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Resources, Links, & FAQs2024-04-29T14:08:36-07:00

Click on the links below to learn more.

Domestic Adoption

General Adoption Resources

ICA Adoption FAQs

Possible Fund Sources (Grants & Loans)

Post Adoption Services Description

Post Adoption Services FAQs

IRS Adoption Tax Refund

ICA Adoption License

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Private Infant Adoptions (New Beginnings) Resources

New Beginnings FAQs

The Endowment for Human Development Video (First Nine Months)

The Bible and the Pain of Infertility

Relative Adoption Resources

Guardianship Pamphlet – For Guardianship of Children in the Probate Court

California Courts: Guardianship Forms

I-130 Form: Petition for Alien Relative (Department of Homeland Security)

ICWA Resources

US Code Title 25 – ICWA

Assembly Bill 770 (AB770) – 2009

Native American Rights Fund – A Practical Guide to the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA-NARF-ICWA-Regulations Summary

 

Birth Mother Support

Pregnant Client Questions and Answers

  • If you are unable to parent, the adoptive family will give an opportunity of dreams that you would have for the child.
  • Because it is a better decision than abortion.
  • Because each decision you make is a permanent one that you cannot reverse.
    Because you can choose a family for the child.
  • Because even if it seems like the right thing to do right now, alternatives do exist to help you with medical needs, housing, food and other things.
  • There is good free counseling available to you so you can feel unpressured and make an informed decision.
  • You will rest knowing the baby will be alive and well taken care of…full of possibilities, hope for a future and well supported.
  • No. We have their fingerprints taken to make sure.
  • Yes, when you and the child are discharged from the hospital.
  • It is all done legally and at no charge to you.
  • All counseling is free and available weekly for you. If you need help with getting to appointments, that is also available.

 

International Adoption

Estimated Fees

*  These are fee examples. Fees are subject to change.

Partial Services Estimated Fees
Full Services Estimated Fees

Sponsors, Grants, & Loans

We understand that finances during this process can be overwhelming. Here are some ideas to help.
Sponsors – consider asking your church, family, and friends to contribute.
Grants – Check out this website
Loans – ask your bank, or inquire from ICA.

Sample Documents

*  These documents are meant to be used as samples.

Sample Ministry Agreement
Sample International Adoption Application
Hague Convention Primer & Adoption 201

Helpful Information

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Adoption

United Nations – Convention on the Rights of the Child

U.S. Department of State – Intercountry Adoptions

U.S. Department of State – Hague Convention

International Ministry Agreement

Hague Primer

Citizenship and Case Status

Frequently Asked Questions about International Adoption

What is the cost to adopt internationally through ICA?2023-01-11T10:09:46-08:00

ICA’s International Adoption fee is currently $19,250 (*Subject to change at any time). This total will be divided and due at various stages throughout the adoption process. This does not include country fees, traveling fees, and other misc. expenses which vary. Please see our MFA to preview the fee schedule.

How long does the International Process take?2023-01-11T10:16:14-08:00

We typically don’t like to give a timeframe because this varies depending on the family’s diligence to complete all the steps necessary in a timely manner and the country of adoption and its process, however, we like to give the estimate of 2 plus years.

Do you have to be a US Citizen to adopt internationally?2023-01-11T10:18:06-08:00

Yes. There is no way around this it is a Federal Law.

Do I have to be married to adopt internationally?2023-01-11T10:22:54-08:00

This will vary by country. Some countries will allow an applicant to be single and some will not. If a country requires the applicants to be married, the normal expectancy for length of marriage requirement is 3-5 years.

What is the minimum income requirement to adopt internationally?2023-01-11T10:26:09-08:00

As an applicant, you must meet the standards given by your State of Residency and USCIS. This requirement will also vary by your household size and active duty.

Do I need a lawyer to be able to adopt internationally?2023-01-11T10:26:41-08:00

This will vary from country to country.

Do I have to live in California to Internationally Adopt through ICA?2023-01-11T10:27:47-08:00

The simple answer is no, however, depending on your state there are complexities and nuances that affect the adoption process.

During my International Adoption process will I have to travel?2023-01-11T10:28:54-08:00

Yes. Each country, state, and agency has its own requirements for your in-person appearance. Travel is to be expected during this process.

What are the steps for the International Adoption process?2023-01-11T11:00:26-08:00

This is a brief synapse of the International Adoption Process. To get a more in-depth perspective of these steps, please visit our RFA Process page.(RFA Process is slightly different, but explains the steps in more detail.)

  • Application
  • Attend a Meet & Greet and Orientation
  • Complete required Livescans, Paperwork and Trainings
  • Home Study Assessment (SW interviews family and completes a home safety check)
  • 1800A/1600A processing
  • Wait for placement paperwork
  • Wait for travel clearance
  • Receive travel clearance to travel to pick up child(ren)
  • Return home and complete Post Placement Report, Post Adoption Counseling sessions, and other services as needed (which can take a span of months, conducting several in-person visits), and Re-Adoption/Finalization Process.

