International Adoption Process

Speak with A St. Mary’s International Adoption Counselor

Families interested in adopting should call the office at 1-847-870-8181 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time a counselor will ask you general questions and then schedule a private consultation to talk in more detail and review next steps.

Attend an Initial Meeting

This meeting is designed for prospective adoptive couples new to adoption. At this meeting, you will meet with a St. Mary’s counselor to learn general information on adoption as well as St. Mary’s approach to adoption, which will include eligibility requirements, the home study process for international adoption, information on the partner placing agencies we work with, children available, licensing requirements and adoption fees. At this initial meeting, you also will receive a St. Mary’s application packet.

Consultation and Formal Application

Should you decide to move forward with St. Mary’s on an adoption plan, we ask that you complete the preliminary application in its entirety and submit it with the application fee. Upon receipt of the preliminary application and fee, St. Mary’s International Program coordinator will meet with you to help you select a program. The next step will be to complete a formal application packet, which will provide St. Mary’s with basic background information on you. Once the formal application is completed, we ask that you submit it to St. Mary’s, along with the formal application fee.

Home Study Process

After reviewing your formal application, St. Mary’s will assign a caseworker and begin the home study process. A home study is a series of interviews that you and your spouse will undergo with a licensed counselor. During these interviews, your counselor will learn more about your family and preferences in an adoption. The home study also requires you to submit character references, undergo criminal background checks, obtain medical evaluations and receive education on parenting and adoption. Your home study fee is due prior to the first interview with your caseworker.

Preparing for Placement

St. Mary’s will assist you with preparing a dossier for the specific country from which you are adopting as well as filing an I6000A – Orphan Visa. You will gain valuable information on resources available to assess your child’s social-medical records at the time of referral.

Post Placement

Post placement visits will be scheduled according to the requirements of the child’s country of origin. St. Mary’s recommends that all families re-adopt in the state of Illinois and file for a Social Security number.

**Remember that St. Mary’s always will be a resource for your adoption – before, during and after your journey.