There are several different types of adoption available to you in Ohio. International adoption was once a popular way for prospective adoptive couples to grow their family. Is that still the case, or is a private domestic infant adoption a choice that makes more sense for dreams of growing your household? 

Adopting a child is an incredibly special, rewarding and life-changing decision. Birth mothers placing their child for adoption are doing so because their circumstances don’t allow for parenting. So not only does adoption help you grow your family by providing a loving and nurturing home for a child, but also gives a birth mother a better future. 

Deciding which type of Ohio adoption is right for your family takes a better understanding of what each option provides you and the process that must take place to eventually bring your wishes to life. 

International adoption in Ohio is far less common today than it in once was, but certainly still remains an option for you. The following information will help you learn more about the international adoption process in Ohio for prospective adoptive parents, and the resources that you’ll need to bring that new child into your life. We’ll also compare it with Ohio private domestic infant adoption with our agency, so that you can make the most informed adoption decision possible for your growing family. 

If you’re ready to start the adoption process with our agency, or wanting more information on the adoption in Ohio, call us toll-free today at 1-800-ADOPTION, or visit our online contact forms for prospective birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents. We're always available to answer your Ohio adoption questions.  

Let’s first start by breaking down International adoption: 

How to Adopt a Child from another Country to Ohio 

Every parent’s international adoption process will look slightly different, depending on the country they adopt from and whether or not that country is part of The Hague Adoption Convention. The chosen country’s adoption laws and requirements for adoptive parents will also play a role in adopting a child from another country. 

However, in most cases, the international adoption process in Ohio consists of seven key steps: 

Step 1: Choose the Country You Want to Adopt From 

You may or may not have a preference about the country your child is born in. Still, it’s important to remember that current political affairs, travel restrictions, or shifting national adoption laws will likely affect which countries you’ll be able to adopt from at a given point in time. Recently, for instance, several countries have closed all international adoptions to America, which left many hopeful parents heartbroken and at a loss of what to do next. 

If you’re considering a foreign adoption in Ohio, researching your options should be your first step.  Trends in international adoption frequently change, and you need up-to-date information before moving forward. 

Step 2: Choose Which Ohio International Adoption Agency You Want to Work With 

Because every Ohio international adoption agency only completes adoptions within countries they’re individually authorized to work with, you may want to keep this in mind when choosing a country to adopt from or choosing an agency to work with. 

It’s also generally recommended to work with international adoption agencies in Ohio that are Hague-accredited, even if you don’t intend to adopt from a country that’s part of the Hague Convention. Online ratings and reviews of Ohio international adoption agencies can also be helpful to you when choosing an adoption professional that puts the needs of children first and foremost. 

Step 3: Complete Your International Adoption Home Study 

Regardless of whether or not you’re adopting from Hague Convention countries, the Ohio home study professional you work with will need to be licensed according to Hague Convention home study requirements. If you work with a home study professional that’s not affiliated with your agency, your social worker will likely need to approve the home study professional. 

A home study for international adoption in Ohio takes about three months, so starting the process now may be helpful to you. Generally, the international adoption home study is very similar to the domestic adoption home study. It requires: 

• Current health statements 

• Current financial statements 

• Background checks 

• At least three adoption reference letters 

• Pre-placement visits in your home, including family interviews and safety inspections 

• Post-placements visits in your home to ensure everyone is adjusting well 

• And more 

Step 4: File to Become Eligible for International Adoption in Ohio 

Prospective adoptive parents pursuing intercountry adoption in Ohio will first need to be verified as eligible to adopt by The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Adoption Department. 

Once the USCIS adoption department has confirmed your eligibility for international adoption in OH, your adoption professional sends your completed forms and adoption dossier to the country’s adoption authorities. They’ll also review your dossier to confirm your adoption eligibility according to their own national adoption laws and requirements. 

Step 5: File for the Child to Become Eligible for Adoption 

You’ll need to repeat the same adoption eligibility process for the child that you intend to adopt. The USCIS will need to confirm your child’s adoption eligibility in order for you to file for the child’s U.S. visa. You’ll file Form DS-260 to the child’s country’s adoption administration to review and then approve. 

Step 6: File for Travel Visas and Return to Ohio 

To adopt abroad from Ohio, you must travel to your future child’s home country for certain legal processes — and to meet them! 

Expect to stay in your child’s home country for one to four weeks while you complete the adoption and visa application processes. There may also be an exit interview with your child’s country’s adoption authorities. 

If the sending country’s adoption authorities find that you’ve met all the necessary requirements to adopt, they’ll grant your child the visa necessary for them to return to Ohio with you. Once you’ve obtained a visa for your child, you’ll be able to return home to complete your international adoption in Ohio. 

Step 7: Complete the Adoption with a Re-Adoption or Adoption Finalization 

The final step to the international adoption process in Ohio is either a finalization or a recommended re-adoption. Your adoption professional and local attorney will advise you on which is necessary for your situation. 

A re-adoption or finalization is key to protecting your child’s rights as a U.S. citizen. This step ensures that your child’s adoption is formally recognized by both countries’ administrations. By failing to re-adopt or finalize your international adoption in Ohio, you may run into legal difficulties regarding citizenship or parenthood even years or decades later. An adoption finalization is legally required, but a re-adoption safeguards the legal bonds of your family. 

Once finalization or re-adoption in Ohio is complete, the international adoption process is also completed. 

International Adoption Agencies in Ohio 

There are several resources for international adoption in Ohio that you may consider working with, some of which offer international adoption home study services, such as: 

• International Adoption Clinic – Nationwide Children’s Hospital 

• A Child’s Hope International Adoption 

• Adoption STAR 

• All God’s Children International 

• America World Adoption 

Consider Private Domestic Infant Adoption in Ohio [We Can Help You Start Your Journey Today] 

At American Adoptions, we support your and desire to choose adoption, regardless of what type of adoption best fits your needs. Our agency specializes in private domestic infant adoption. Many of our adoptions professionals have their own first-hand adoption stories, giving us a unique perspective and ability to create an adoption plan that gives you the best possible Ohio adoption experience. Additionally, your adoption is financially protected by our industry-leading risk-sharing program. 

Ultimately, everyone benefits from adoption. A child finds the perfect home, you see your dreams of growing your family come true, and a birth mother unable to parent can have a better future. Private domestic adoption with our agency has the added benefit of everyone involved sharing the adoption journey together. This experience is life-changing and the ability to share a life-long bond is something you’ll cherish for years to come. 

Take it from our founder, Scott Mars, who knows all too well what positive impact adoption has. 

“My mom and dad was a couple who weren’t able to become a mom and dad without adoption. Of all people in this world, my mom and dad deserve to be parents. And without adoption, they would not have been able to share their love, share their life, and give someone the life that I had.    

“Because of adoption, my life was filled with love and opportunity.”  You can watch Scott’s video to see his entire adoption story. 

Ready to Start Your Private Domestic Adoption? [We’re here to Help]  

Michelle, a birth parent specialist and one of our many adoption professionals with her own adoption story, is ready to answer any questions you have about adoption.   

You can ask Michelle questions about the Ohio adoption process online. You can also call us toll free at 1-800-ADOPTION, or get free information with our online contact form for prospective birth mothers considering adoption here. Adoptive families wanting more information on adopting a child can click here to get more information. 

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