What's Next?

People have lots of questions now that we have announced our adoption – the most common of which being, “What’s next?”  Well, to be honest, we’re curious about that too.  This is a process that we’re still navigating, but from researching and talking to our social worker, we’ve learned that it goes a little something like this:

Home Study

This is the part of the process that we are in right now.  What is a home study, you ask?  Basically, it’s a review to see if we have adequate, safe housing for a child and to ensure that we are placed with a child whose needs we can meet.

Step 1: Gather paperwork, including: multiple background checks, statements from our bank and employer, pet vaccination records, autobiography statement, and references just to name a few...Not to mention get a physical, complete parenting education classes, get a psychological examination, and pay a bunch of fees.  It’s hard to have to "prove" that you’ll be a good parent, but we’re getting through it step by step!

Step 2: The next step of the home study process will be meeting two times with our social worker from our home study agency*– once at home (so she can check the safety of our place and interview us) and once at her office.  She then types up all of the information, approves us (because we’re going to be awesome parents J!) and passes it along to our placing agency* for review. 

*Adoption Terms for Dummies: (Don't worry, we barely understand them either!)

Home study agency = The agency that completes our home study

Placing agency = The agency that works with the Colombian government and Colombian orphanages to find the right child for us

Estimated Cost: $7,600

Complete USCIS Application

In order for our placing agency to locate a child for us, we must fill out an I-800A form* and submit it to the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).  Along with this form, we must also get fingerprinted, provide multiple documents showing that we’re legitimate, and pay some more fees, of course.

*Adoption Terms for Dummies (Part 2):
I-800A form = (Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition) The form that the USCIS uses to say that we can adopt…or something like that.

Estimated Cost: $890

Complete Dossier

At this point in the process, we will need to collect documents that are required by Colombia.  Many of the documents will be the same as those we collected for the home study, but we’ll need to have them notarized, authenticated, translated, and approved by the Colombian embassy.  I bet you can guess what that means – more fees!

Estimated Cost: $6,300

Child Referral

After the dossier is submitted and approved, we will begin our wait for a referral!  From what I’ve heard, this is the hardest part.  Up until this point, there are things to keep you busy – gathering paperwork, completing appointments, preparing your home, etc.  Once all the "busy"ness is gone, all you have is waiting…

Once we receive a referral, we will likely consult with a medical provider who specializes in adoptions and can give us advice on the health of the child.  At the time of referral, we also have to finish up paying our fees to the adoption agency.

Estimated Cost: $2,050

Travel

Once we accept a referral (aka our CHILD!!), we will prepare for travel to Colombia to finalize the adoption!  Colombia only requires one trip of around 6 weeks.  (Only one of us has to be there the entire time, but we both have to be there for at least two weeks).  While in Colombia, we'll wait for everything to be legalized, the child will be in our care, and we will begin the bonding process!  I can barely even think about it at this time since it seems so far away and surreal, but it will be the HAPPIEST time of my life…I guarantee it.  

Estimated Cost: $10,000

Return Home with Our Child

Ooooohhh yeah!!

TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS: $26,840

 After that, it’s home sweet home!  So, as you can see, it’s a long and complicated process.  I’m excited to share updates as we get through each step! 

Fundraising will continue to be a big part of the process since we can’t go to the next step until we have the funds to move on…such an unfortunate part of adoption, but I know that it will be worth it when we see our child. 

Because, that’s what this is all about…not about us wanting so desperately to be parents.  Don’t get me wrong – we do desperately want to be parents…but, this is about a child. 

A child who may never have known a loving family. 

A child who was lacking in love and support. 

A child who no one wanted.  

A child who was abandoned when his/her needs were too great.  

A child who may already be out there waiting… 

And we can’t wait to bring that child home. 

For other questions, visit our FAQ page.

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