Hague Accreditation for International Adoptions
Bellefaire JCB holds a Hague Accreditation as a primary provider from the Council on Accreditation. Hague Accreditation protects the rights of children, birth parents, and adoptive parents while promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices among adoption service providers. As a regulation of the Hague Accreditation, adoptive families who are adopting from a Hague Country are required to complete specific International Adoption Hague Training.
A link to the world's waiting children
The Adoption Center at Bellefaire JCB helps families adopt children from around the world. Over the past decade, we have assisted in hundreds of international adoptive placements, uniting the world's waiting children with families eager to share their lifelong love and support.
How do I begin the process of adopting a child from another country?
There are many factors and options to consider with regard to international adoption. A meeting with a Bellefaire adoption assessor will help you better understand the process and how it relates to your wishes and expectations.
What is a placing agency?
The "placing agency" is the agency that will work directly with the country you wish to adopt from and place your child with you. Bellefaire works cooperatively with several agencies all over the country and has strong relationships with those agencies. Bellefaire can assist you in finding a reputable placing agency as well as assist you with additional documentation that may be required from you. Bellefaire will remain involved throughout your international adoption process. Click here for a list of Hague Accredited Agencies
Who can adopt internationally?
Age requirements vary by country. Most countries require parents to be between the ages of 25 to 45 years old to adopt an infant. For some countries, there cannot be a difference of more than 45 years between your age and that of your adopted child. Some programs make exceptions and do not have an upper age limit. If you are single, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that you be at least 25 years old. Please refer to your placing agency and your country's specific requirements.
How much does it cost?
Fees related to international adoption are paid to Bellefaire (the local or supervising agency) and to the international placing agency. Please contact Bellefaire for a copy of our most recent fee schedule. There are many resources available to help adoptive parents manage the financial aspects of adopting. Employee benefits, income tax credits, and loans are just a few.
How will I prepare for adopting a child from another country?
Bellefaire performs the required state and federal services to qualify you to adopt a child through international channels. These services range from International Adoption Hague Training (Link to Adoption Training Calendar), to initial consultation and home study through to post-placement and finalization.
How long does international adoption take?
Many factors affect the timeline for international adoption, including the policies and procedures of the country from which you are adopting, the child's background, circumstances, and whether you are open to adopting a child with special needs.
What is the Hague Convention?
The Hague Convention is a treaty signed by over 75 countries, ratified in December 2007. The Hague Convention strengthens protections for children, birthparents, and prospective adoptive parents in the adoption process. The Hague Convention provides a framework for countries to work together to ensure that adoptions take place in the best interests of children and to prevent the abduction, sale, or trafficking of children in connection with intercountry adoption.
For more information click here for a guide for prospective adoptive parents looking to adopt from a Hague country.
Hague International Adoptive Parent Training
Bellefaire JCB has developed a complete training experience for Ohio families. Training is open to international adoption applicants from any agency. Hague training:
- Is independent to the home study;
- Occurs prior to the adoptive family traveling to adopt a child;
- Is about 10 hours in length and will cover topics specified by Hague Training Standards Regulation.
Where do I start?
Contact the Adoption Center at Bellefaire JCB today for an information packet.
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Or feel free to attend one of our ongoing information sessions and learn more.
