International Adoption Phases

The international adoption process contains many parts including United States government clearance, agency clearance, foreign paperwork, child acceptance, travel, post-placement reporting and registration. International adoptions are full of changes, delays, paperwork, waiting and last minute requests.  It can be an emotional roller coaster as families work with the agency and the governments to navigate through the complexities of the process. 

To help families have an overall perspective of the process, IFS has developed a basic flowchart of the adoption process for IFS families.  This chart provides a general overview of the various phases.  It is not intended to be a detailed list of the many possible particulars of the process.  All contracted IFS families are required to complete each phase of the process including necessary training and paperwork.

IFS believes that educating and training its families will better equip and prepare them as they go through each phase of the adoption process. For this reason, IFS has created a new comprehensive Family Training Program. This program is designed to train and educate families on specific topics related to where they are in the process. 

WE ARE ENTHUSED about the new training opportunities available to you through our IFS Family Training Program. The courses are outlined below and additional information can be obtained by emailing us at classes@ifservices.org.

All Prospective Adoptive Parents who have contracted with IFS for adoption services after October 31, 2004 are required to complete all available training courses. Families meeting this criteria will receive a credit to their IFS account of the paid tuition fees upon submission of their certificates of completion. Both parents, if applicable, are required to complete the courses individually. Family Hope Advocate Families are required to complete the With Eyes Wide Open and the Family Hope: Training for Advocate Families manual prior to having a child in the home. The tuition fees paid for these courses will be credited to the IFS account if the Advocate Family contracts with IFS for adoption services and upon submission of the certificates of completion and proof of payment.

Phase One:  Agency Documents

Courses completed during this phase are:

International Adoption Process

(In development)

Provides prospective adoptive parents with a general overview of the international adoption process, basic terminology, the basic roles and responsibilities of the agency, facilitators, foreign representatives, United States and foreign governments and other entities involved.  This course also addresses paperwork questions, post-placement and registration requirements and general adoption laws of various countries.

Reality Check: Common Health and Developmental Issues of Internationally Adopted Children   AVAILABLE NOW!

Download Book

created in collaboration with University of Alabama-Birmingham, International Adoption clinic.

Educates prospective adoptive parents about the risks, needs and developmental issues of institutionalized children using real-life examples in addition to proven research. Provides extensive information and resources lists on topics such as fetal alcohol, attachment, behavioral issues, as well as, common medical and health concerns as they relate to adopted children. For more information or to download a copy, contact your Program Director.

Phase Two:  Foreign Documents

Courses completed during this phase are:

Cultural Training and Awareness

(In development)

Traveling to a foreign country can be extremely stressful, especially when the purpose of the trip is so important.  This course equips prospective adoptive families with a basic understanding of how to adapt, enjoy and embrace the many cultural differences they will experience as they travel to meet or bring home their child.

With Eyes Wide Open: A Preparation Guide to International Adoption

offered in collaboration with AdoptionLearningPartners.org

Helps parents prepare to adopt an international child and offers creative methods to reconstruct the years families have missed with the child. Leads parents through exercises that help them imagine their child’s life during the first years; research and prepare for the challenges of transitioning; and, think about and plan one’s parenting style. Nineteen chapters; self-study format. Tuition: $30.

For Logon instructions for With Eyes Wide Open, CLICK HERE.

REGISTER NOW

Phase Three:  Child Acceptance and Travel

Courses completed during this phase are:

Travel Preparation COMING SOON!

Equips families as they prepare to travel to either meet their child or complete the adoption. Includes such topics as booking travel, obtaining visas and invitation letters, expectations, agendas, embassy, citizenship and currency issues, document and packing checklists, and travel tips from those who’ve been there.

Becoming a Family

(In development)

Preparing siblings and extended family, fielding questions and adjusting to a new member of the family are some of the topics covered in this course.  Prospective adoptive parents will learn strategies and techniques for making the upcoming transition be as smooth as possible for those involved. 

Phase Four:  Post-Placement

Courses completed during this phase are:

Respectful Parenting

offered in collaboration with Lifematters.com

Post-placement support for adoptive families who have completed their adoptions and currently have the child in their home. This course introduces the concept that children misbehave when they feel thwarted in their need to belong and in their need for love and attention. Using this approach, you can develop a reliable, parenting style which uses logical and natural consequences, not punishment. Based on the premise that children naturally want to learn and cooperate this class is applicable for children of all ages. Eight week, self-paced online class facilitated by a licensed family therapist, 24/7 online discussion board. Fee: $50 for single, $80 for couples. If you have completed your adoption and your child currently resides in your home, CLICK HERE to register. If you have not completed your adoption, you should not register for this course. It is designed to support parents once they are home with their child.

For Logon instructions for Respectful Parenting, CLICK HERE.

Additional Training Course for Advocate Families in the Family Hope program:

Family Hope: Training For Advocate Families Available Now!

Prepares and educates Advocate Families for welcoming a Family Hope child into the home during a two – four week camp. It covers expectations, responsibilities, requirements, children’s histories, how they are selected, the visit, communication, and adoption overview.  Please CLICK HERE to request information about this program or contact your Program Director or Family Hope coordinator.