 

 

Terms to Keep in Mind

Home Study2023-09-22T12:02:18-07:00

Home Study is a written report containing findings of the social worker who has met on serval occasions with the prospective foster or adoptive parents. The purpose of the home study is to help determine whether the family is qualified to foster or adopt.

Finalization2023-09-22T12:02:32-07:00

Finalization: the point when the court grants the Petition to Adopt of the adoptive parents and takes the necessary action to formally make the child a legal member of their family.

Hague Convention or Intercountry Adoptions2023-09-22T12:02:55-07:00

Hague Convention or Intercountry Adoptions – the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) is an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions.

Central Authority2023-09-22T12:03:08-07:00

Central Authority in each country handle two-way communications with domestic courts, administrative agencies and foreign Central Authorities. Not only did the Abduction Convention establish Central Authorities that facilitated two way communications, but it also gave a whole laundry list of additional obligations to these new authorities with language requiring Central Authorities to take “any and all actions” to secure the goals of the treaty and cooperate with other Central Authority’s to do the same.

IAAME2023-09-22T12:03:27-07:00

Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME) is designated as an accrediting entity to accredit or approve adoption service providers to provide intercountry adoption services.

USCIS2023-09-22T12:03:37-07:00

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. We are a component of the Department of Homeland Security. We manage the first step in the process for U.S. citizens to adopt children from other countries. 

I-8002023-09-22T12:02:42-07:00

To determine the child’s eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parent files the petition to finalize the immigration process of a child who habitually resides in a Convention country. The petitioner must have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, to file Form I-800.

Primary Provider2023-09-22T12:00:11-07:00

Refers to a Hague-authorized adoption agency that oversees the six adoption services to ensure they are performed properly and ethically in compliance with the Hague Convention on International Adoption.

Supervised Provider2023-09-22T12:00:40-07:00

Refers to a person or an organization on which a primary provider relies to carry out one or more of the adoption services. A supervised provider can be an agency, person, or other non-governmental entity, including any foreign entity.

 

Foster Care

General Foster Care Resources

Foster Youth Rights

Foster Youth Rights Handbook

FAQs About Foster Care Reunification

Special Needs Children Resource

How to Become a Foster Family

FAQs About Domestic Foster Care

Once I get approved is there training and support?2024-03-15T14:27:23-07:00

ICA workers offer support through weekly visits the first 90 days min, we have post approval training that includes self-study, online, and ICA trainings, we can connect you with mentor ICA parents, and we can connect you with other ICA resource parents for support.  ICA works with the county to get referrals for the types of services the child(ren) needs in placement.

Can I take my placements on vacation with me?2024-03-15T14:26:27-07:00

Yes, locally, but you are required to make up birth family visits if the dates overlap on visits dates and if birth parents are okay with that. If you want to take a child out of state the county need prior approval. You can not take kids out of country.

Do I have a choice of type of placements referred to me?2024-03-15T14:25:42-07:00

We do our best to call you for children who you feel equipped to parent, however, with foster care we get little info in the beginning so we do ask our families to be flexible and open to the different opportunities that come available.

How long can a placement stay in my home?2024-03-15T14:23:40-07:00

Any time frame from 1 night to two and a half year and anything in between!

What’s the minimum age?2024-03-15T14:22:55-07:00

No minimum age for Foster Care, BUT age 21 for adoption so if you want to be open to adoption if a foster care case moves that way we recommend age 21. Also, regarding age requirements for adoption, in CA you must be 10 years older than the child you are adopting.

Can I be single and be a resource parent?2024-03-15T14:20:41-07:00

Yes!

Am I obligated to continue in the approval process once I submit an application?2024-03-15T14:20:10-07:00

No, but just be open and honest about where you are at with the process with your ICA social worker.

What types of placements are available?2024-03-15T14:13:36-07:00

Placements of children 0 to 22 NMD and it can vary from temporary to permanent to long-term. We don’t typically no how long the placement will be at the beginning so we need families open and willing to any type of length. We need families open to family reunification and placement with family members.

 

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Foster Care 

URM Program Helpful Information

What You Need to Know About URM

General Questions about URM and its Purpose

Facts about Reunification

Preliminary Application (English)

Preliminary Application (Spanish)

Application FAQs

Parent Training Programs

General Refugee Resources

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (URM)

Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BRYCS)

Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)

 

Counseling Center 

Counseling Resources

Intake Form

Intake Fee

Commitment to Protecting Children

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Disclosures

HIPPA Privacy Notice

Privacy Practices Notice

Notice to Clients

Good Faith Estimate Notice

 

Trafficking Victim Assistant Program

General TVAP Resources

OHCHR Trafficked Children Resource

Children’s Rights

 

Terms to Keep in Mind

Kinship Care2023-05-19T15:13:40-07:00

Kinship Care is the care of children by relatives or, in some jurisdictions, close family friends (often referred to as fictive kin).

Refugee2023-05-19T15:15:08-07:00

A Refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Foster Child2023-05-19T15:18:48-07:00

A foster child is a minor child who has been taken into state custody and placed with a state-licensed adult, who cares for the child in place of their parent or guardian

Social Worker2023-05-19T15:20:53-07:00
A social worker will work with people to find solutions to their problems. This may be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. You’ll work with clients, their families and others around them and with different client groups including: the elderly.
Foster Care2023-01-23T11:00:47-08:00

Foster care (also known as out-of-home care) is a temporary service provided by States for children who cannot live with their families. Children in foster care may live with relatives or with unrelated foster parents. Foster care can also refer to placement settings such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living.

