Whether you are just testing the water or
already embarking on an international adoption
journey, we are happy to see you at our site.
Sailing the stormy seas of international adoption
may be difficult and risky, especially in today's
ever-changing political climate. We are always there
for you every step of the way, from careful planning
and preparation, throughout your journey, and upon
return. Our knowledge and expertise stem from
helping tens of families find their children in
Latvia,
Hungary,
Russia,
Ukraine and
Uzbekistan.
Our commitment to adoptive parents grows out of
respect and admiration for those who open their
hearts and homes to kids who need them the most.
Our dedication to orphaned and abandoned kids is
based on love, faith, and hope that together we can
make their dreams come true.
WHO
are we?
About A Child is a non-profit 501(c)3 public
charity, licensed as an international adoption agency in
the state of Iowa. We are a small, personable
agency, Hague-accredited by the Council On Accreditation
since February 29, 2008.
WHAT
do we do?
We assist families in USA and abroad with many
aspects of international adoption. Sometimes in
person, and sometimes over the phone and e-mail we
educate and prepare adoptive parents for what's to come
during and after their adoption. We provide
comprehensive step-by-step dossier compilation guidance
and make sure it is prepared and translated up to the
foreign authorities' standards. Our overseas
coordinators help with translation, interpretation, and
legal aspects of adoption, as well as overall logistics
and accommodation of traveling families' needs.
WHEN
to adopt?
It is never too late to grow your family through
adoption. Many countries have no upper age limits
or may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
There are, however, some lower-age limits as well: U.S.
government requires single mothers to be at least 25
years old when adopting internationally and many
countries have lower age limits or minimal age gap
requirements between parents and children.
WHERE to adopt from?
Choosing a country may be the most difficult
decision once an international route is selected.
About A Child currently assists families to adopt from
Hungary, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Our families may switch between programs at any time or
pursue several programs simultaneously. We
currently have two offices in Iowa and California, but
are able to assist families residing in all 50 states
and abroad. We have experience helping families
living or stationed in Barbados, Germany, Ireland and
Japan.
WHY adopt
overseas?
International adoption is often more expensive,
stressful and demanding than domestic one, yet thousands
of families each year still choose to travel abroad to
find their child. Some countries are more
accepting of older parents, some programs give adoptive
parents more flexibility in choosing their child, and no
adoptions finalized abroad can be reversed by birth
families. These are all practical reasons, yet the
most compelling ones come from the heart - kids all
around the world need loving homes and forever families.
HOW
to get involved?
About a Child pays at least $500 out of each
adoption service fees to the orphanage for those
children left
behind. In addition, we provide financial
assistance to orphanages in Africa, Asia and Europe, in
their capital renovation projects.
More than material support, these kids need to
know they are not alone in the world, and even
a one-time individual sponsorship will bring
immeasurable joy and a boost of self-confidence to
an orphan. Please
contact us to see where the greatest needs are
at the moment and how you can get involved.
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