The Basics of Getting
an Adoption Referral

An adoption referral is a process in which an adoption agency matches all of the information that is gathered from a child in an orphanage to you, the prospective adoptive parents.

Once the agency finds a match, they will give you a call regarding the child. Then it is up to you to decide whether you will accept or decline the child.

How can you get an adoption referral?

As the prospective adoptive parent your file is submitted to an agency and they will review and then send the dossier to an organization or attorney in a foreign country. After some time, a child is matched to you and then their file (information) will be passed on to you. You will make your decision whether this is the right child for you and that is when the waiting period begins.

The waiting period will vary. It will depend on the country and how flexible you are as well as the child. First you will need to wait for a referral. This can be immediate, take from 6 to 8 months or up to a year.

Your decision to accept the child should not be taken lightly, take your time with this. Once you have made your decision to accept the child a court appearance will be necessary in order to finalize the adoption process.

Some referrals are not precise in detail, but in general you can expect the following basic information to be included in the child's file.

* Pictures and videos of the child. These pictures can be in color or in black and white.

* Medical information. This may include such lab tests as (HIV, TB, hepatitis, etc.) age, height, weight, any diagnosis, complications or medications given. The information may also include the physical development and growth process of the child.

* Background information. This is not always available, but if it is, it will include information about the child's birth parents. Their age, occupation, religion and reason/s why they put their child up for adoption.

* Developmental and social information. This includes any developments or milestones that the child has missed or met thus far, such as sitting up, rolling over, eating, walking and talking. The social information will include how the child relates to other children or their caregiver.

Processing international child adoption referrals can be long, however, the waiting time seems even longer. The day will come when suddenly the phone rings; and you will be bombarded with a lot of information about a child. This is a time when you may experience anticipations and doubts about the adoption.

Don't let this discourage you though, since the referral serves as a preparation for you. This information is all very helpful to have if your interests and wants are met. Because of this conflicts can be eliminated and harmonious relationships can be achieved.

Return from Adoption Referral to Adoption Process

Return from Adoption Referral to Children for Adoption