoptive families.

Call us at (800) 969-6665 and we can answer any questions you have and send you the paperwork to get started. We can also meet with you face to face if you prefer.

No. An adoption agency, like Adopt International, will advocate for you and advise you of your legal rights. That being said, if you want a lawyer we will help get you one.

Yes, a birth certificate will be created that has your name, as the mother, and whatever name you give your child (we will get you an original of this birth certificate). With your permission, we will also get an original for your child to keep as many adoptees really value having a copy of their original birth certificate. When the family finalizes their adoption a new birth certificate will be made with the adoptive parent’s names, and the name they give the baby. Often both parties talk about it and decide a name together. Many adoptive parents choose to include the name you give the baby as their middle name.

In order for us to present a family to you they have to go through a long background check, where we look at their personal history, medical history, criminal history, and finances among other things. They are also required to take classes on parenting, and adoption. Then we approve them to become an adoptive family, this is called the Home Study. We find the best matches come when you and the prospective adoptive family have things in common like shared values, hobbies and dreams for your child.

Placing your child for adoption is a scary, stressful, and very hard thing to do. You will feel sad, there is no way around it. Grieving is a normal process after placing your child, and we are here to support you, listen and help you cope with your emotions at this time. Many people find it helpful to go to counseling or talk to other women or couples who have been through a similar situation.

Adopt International only works with families who want open adoptions and in California you have the option to make your post adoption agreement legally binding. We can help you figure out exactly what details you want in your agreement, and then make it legally binding if that is what you choose. If you live outside of California but pick a California family you may have the option to still have a legally binding agreement about continuing contact. Many other states have similar laws. We can help you figure out the laws of your state.