What is International Adoption in Missouri?

If you’ve been considering international adoption in Missouri, then you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.

Although American Adoptions can only complete private, domestic adoptions, we know that Missouri families have other options. That’s why we want to do everything we can to help you complete the adoption of your dreams. Adopting a child from another country comes with a lot of questions, but we plan to answer every one of them.

If you’d like to talk to someone who can help you understand your other options, like domestic infant adoption, then you can always fill out our free information form. But in the meantime, here is our comprehensive guide to international adoption in Missouri.

What is International Adoption in Missouri Like? [The Adoption Process]

The international adoption process tends to be more complex than any other type of adoption. The steps that you’ll go through can vary depending on the type of agency you work with, which country you adopt from, Missouri laws and more.

In general, here’s are the steps to international adoption in Missouri:

Step 1: Decide which country to adopt from. This will be the first and most important decision that you make. The country that you choose to adopt from will have the biggest impact on your overall experience. The best place to start for this step is to look at each country’s requirements for international adoption in Missouri.

Step 2: Choose the perfect agency. Working with an experienced professional is key to completing an international adoption in Missouri. Different agencies work in different countries, so choosing a country first will help determine which of the Hague-accredited international adoption agencies in Missouri you should work with.

Step 3: Start your adoption home study. Every hopeful family will need to complete their home study before they can adopt. This process will be similar to the one you would complete for a domestic adoption. It will typically consist of interviews, background checks and an in-home visit. But the specifies of what you’ll need can change depending on which country you choose to adopt from.

Step 4: Apply for Adoption Eligibility. You’ll also need to apply for your international adoption. But this process will change depending on whether you decided to adopt from a Hague country for your international adoption in Missouri. If so, you’ll fill out a 1-800A. But if you’re adopting from a non-Hague accredited country, then you’ll fill out a 1-600A with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.)

Step 5: Wait for a Referral. After you’ve been approved, you’ll start the process of waiting for a match. We know that waiting is the hardest part, but it will be over before you know it!

Once an opportunity presents itself, your chosen country’s authorities will contact your agency who will then contact you. In some countries, you’ll receive a referral before you travel to the country. While in others, you’ll receive your referral after you get there. Once you receive the referral, it will include information about your child, a picture of them and reasons for why they have been matched with you. If you accept the referral, then you’ll move on the next step of your international adoption in Missouri.

Step 6: Apply for the Child to be Eligible to Adopt. Now that you’ve been matched, it’s time for you to fill out some paperwork for your child for immigration. For this step, you’ll need to fill out form 1-800 or form 1-600 depending on which country you adopted from. If all goes smoothly, then you’ll receive a DS-260 so that you can apply for your child’s visa.

Step 7: Travel and Adoption. The big day is finally here! Once you arrive in your chosen country, you should expect to stay anywhere from one to four weeks, or even longer. During your stay, you’ll have time to get to know your child, explore the country, begin the legal work for your international adoption in Missouri and finish out the visa process. The last step will be an interview with the country’s adoption authorities before you can receive one of four immigrant visas for your child.

Step 8: Return home and complete the re-adoption process

Now that you’ve returned home, you just have one of two steps left for finish for your international adoption in Missouri. If your child received an IH-4 or IR-4 visa, then the adopt is not fully complete and you’ll need to complete finalization. If they received an IH-3 or IR-3 visa, then the adoption is complete, but it’s strongly recommended to go through a re-adoption. In a re-adoption, your child will be issued a new adoption decree and birth certificate. This ensures that your parental rights are protected everywhere, and your child’s citizenship is unquestionable.

Pros and Cons of International Adoption in Missouri

International adoption is a great way to grow your family in Missouri. But like any type of adoption, it comes with its own list of pros and cons.

Pros:

There are many children waiting for families: Because you’re adopting from another country, you’re not restricted to just adoption opportunities in the United States. Many adoptive families are anxious about the birth mother changing her mind, which isn’t exactly an issue in international adoption in Missouri. And there are many children around the world who are waiting for the love, safety and permanency of a family through adoption.

·Helping a child in need: Giving a child the gift of a loving home is a large motivation for some adoptive families. If this sounds like you, then international adoption in Missouri could be the perfect fit.

Cons:

Higher costs: There’s no way around it: an international adoption in Missouri is one of the most expensive ways to grow your family. Traveling to another country isn’t cheap, and there are additional costs that you’ll have to budget for, like your visa.
Language barrier: Depending on the country you adopt from, you may have a challenging time depending on your experience with the language. It can also be a difficult transition for your child depending on how old they are.

Other Types of Adoption

Other than international adoption in Missouri, you probably have some questions about your other options. Here’s what you need to know about domestic and foster care adoption in your home state.

Domestic Adoption in Missouri

There are many similarities between international and domestic adoption. But, if you’re interested in adopting an infant, or if you find the idea of international adoption in Missouri stressful, then you may want to consider domestic adoption.

As one of the largest domestic adoption agencies in the United States, we can be there for every step of your adoption journey in Missouri. And because of our personal adoption experience with all kinds of situations, our families know that they’re in good hands:

“I really liked the full-service aspect of American Adoptions,” Sarah remembers. “When you start researching adoption, it’s so complicated. There are different laws for every state. You can deal with attorneys on your own or create your own advertising campaign. We just didn’t feel we were capable of doing all that.”

To learn more, you can always reach out to us through our free online form.

Foster Care Adoption in Missouri

If you’re planning on adopting an older child internationally, then you can also consider foster care in the United States. This is an especially great option for families who intimidated by the hefty costs of international adoption in Missouri and domestic adoption.

Where Can I Find International Adoption Agencies in Missouri?

There are a few international adoption agencies that you might decide to work with in Missouri. To start the process today, please contact any of the professionals below:

International adoption in Missouri is a great way to grow your family. But, if you’d like to learn more about your other options, we’d be happy to answer any of your questions. To speak with one of our specialists, please fill out our free information form.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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