Adoption Guidelines for the Foreign Service Family

This publication was written for use by USG employees and their family members at United States Missions abroad. While every effort has been made to be accurate, relevant laws and regulations may change and it is up to the individual to seek out current information.

This information was written specifically for Foreign Service families considering international adoption. The information included here is not meant to be all-inclusive nor is it meant to endorse any agency or business. The Department of State and the Family Liaison Office are not responsible for the services rendered by these agencies.

Foreign Service personnel need to understand that adoptions are a private matter. The United States government cannot intervene on behalf of an American citizen in matters of judicial or legal process in a foreign country. Regardless of the contacts you may have in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, all adoptions are conducted on a private basis.

Introduction

The International Adoption Process

Understanding the laws of the host country in which you intend to adopt

Understanding the role of the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in international adoptions

Understanding the role of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Consular Officer

Understanding state laws governing adoptions in your state of residency

Use of a private adoption agency in the United States

Identifying a child (Orphan Definitions)

Support paperwork (Arranging for a Home Study, The Medical Examination / Vaccinations, Authentification of Documents)

Bringing your newly-adopted child home to the U.S.

Naturalization and your adopted child

Tax credits and wills

Human Resource Procedures (Adoption Benefits, Child-Rearing Leave for Adoption, Travel Orders, Health Insurance)

Adoption Resources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices Worldwide

Government agencies

Adoption resource organizations

Department of State offices

Bibliography

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office, flo@state.gov
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