International Adoption

The International Adoption Process

Below are the Steps for the International Adoption Process:

1 - Informational Session

To learn more about any of our adoption programs, please complete this short inquiry form and a worker will email you additional information.    

Please review the eligibility requirements for this program.

2 - Identify a Placing Agency

For international adoptions, you will need to have another placing agency in the United States that works with your identified country. You will be completing an international dossier.

​Please visit http://adoption.state.gov if you have questions on adoption with a specific country.

3 - Application

You may apply online once you have submitted our online inquiry form above and have reviewed all of our program information. The non-refundable application fee is $500. 

4 - Social Worker Assigned

Your social worker will contact you shortly after receiving your application. An initial meeting will be scheduled. 

Please see our Staff to learn more about us!

5 - Initial Meeting

The initial meeting occurs at our office. Your application and the home study process will be discussed. You will need to bring your birth certificate(s), marriage license(s), divorce decree/annual paper(s), and most recent two 1040’s. You will also need to bring a check for the home study fee. Please see our fee schedule for more details.

6 - Pre-Adopt Training

The Pre-Adopt training may be completed at various points in the home study process, but it needs to be completed prior to home study finalization. Please see the calendar for upcoming dates and speak with your social worker about signing up.

7 - Paperwork

Your social worker will work with you to ensure all paperwork is completed in a timely manner throughout the home study process. Your social worker will provide you with a paperwork checklist that will need to be completed prior to the home study approval.

​For international adoptions, all applicants need to complete at least 10 hours of online Hague training.

Individual Session

(Client #1)

• Each applicant will complete one individual session with the social worker. The individual session typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and occurs at the office during business hours. During the individual session, your social worker will ask you various questions regarding your personal history, family, career, values, and so on.

Individual Session

(Client #2; if applicable)

• Each applicant will complete one individual session with the social worker. The individual session typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and occurs at the office during business hours. During the individual session, your social worker will ask you various questions regarding your personal history, family, career, values, and so on.

8 - Home Visit

The home visit is typically the final step in the home study process. During this visit, your social worker will tour your home and complete a safety checklist.

9 - Home Study Approved

In Virginia, your home study is valid for three years. However, please note, if you are pursuing interstate, international, or Waiting Child adoption, you may need to have updates for your home study in compliance with the regulations of other states/countries.

To ensure all of our families are meeting ongoing licensure requirements, your social worker will continue to check-in and monitor your home after you are home study approved. You will notify your social worker if there are any significant changes in your home, family, and/or daily life. You will also attend at least one annual training at our office. Please see the calendar for upcoming dates.

10 - Send Home Study to Agency

Your social worker will send your approved home study to your other agency.

11 - Matched with child

When your placing agency has matched you with a child, you will travel to the country.

12 - Travel to Country

You will travel to your child's country. You will remain in the country until the adoption is finalized, then you are permitted to return to Virginia with your child. Please note that every country has different requirements and it is helpful to speak to your international agency about these expectations.

13 - Return to Virginia

You will report to your Catholic Charities social worker upon returning to Virginia with your child to schedule the first post-placement supervision visit.

14 - Post-Placement Supervision

Your post-placement supervision requirements are dependent upon the county requirements and the state requirements for where you are finalizing the adoption. This will determine the specific number of home visits and reports needed.

The purpose of these visits is to talk about family dynamics, learn about the child's health and development, and to continue to support you through your adoption journey.

​15 - Adoption Finalization

The international adoption may be finalized in your child's country of origin. However, you have the option of re-finalizing the adoption in Virginia upon your return. Re-finalizing is often recommended as it may future tasks easier for your child, such as requesting their birth certificate.

If you choose to do so, you will need to hire an adoption attorney to help you navigate the laws to re-finalize your adoption.