Embarking on the journey of international adoption is a momentous step, and the wealth of information available can often be overwhelming for families. If you find yourself grappling with the myriad choices of country programs and agencies, rest assured that you’re not alone. To assist you in this important decision-making process, we’ve compiled some valuable tips to help you sift through the information overload and feel empowered to make informed decisions.
1. Getting Started: Get the Lay of the Land
Begin your exploration by attending a free virtual (or in-person) informational meeting. Barker conducts monthly free information meetings. These sessions, facilitated by experts and professionals in the adoption field, provide a cost-free opportunity for you to gain insights into the considerations associated with international adoption. Even if the agency’s programs don’t align with your immediate interests, these meetings offer valuable information for you to consider as you explore your options.
Information sessions may include presentations by families who have recently adopted, giving you a firsthand perspective. We always have a Barker family present at our general information meetings! This exposure can help you gauge the agency’s ethos and decide if it resonates with you.
Take a step back and examine international adoption from a broader perspective. Dive into the Department of State’s adoption statistics, explore countries with personal connections (heritage, study abroad, language, etc.), and grasp the significance of the Hague Convention on intercountry adoption. Delve into adoptee voices through platforms like Barker’s Blog, and trainings such as Barker’s FREE ‘Parenting Children with Specialized Needs’ training to gain insights into adoption children with specialized needs, and other adoption related topics.
2. Picking your Program: How to Choose the Right Country Program for You
Choosing the right country program for your family can be tricky, and it’s natural for prospective adoptive parents to have questions. Before actively pursuing any program, consider the following:
1. Children’s Age Group: Assess the age group of children you feel best equipped to parent. If unsure, discuss this with an adoption professional, and consider a Pre-Adoption Consultation for personalized insights.
2. Number of Children: Determine the number of children you hope to adopt. Are you open to a single child, or a sibling group? If you are considering sibling adoption, we invite you to view our video, ‘The Importance of Sibling Adoption,” to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of keeping siblings together.
3. Specialized Needs: Assess your comfort level adopting a child with identified specialized needs. If you’re not sure of the level of need you’re best equipped to manage, that’s ok! Barker’s free ‘Parenting Children with Specialized Needs’ training is a great place as you reflect and gather information.
After these conversations, you can start narrowing down the country program based on your eligibility and the needs of children in each program.
3. Parent Eligibility
Eligibility varies by state, country, and agency. Consider factors like age, marital status, income, existing children, health, citizenship, criminal history, and potential religious requirements. We invite you to learn more about eligibility for our India program by clicking here.
Needs of Children in Each Program:
It’s important to understand the circumstances that lead children to need an adoptive family in each program. We encourage families to ask questions about the age range of available children, and prevalent medical and emotional needs.
In Barker’s India Waiting Child Program is open to families of most backgrounds who are open to "Waiting Children," or children in India with moderate to significant identified specialized needs. Children of all ages need families through this program, especially children over the age of 8. Large sibling groups of 3+ children are also in need of families through this program. Interested in Barker’s India Waiting Child Program? Fill out our Pre-Screen Form today!
The Traditional (Heritage) Program is open to families that include one Indian passport holder (NRI) or one Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. At least one parent must be a US Citizen. In this program, families are given priority in adopting children without identified specialized needs. OCI and NRI prospective families are eligible to adopt a young child considered overall healthy, though families should note that wait times tend to be much longer in this program. NRI and OCI families may wait in the Traditional and Waiting Child program simultaneously, though they will ultimately be matched through only one at a time.
4. Selecting the Right Agency
Agency selection is a highly personal choice and should align with your family’s needs. Once you have narrowed down your list of countries, you may check the IAAME website to find accredited agencies running programs in your chose country, or Barker’s adoption specialists can help you explore adoption in ANY country. A Pre-Adoption Consultation can be a great way to get 1:1 time with Barker staff dedicated to assisting you in your country selection process. Be sure to review agency policies, fee agreements, and contracts, published on their websites. It’s crucial to work with a Hague accredited agency, like Barker, for international adoption.
Many agencies, like Barker offer individual consultations and free information meetings to assist prospective parents. If you’re uncertain about where to begin, reach out to The Barker Adoption Foundation for personalized support as you embark on these initial steps in your adoption journey. Contact us at 301-664-9664, schedule a 15 complimentary meeting with our Outreach Specialist, or email us at: tlusane@barkerfoundation.org; we are eager to assist you!
