General Information
Who Can Adopt?
Most countries have their own policies regarding the age and marital status of adoptive applicants. A number of countries are open to single people wishing to adopt.  Hands Across The Water  requires that adoptive applicants be at least 21 years of age and be able to financially handle the addition of a child into their family.

Choosing A Program
There are currently many more children in need of families than there are families. There are many options in international adoption as well. Hands Across The Water offers programs in countries and also works with other agencies that have programs in other countries. To help you determine which country may be right for your family, here are a few questions to consider:
We at Hands Across The Water (HATW) look forward to helping you build your family through adoption and sharing your adoption experience. HATW offers monthly information meetings to discuss details of our international adoption programs and the international adoption process. You are welcome to attend this meeting or meet with the Director, one-on-one, for a personal consultation regarding which adoption path to take. HATW is COA Hague Accredited and is a licensed child placing agency located in Michigan. We look forward to working with families living in any U.S. state who are interested in adopting through one of our international adoption programs.    

(Click on the links ABOVE  for specific country information) 

With international adoption, you are subject to all the rules and regulations imposed by this country, not to mention another country's often-changing procedures, regulations and policies. Hands Across The Water maintains close contact with in-country representatives of each of our programs to keep apprised of adoption within the country.

                

                

What known medical needs are you able to consider?
What financial and other resources do you bring to the adoption process?
How long are you willing to wait for the placement of a child?
Are you able to travel to bring your child home, or are you limited to programs in which the child can be escorted?
How long will you be able to stay in the country to adopt your child? Could one parent stay while the other returned home?

Can you be flexible? Are you able to accept the risks?
     What age range child will you consider?
How Long Does It Take?
Length of time varies from country to country.

In many countries there are children  waiting for families and your referral would be received quickly. A child with a known medical or developmental need could shorten your wait. If you are open to adopting a child of either sex, or are flexible regarding a child's age, you may receive a referral sooner. If you could consider a sibling group of two or more, your referral could be immediate.
The Adoption Process
International Processing
In order to bring a child from another country into the United States for the purpose of adoption, you need to comply with the laws, requirements, and regulations of the United States, your child's country, and the state you reside in.

 A general guideline of steps are:

  1. Attend an information meeting or meet with the international staff for a one-on-one consultation.
  2. Send Hands Across The Water your completed application with the application fee.
  3. Begin the Home Study process with your home study agency.
  4. Decide on a country you wish to adopt from. Some people know before this point what country they are going to adopt from, but if you haven't decided, we can help you choose and guide you through the process for that country. 
  5. Prepare the legal documents (dossier). The documents required by each country vary, but will include documents such as birth, marriage, and health certificates, financial status reports, local police clearance and INS approval. 
  6. Receive and accept a child referred to you. 
  7. Travel to your child's birth country to bring your child home.
After Your Child Is Home
Most countries want families to complete post adoption reports so they know how the child and the family are adjusting. For each report, one visit by your social worker in your home. A report is compiled describing the child's adjustment, the parent's adjustment to parenting, child's development and health, adoption related concerns, and any resources or services obtained or needed.
When you adopt internationally, your costs include: home study fee, HATW program fee, document fees, governmental seal fees, INS fees, international program fee, and travel and in-country stay expenses. Some of these fees can vary by country. The home study, HATW program, and international program fees are paid in increments as services are rendered. We suggest you inquire about the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, employer assistance programs and national adoption loan programs. HATW is open to discuss your specific financial needs and assist if at all possible.
How Much Does International Adoption Cost?
What a silly question! Of course you are, and of course you're not!! International adoption is a big endeavor - it is scary, risky, intrusive, sometimes expensive, and absolutely wonderful. Your very first step, even before you fill out your application, is to contact a local international adoption support group. Within these groups are people with a wealth of information and assistance that they are eager to share. The best way to calm your fears is to talk to those who have been there. Hands Across The Water will assist you in finding a group in your area. And remember..."We've been there, and now we're here for you."

If you are ready to begin the process, print the  Application for Services and mail, along with the application fee, to HATW.
(instructions are on the form).
Are You Ready?