Requirements

While the most important requirement for adoption is an open heart and commitment to love and nurture a child, there are specific requirements that have to be met to successfully complete your adoption. Your social worker is well versed in these requirements and will work closely with you to ensure they are met.

State Requirements

The state in which you reside has established requirements which include ensuring that your home is free of obvious safety and fire hazards and that a new family member can be comfortably accommodated. Your homestudy agency is the best source of information about these requirements.

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) Requirements

When adopting internationally, at least one prospective parent must be a U.S. citizen at least 25 years of age who is able to qualify for an orphan visa petition. Fingerprints will be required for the I-600A or I-800A form, "Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition," which can be obtained from the USCIS website. Detailed filing instructions are provided with our application packet.

Wide Horizons For Children (WHFC) Requirements

As an adoption and child welfare agency, we have guidelines which we believe provide the best possible environment and opportunities for children placed. These include pre-adoption preparation, a commitment to stay home with your child for two months following your child's arrival, and post-placement follow-up with your social worker. Issues around parenting skills, family relationships, and cultural awareness will be discussed with your social worker in your pre-adoptive group and during the home study process. These guidelines are provided in our application packet.

Program (Country) Requirements

These requirements vary and may involve marital status, length of marriage, and number of children already in the home. Please refer to information on each specific WHFC program for more detail.