International Adoption Process
Below is an overview of our international adoption process:
1. The first thing you should do is to complete the Start Your Adoption Here process. After filling in the info, we will email you with the steps to download the application. You should complete and return the application as soon as possible.
2. After submitting this application, a Small World social worker will review the application and notify you within one week of Provisional Approval.
3. Upon provisional approval, you will be asked to sign an adoption services contract and submit payment of the Agency Fee. If Small World will be handling your Homestudy, we will start that process at this time as well. If Small World is not performing your homestudy, you should start that process at this time with the licensed agency that will be performing your homestudy.
4. After signing the adoption services contract, you will receive a list of documents to prepare for your Dossier Packet. Once you have compiled the International Documents, you will submit them along with your homestudy and I171H form from INS to Small World. Small World will then prepare your Dossier to be submitted to the government.
5. After your documents are registered and approved in the foreign country you will receive a Referral Packet. If you approve of the child the foreign government refers to you, you will complete and submit to SWAP the Acceptance Forms and Adoption Petitions. If you do not approve of the child the foreign government refers to you, you may deny acceptance and another child will be referred to you.
6. Now you are ready to pick up your child. After you submit the acceptance forms and adoption petitions, you may travel to the foreign country to complete all legal matters and bring the child home. In some cases a Small World Escort may be an option for this step.
7. You will then complete Re-Adoption in your home state. Once this is done you may apply to INS for US citizenship for your child.
