Frequently asked questions
Below are a few of the most common questions from people exploring adoption.
For those who are interested in specific country program requirements, There are program-specific FAQs at the bottom of each program page, or you can access them by clicking on the links below.
Click on the question you want to explore further to expand the information.
We already completed our adoption in another country. Why do we need a Home Study and placing agency to bring our child home? Or, I'm already working with an attorney in the other country, why do I still need a placing agency?
The short answer is, that while you are entitled to adopt anyone you would like from anywhere in the world, the adoptee is not necessarily entitled to immigrate into the United States. The US State Department sets rules on who is eligible to be adopted and immigrated to the U.S. Even though your adoption has been finalized in the another country, you still need to complete the same process that any family seeking to adopt internationally would. There are rules that apply even when the adoptee is a family member. We know that the process looks complicated and difficult to navigate, but we have helped many families in similar situations. Reach out to us if you have questions. We are always ready and willing to help!
Will Global work with same-sex married couples? Or with unmarried individuals?
Global Adoption Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity Adoption Services Provider and we will provide adoption and Home Study related services to any individual regrdless of sex, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, creed, ethnicity, age, income, or any other qualifier. However, although we are an equal opportunity provider, that does not mean that every country has such liberal adoption policies. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation and we will help you select a program that is right for you.
Can I make payments for my agency fee?
Actually, the agency fee is broken down into three separate payments that are due at different times during the process. We are happy to accept monthly installments, or work out another similar arrangement with you to fit your budget. We invoice electronically and accept payments in a variety of formats, including checks, money orders, e-check, credit card, Zelle, PayPal, donations from friends and family, and grant payments made on your behalf. There is a list of adoption grant and loan resources further down on this page, and tips of other places to look for potential benefits to assist your adoption plans. Don't forget about the adoption tax credit that you will be elligible to claim once your adoption is complete. The tax credit is substantial and can go a long way to paying off any loans or debts you accrue in this process.
Can Global help me find information about my own/my child’s birth family?
Requests for information are governed by 22 CFR 96.42(b): Intercountry Adoption Act. International adoptions are considered closed adoptions and therefore, identifying information for all parties involved is confidential. In the event we receive a request from an adoptee or adoptive parent(s) seeking information regarding an adoptee’s health history or background, Global will provide only non-identifying information to the adoptee or adoptive parent(s).
Funding an adoption
All resources listed below are for your convenience. global has no financial arrangements or family relationship with any of the resources listed on this page.
There are numerous fun and interesting ways to fund an adoption from savings, fund raising, donations from family and friends, crowd sourcing, craft shows, internet sales of personal adoption products, and the list goes on. There are also many articles, blogs, Vlogs, and Podcasts with tons of helpful information. There may be community or local resources that are specific to your area that should not be ignored. A simple Google search will net thousands of links to more information than anyone could possibly use. Your imagination is all that limits you. There are also many organizations that offer grants and loans, some with very low or no interest. We have listed some of the most common resources for Grants, Loans, and other resources below. This list is far from comprehensive but is a great place to start.
GRANTS
God’s Grace Adoption Ministry, Inc.
LOANS
Light Stream Adoption Financing
Other Resources to Consider and Explore
resources4adoption financial resource overviews
101 adoption fundraising ideas
Reece's Rainbow family sponsorship program
Military, Nonrecurring Program
There is a one-time subsidy program available for full-time military personnel. Currently adopting couples or singles can receive up to $2000 per child or $5000 maximum for siblings. Many military personnel do not know this is available to them.
State Non-Recurring Expense Subsidy
call (800) 470-6665
Many States offer extensive tax credits – up to $10,000.
Maryland’s 2019 tax credit was $14,400
Helps with travel costs for children who are adopted and who are suffering from serious medical problems that need urgent medical attention.
University Adoption Assistance
Many Universities offer their employees adoption assistance. If you are a employee at a university check to see what benefits you may be able to receive.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway - Information on Grants/Loans/Tax Credits
Adoption Training Resources
International Adoption Clinics and Specialists
Policies & Practices
There are numerous resources for adoption education. Here are a few.
Education should be an ongoing process for all adoptive families before, during. right after, and long after the adoption. The resources are seemingly endless for every possible concern. Here are a few.
Transitioning Home
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Other Concerns
Adoption is Trauma. It's Time to Talk About It.
There are so many books, articles, videos, YouTube channels, FaceBook groups, Blogs, Vlogs, and websites devoted to adoption, understanding trauma, behavior, and improving parenting for families adopting children from hard places that you can find information on any topic you are interested in or is relevant to you and your family. Any list we provide will just scratch the surface, and there is no substitute for your own research, but we have provided a few resources to get you started.
The US State Department is a good source of information for individuals or families who may be considering adopting from a foreign country, including an outline of the Hague Convention, country-specific rules, and lists of accredited agencies.
The US Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has a list of forms and filing fees here. Note that effective April 1, 2024, fees will be updated.
If you would like to know more about the Hague Convention, see Hague Convention Overview
Part of making an educated decision about whether a referral of a specific child is appropriate for you and your family is having the referral reviewed by an International Adoption Clinic or Specialist to ensure you fully understand the information you are being provided, and what the long-term implications of accepting the referral might be. Global Adoptions strongly suggests that all adoptive families have their referrals and supplemental medical, developmental, emotional, and behavioral information fully reviewed by a qualified specialist in international adoption.
Most states have at least one resource, and several states have many resources. A simple internet search should help you locate clinics and service providers in your area. This is an important resource if the child you are considering has special needs and would benefit from follow-up visits with the specialist or clinic that initially reviewed the file and is already familiar with the child you are planning to adopt. Some clinics are willing to review the referral and provide a phone consult to review their report and answer any questions you have. You can find a list of providers who provide remote consultations for a fee HERE. There are also resources that are willing to offer a free review of the referral, although the timeline for services may be longer. A list of resources for free reviews can be found HERE.
These resources are provided for your convenience and to make you aware of services that might be beneficial. This is by no means a comprehensive list and should not replace your own independent research.
If you are looking for more information on our policies and practices, please refer to the list below.
To view our Ethical Practice Policy, CLICK HERE
To view a sample Home Study Agreement, CLICK HERE
To view a fee comparison for our Foreign Supervised Providers, CLICK HERE
To view a sample copy of an Adoption Services Agreement, CLICK HERE
To view a copy of our Complaint Policy, CLICK HERE
To view a copy of our Policy for Charging Additional Fees, CLICK HERE