Adoptions Together Homepage
 Building Families & Keeping Them Strong
 Make a Donation


International Adoptions Procedure
 

Thank you for your interest in our International Adoption Program!

We are delighted that you are considering adoption for your family. Taking the first step in international adoption is exciting but it may also feel overwhelming. As you read about our programs and learn about our local and international staff, you will find that we are a team of compassionate, skilled and experienced "travel guides" for this journey of a lifetime.

Adoptions Together Parental Requirements

Our strongest mission is to provide loving, safe and secure homes for every child. Therefore, as a potential parent, you must demonstrate that you are physically and emotionally able to lovingly care for a child. We work with couples, preferably married for at least one year, and with singles, regardless of race, faith, gender or orientation. However, some countries do impose certain restrictions and in those cases, we defer to the country's requirements.

Challenges of International Adoption

We are committed to guide you throughout the entire journey of your adoption. We work very hard to minimize your frustrations and risks. Adoptive families do need to understand the capricious nature of governments and to accept the many variables in foreign policies and procedures that are out of our control. Therefore, families pursuing international adoptions must be flexible!

This journey of a lifetime will be made easier if you keep in mind:

  • Time frames and fees for an adoption may change due to unforeseen circumstances
  • Country requirements may change with little or no warning
  • Orphanages and medical facilities are typically well below western standards
  • Adopting families will need to embrace unfamiliar traditions, cultures and policies
  • And always remember: PATIENCE IS A NECESSARY VIRTUE!

Support Through Your Adoption Journey

Our name, Adoptions Together, reflects our belief that the adoption journey is most successful when traveled together.

In addition to being your "travel guides" throughout the journey, we also provide comprehensive support for each adoptive family. We strongly encourage you to participate in as many educational and support opportunities as possible.

We offer the following opportunities at no additional cost to our adoptive families:

During Your Adoption

  • Waiting Parent Support Groups - general and country specific
  • Parenting Classes - specific to your child's country of origin
  • Dossier Preparation Support
  • International Travel Preparation Meetings - country specific
  • Case Manager Social Worker Support - available for questions and assistance
  • Regular email newletters with helpful information and updates to AT adoptive families
  • Buddy Family Program - pairs you with an experienced adoptive parent
  • Recommended Reading Materials - related to international adoption and parenting

Beyond Your Adoption

The Center for Adoptive Families provides life-long support services, including:

  • Parenting Classes
  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • Parent Support Groups
  • Children Support Groups
  • Adoptive Children's Camps
  • Educational Seminars

Our Center is the cornerstone for many adoptive families in keeping their families strong.

We encourage our families to make suggestions on any other ways we may be helpful before, during and after an adoption. We are committed to travel the journey together!

For More Information

Please call the agency at (410) 869-0620 or fill in the contact us form.