Request our Adoption Information Packet.
In it you’ll receive: Our Adoption Guide, with information on all of our participating countries, and our application. Best of all, it's free! Click here to request yours today.
We have international adoption programs in China, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Russia. Each of these programs has their own requirements, fee schedules and wait times. Our Adoption All Guide will assist you in finding the country that is right for your family.
Attend an informational meeting or online seminar.
These meetings are designed to give you a basic overview of the programs we have available and help answer any questions you may have about the adoption process. Visit our Meetings & Events page to find an upcoming meeting near you. You can join us online with a recorded seminar at any time by visiting our Webinar page.
Contact us directly via email or phone.
You don’t have to wait; we are here to help you. Call us toll free at (888) 899-2349 or send us an email.
Fill out the Children’s Hope application.
Applications are typically approved within two weeks of arrival. Your own personal adoption consultant will then be assigned. They are experienced with the adoption process specific to the country you have selected and will be able to answer any questions, as well as help you with all of the following:
Home Study
Children’s Hope will help you find a home study agency or, if you live in a state in which we are licensed, we wil offer you CHI home study services.
- Preparation: Write an autobiography
- Copies of the following documents may be needed during the home study:
- Birth certificates for each family member
- Marriage certificate
- Letter from local police stating “no criminal record”
- Financial statement
- Medical letter/report from your family doctor on official letterhead stating positive condition of physical or mental health for adoptive parents and children in the home
- Reference letters
- Home Study/ Post-Adoption Agreement
Your country guide will supply more specific guidelines.
NOTE: It can take between 3 to 6 months to successfully complete a dossier. This includes completing the home study process, submitting the I-600A or I-800, fingerprinting, collecting all required dossier documents, receiving an I-171H, and getting all dossier documents state certified and authenticated, or apostilled.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Regional office online: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
Because you are adopting from abroad, you need to obtain approval for a visa for the child. After filling out the I-600A or I-800, you will need to send CIS:
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Photocopies of birth certificates or proof of citizenship.
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A copy of divorce decree if applicable.
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A photocopy of marriage certificate if applicable.
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A favorable notarized home study with agency license.
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A fee of $670 + $80 for each person over the age of 18 living in the home to be fingerprinted.
You will be notified by your local CIS office when and where the fingerprinting will take place.
Dossier
All documents must be originals. Documents must be notarized, state certified/apostilled, and in some countries may be authenticated. In addition to the documents listed below, each country has specific documents that are required. Country specific examples and instructions can be found in the country guide.
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A letter of application to adopt
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Home Study/Copy of Agency License/Post-Adoption Agreement
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CIS approval (I-171-H)
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Copies of passports
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Birth certificates for adoptive parents and possibly any children in the home
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Divorce decree(s) (if applicable)
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Medical reports/Letters for each parent and possibly children in the home
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Employer letter(s)
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Financial statement(s)
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Police/FBI report(s)
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Reference letters (3-5)
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Photos
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Passport photo(s)
Parent Education
As a Hague Accredited agency, Children's Hope requires ten hours of Hague compliant adoption education prior to submitting your dossier. Through your education, you will be more comfortable and prepared when you unite with your child. To help you comply with this requirement, a list of options is provided in your approval packet. It is also required to access www.chifamily.net for additional training on environmental toxins, genetic disorders, maternal substance abuse and country specific information. Click on Adoption Process at the top of the page then Parent Education.
We also suggest that you take advantage of some of the following educational opportunities:
All first time parents will be required to attend a basic parenting class, available through most local hospitals.
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