1. Preliminary Application
To learn if Adoption Alliance can assist you, read through this website or call us for more information. When you are ready to proceed, please complete our Preliminary Adoption Application form and send it to us with the $100 fee. When we receive it, the International Program Coordinator will contact you to explain the program in more detail. Depending on where you are located, she will either meet with you in person or send you the Formal Application packet.

2. Formal Application
The next step is to submit your Formal Application and supporting documents. (A complete list of documents will be provided with your application packet.)

3. The Family Assessment (Home Study)
No adoption can occur without an approved home study, which is included in our services for Colorado families. Out-of-state families are encouraged to select an agency or social worker in their state who is familiar with international adoption issues and can provide adequate pre-placement preparation, as well as support and assistance after your child's arrival.

4. Training
Colorado law requires 20-24 hours of training (depending on the age of the child to be adopted) for all Colorado families adopting internationally. Adoption Alliance provides a training program for our adoptive applicants which meets the requirements of Colorado law. We ask all of our out-of-state families to participate in training as well. If no training classes are available in your area, we can suggest resources through the internet, interactive CD's, videotapes and books.

5. Compilation of Dossier Materials
Your dossier is the set of paperwork that will be used to process your adoption in the foreign country. You will be asked to compile various documents and materials that are necessary for your official dossier. If you adopt through one of our direct placement programs, we will provide a complete list of required documents and procedures for having your documents authenticated (if necessary).

6. Immigration (U.S. C.I.S.) Approval
For international adoption you must file form I-600A and have fingerprints taken through your local INS/CIS office. The I-600A form and instructions can be downloaded or ordered through the uscis.gov website. Submit the completed form to your local INS/CIS office and include a money order for $525, plus the $70 fingerprint fee for each adult over 18 in the household. You will receive a letter from INS/CIS advising when you need to appear at the immigration office to have your fingerprints taken. In some states, immigration forms can only be filed after your home study is complete. With the help of your local home study agency, you will know when to submit the home study, and marriage, birth and divorce certificates as well. When Immigration approves your case, they will fax or email their approval to the U.S. Embassy with jurisdiction over your child's country. This prepares the U.S. Embassy in the foreign country to receive the application for your child's visa.

7. Referral of a Child
If you are adopting through one of our programs, your completed dossier will be sent to us. We will review all the documents and send the dossier to the organization or attorney in the foreign country. In most countries you will then be sent information about a child. This is called your referral, or a child that has been referred to you. The waiting period for this referral will vary according to the country, the children waiting, and your flexibility in what type of child you desire. You could receive a referral immediately or it may take up to a year. We will discuss the types of children in need of adoptive homes and the projected length of time before a referral. Once a child has been identified, we will send you a photo and all available background information on the child, and will answer any questions you have prior to accepting the referral.

Once you decide to move forward, your adoption will be processed in the foreign country. For some countries the legal process can take up to 6-8 months. You may need to appear in court in the foreign country to finalize the adoption. The waiting period between referral of a child and when the child is placed in your family is often difficult. We are here to support you during this time. We will put you in touch with other families who have adopted through the same program, and encourage you to complete your education hours and other preparations to be ready for your child.

8. Post Placement Supervision, Adoption Validation, and Naturalization
After placement of the child in your home, Adoption Alliance requires that you adopt, re-adopt, or validate your adoption, depending on your state law and the type of visa your child has received. This provides additional legal safeguards for you and your child. You should also get your child's birth record on file in your state, so that you can order birth certificates in the future.

We require a minimum of six months of supervision, which includes three post-placement visits by your social worker even if the adoption has been finalized in the foreign country. Your state and/or the foreign country may have additional requirements. For families outside of Colorado, post-placement reports should be sent to Adoption Alliance by your agency or social worker, and we will forward them to the country, if required.

As of February 27, 2001, a child is automatically a U.S. citizen when he/she enters the U.S. if adopted by a U.S. citizen, and if the adoptive parents have seen the child before the adoption is final in the foreign country. If not, he or she automatically becomes a U.S. citizen after you re-adopt in your state.

9. Congratulations!
After you have completed the adoption, we encourage you to continue to investigate, listen, question, and utilize all resources available to you. Network with other adoptive parents, join a support group, attend classes and seminars, and read about adoption. There are many excellent resources out there for adoptive parents and families.