Adoption2023-01-23T11:01:14-08:00

Adoption is the official transfer through the legal process of all parental rights to a child to the adoptive parents.

Adoptee2023-01-23T11:03:04-08:00

Adoptee refers to a person who has been adopted

Adoption Agency2023-01-23T11:03:13-08:00

Adoption Agency is an organization that is licensed in the state or states where it transacts its business, which to assist in placing children needing parents with adoptive parents that are looking for children

Adoptive Placement2023-01-23T11:04:21-08:00

Adoptive Placement is used to describe the point in time when your child comes to live with you in your home or care for the purpose of adoption

Adoptive Parent2023-01-23T11:05:06-08:00

Adoptive Parent is a term used to refer to one or both parents that are seeking to adopt, and parents that have already adopted

Affidavit2023-01-23T11:06:05-08:00

Affidavit is a formal legal document containing written statements of legal significance that are being sworn to under oath by the author of the document, who is known as the “Affiant.” The act of signing the Affidavit, and of swearing under oath that the statements it contains are true and correct to the best of the knowledge of the Affiant, is done in the presence of a Notary Republic.

Birth Father2023-01-23T11:06:36-08:00

Birth Father is the biological father of a child

Birth Mother2023-01-23T11:07:06-08:00

Birth Mother is the biological mother of a child.

Home Study2023-09-22T12:02:18-07:00

Home Study is a written report containing findings of the social worker who has met on serval occasions with the prospective foster or adoptive parents. The purpose of the home study is to help determine whether the family is qualified to foster or adopt.

Caseworker2023-01-23T11:08:56-08:00

Caseworker is also sometimes referred to as “Adoption Worker” or “Social Worker.” These are the individuals that prepare adoption home studies for prospective adoptive parents, assist in providing post-placement supervision of adoptive families once they have received their child, and counsel adoptive families to help them adapt to the changes in their lives as the result of adoption.

Closed Adoption2023-01-23T11:08:40-08:00

Closed Adoption – in this adoption, the birth family and the adoptive family do not share any identifying information about them, and do not communicate with each other, either before or after the placement of the child except by photos and letters sent through the agency.

Disclousre2023-01-23T11:09:19-08:00

Disclosure is the release or transmittal of confidential information. A disclosure statement is a statement that discloses information in plain written language, that is easy to understand.

Domestic Adoption2023-01-23T11:09:48-08:00

Domestic Adoption is an adoption that involves adoptive parents and a child that are citizens and residents of the United States

Finalization2023-09-22T12:02:32-07:00

Finalization: the point when the court grants the Petition to Adopt of the adoptive parents and takes the necessary action to formally make the child a legal member of their family.

Hague Convention or Intercountry Adoptions2023-09-22T12:02:55-07:00

Hague Convention or Intercountry Adoptions – the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) is an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions.

Central Authority2023-09-22T12:03:08-07:00

Central Authority in each country handle two-way communications with domestic courts, administrative agencies and foreign Central Authorities. Not only did the Abduction Convention establish Central Authorities that facilitated two way communications, but it also gave a whole laundry list of additional obligations to these new authorities with language requiring Central Authorities to take “any and all actions” to secure the goals of the treaty and cooperate with other Central Authority’s to do the same.

IAAME2023-09-22T12:03:27-07:00

Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME) is designated as an accrediting entity to accredit or approve adoption service providers to provide intercountry adoption services.

USCIS2023-09-22T12:03:37-07:00

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. We are a component of the Department of Homeland Security. We manage the first step in the process for U.S. citizens to adopt children from other countries. 

I-8002023-09-22T12:02:42-07:00

To determine the child’s eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parent files the petition to finalize the immigration process of a child who habitually resides in a Convention country. The petitioner must have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, to file Form I-800.

Primary Provider2023-09-22T12:00:11-07:00

Refers to a Hague-authorized adoption agency that oversees the six adoption services to ensure they are performed properly and ethically in compliance with the Hague Convention on International Adoption.

Supervised Provider2023-09-22T12:00:40-07:00

Refers to a person or an organization on which a primary provider relies to carry out one or more of the adoption services. A supervised provider can be an agency, person, or other non-governmental entity, including any foreign entity.

Resource Aid

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PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY, The Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME), a national accrediting entity designated by the US Department of State to provide Hague Accreditation and Approval, invites the public to provide comment on intercountry adoption service providers seeking Hague Accreditation, Approval or Renewal. You are invited to provide comments through the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/about-adoption-service-providers/hague-complaint-registry.html

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY, The Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME), a national accrediting entity designated by the US Department of State to provide Hague Accreditation and Approval, invites the public to provide comment on intercountry adoption service providers seeking Hague Accreditation, Approval or Renewal. You are invited to provide comments through the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/about-adoption-service-providers/hague-complaint-registry.html

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