Update on The Hague Convention and U.S. Adoptions

For a number of years adopting in the USA has been one of the most popular choices for our clients. It is one of the few options for adopting a newborn infant. After the USA ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption on April 1, 2008, there was a great deal of uncertainty about if and how this could continue. We are pleased to say that this has now been favourably resolved.

One of the principles in the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is that reasonable efforts must be made to find a family for children within their home country before they are eligible for foreign adoption. The US authorities have recently clarified that there is an exception for situations in which birth parents have personally chosen to place a child with a particular foreign family. 

Some features of the process now will be: 

1. The birth parents must choose the adopting parents. Agency staff cannot do this. 
2. A judge in the USA must issue an order permitting the child to leave the country for the purpose of adoption.
3. An adoption agency accredited by the Hague Central Authority in the US must consent to the foreign adoption placement.
4. The Hague Central Authority in B.C. must agree to the adoption and issue a Notification of Agreement to Immigration Canada.

Eligibility Requirements - Florida

Married couples whose average age does not exceed 50 years.

Children Available

Mostly newborns, up to approximately 6 weeks of age, are available through Adoption by Shepherd Care in Florida.  Children are generally of African American or mixed race heritage.  Background risk factors will depend on the individual birthparents involved.  The availability of toxicology reports, HIV and hepatitis testing varies. The agency will inform you directly of the particulars for your case. 

Waiting Period

Similar to domestic adoption, birth parents will be choosing the adoptive parents through their Dear Birthparent letters, photos and family profiles and therefore the waiting period is impossible to predict.  It has been our experience that for some families, it may only be several months or less before a birthparent chooses their profile and yet for others, it can take much longer. 

Fees

Applicants will pay $5,500 plus post-placement reports to Hope Services.  This $5,500 includes the $3,000 fee for B.C. Approval & $2,500 for the Intercountry Fee.  In addition, there will be fees required to be paid to Shepherd Care in Florida.  These fees will vary depending on the individual situation of the birthparents and it is best to contact Shepherd Care directly for their most current information. Their cost ranges are approximately $16,000 - $24,000 USD.  All travel costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the family.  Other costs incurred include:  Criminal Record search, Medical Report, and Immigration fees.  

Summary of Process

For detailed process information, please refer to separate form: “Overview of Steps for Florida, USA Adoption”.

• Make application to Hope Services and fulfill BC requirements for legal adoption
• Contact Adoption by Shepherd Care in Hollywood, Florida and complete their application process:  Telephone- 954-981-2060 

         Website- www.adoptionshepherdcare.com

• Provide documents to Shepherd Care to fulfill the U.S. requirements
• Complete sponsorship application from Canadian Immigration  
• Your proposal will come from Shepherd Care to our office and we will contact you with the information
• Adoptive parents must travel to Florida and the length of stay is approximately 1 week
• 3 Post placement reports are required after returning home with your child
• The adoption is finalized approximately 3 to 6 months after arriving home