Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that the information offered here will answer many of your questions about international adoption and CWA’s programs. If you have additional questions, please visit our online adoption information page for immediate program information. You may also contact our Intake Director at 1.888.97ADOPT or email CWA.
- Can I adopt through CWA?
- Do I have to be a Christian to adopt through Christian World Adoption?
- How do I choose an agency, there are so many?
- I’ve never adopted before. Where do I start?
- How do I apply with CWA?
- What adoption programs does CWA offer?
- What are the steps in international adoption?
- What are the immigration requirements for international adoption?
- Can I adopt if I’m single?
- Can I adopt if I already have children?
- Can I adopt more than one child at a time?
- Can I specify the gender and age of the child I want to adopt?
- I take anti-depressants. Can I adopt?
- I've had/have cancer or other similar medical issue. Can I adopt?
- What if we get pregnant during our adoption process?
- What age child is considered an “older child?”
- We are both in our 50’s. Can we adopt?
- Can we adopt out of birth order?
- I have a criminal record, been arrested etc. Can I adopt?
- We are newly married. Can we adopt?
- Where do the children available for adoption come from?
- Can we adopt twins?
- Can we adopt unrelated children at the same time?
- How long will I wait for a referral of a child?
- If I decline a referral, will I go to the bottom of the waiting list?
- How much will it cost?
- How do I know if I earn enough money to adopt?
- Why does it cost so much when so many children need homes?
- I can’t afford the cost of adoption. Is financial assistance available?
- How long does it take to complete the adoption?
- What is a home study?
- The home study sounds scary. We live in a modest apartment.
- What should I look for when I choosing a home study provider?
- Will I have to travel to my child’s birth country?
- Do I need to learn a foreign language?
- An international adoption sounds too complicated. I don’t think I can do it!
- Who will be my contact person at Christian World Adoption?
- What is a post-adoption report?
- Is CWA accredited?
- I cannot adopt now, is there a way I can help the children?
- Does CWA offer a newsletter?
1. Can I adopt through CWA?
Yes, if you: (a) meet the age, marriage and family size criteria of the particular country where you wish to adopt; (b) are a United States citizen or married to one, living in the U.S. or abroad; (c) satisfy your state’s adoption law requirements; (d) are approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to bring a child into the United States.
2. Do I have to be a Christian to adopt through Christian World Adoption?
No. People of all faiths have adopted through CWA. We are looking for good homes for children. Our agency does not select parents on the basis of religion. Yet it is our sincere belief that God Himself directs our agency and everything we do.
3. How do I choose an agency, there are so many?
Choosing an agency can be complicated. There are many agencies, and on the surface they may look alike. We urge you to do your homework and to ask questions. To help you, we have developed a checklist of some important questions to ask.
4. I’ve never adopted before. Where do I start?
You will not adopt alone. From your first phone call, through every step of your adoption, our staff will provide you with detailed guidance, resources and support. We’ll take you by the hand to lead you through the process, assisting you with every aspect of your adoption. Free online adoption information »
5. How do I apply with CWA?
To apply with CWA, please click here.
6. What adoption programs does CWA offer? Read More
7. What are the steps in international adoption?
There are a number of steps and agencies involved in international adoption. Read More
8. What are the immigration requirements for international adoption? Immigration requirements for international adoption specific. Please read them carefully. Read More
9. Can I adopt if I’m single?
Some countries do allow single to adopt. CWA enjoys the opportunity and satisfaction of working with and helping many single parents experience the blessing of adoption. CWA will help singles adopt if the country allows. Each country has its own particular restrictions on age, prior children, marital status, etc. CWA has adoption programs in several countries and we believe there is a country which fits your personal situation. Somewhere there is a precious child who is perfect for you and your family. Placing God’s children in good homes is serious business, and, with His help, Christian World Adoption will find a child for you.
10. Can I adopt if I already have children?
A few countries have restrictions on the number of children in the family, but there are a number of possibilities for families with children at home already.
11. Can I adopt more than one child at a time?
Yes, in some countries. Siblings are often adopted together can usually be done at the same time in the same court. Some countries allow the adoption of unrelated children.
12. Can I specify the gender and age of the child I want to adopt?
In most countries this is possible. However, the country retains the right to determine the appropriate age difference between the adoptive parents and the child. Also, very often parents desire to adopt a girl, yet in most countries there may be more boys available than girls at any given time.
13. I take anti-depressants. Can I adopt?
If you are currently taking any prescription medications, or if you have any medical conditions, please call or email our Intake staff to discuss your specific case so we can help you determine your eligibility. If you are taking a prescription medication for any psychological diagnosis — including depression, we need to know this prior to beginning the adoption process.
14. I've had/have cancer or other similar medical issue. Can I adopt?
Every country has unique rules and requirements regarding health issues. Please contact our Intake staff for more personalized information. Health issues may not automatically preclude you from adopting, but each situation must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. With international adoption, all medical information must be fully addressed and documented in your home study as well as other adoption related documents. Full disclosure is required.
15. What if we get pregnant during our adoption process?
CWA asks that couples experiencing the joy of pregnancy put their adoption on hold for a time. You can stop your adoption process and resume the process at least 6 months after the birth of your child. This gives you a chance to adjust to your new baby before bringing home an adopted child that will require most of your time and attention.
16. What age child is considered an “older child?”
The age of an older child is be determined by the country of origin. Often the age is 4 years or older.
17. We are both in our 50’s. Can we adopt?
Each country has their own parental eligibility guidelines and some will allow parents in their 50’s to adopt.
18. Can we adopt out of birth order?
CWA does not prohibit adoptive families from adopting out of birth order; however, your home study provider may have restrictive policies about birth order. Please speak with your home study provider about their policies.
19. I have a criminal record, been arrested etc. Can I adopt?
If you have an arrest record or prior criminal charges, please discuss this with the Intake staff. While it does not automatically preclude you from adopting, each situation must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. With international adoption, all criminal issues must be fully addressed and documented in your home study as well as other adoption related documents. Full disclosure is required.
20. We are newly married. Can we adopt?
CWA will accept your application for adoption when you have been married for at least 10 months or longer. The first year of marriage is full of wonderful changes, and we want all couples to enjoy that time together. Some countries may require longer time frames; our Intake staff can provide more information.
21. Where do the children available for adoption come from?
Children who are available for adoption come from many different scenarios. Children may have been abandoned at birth or experienced the loss of one or both parents due to sickness or poverty.
22. Can we adopt twins?
Twins are sometimes available, but not extraordinarily common in any program. Many families desire to adopt twins and the wait can be considerable if this is your preference.
23. Can we adopt unrelated children at the same time?
Some countries allow the adoption of unrelated children at the same time and some countries only allow the adoption of siblings. Our Intake staff can provide more information.
24. How long will I wait for a referral of a child?
The referral wait pertains to the time between the completion of your home study and dossier documents and receiving specific information about a child. The more flexible your requirements are, the shorter the wait. If you are open to either a boy or a girl of varied age, a child may be referred to you sooner.
25. If I decline a referral, will I go to the bottom of the waiting list?
The most important thing is that the child you accept into your family is wanted and loved. You and your family are the best judge of which child is right for you, and we respect that. However, if you decline a referral that appears to meet the criteria you have provided, we will discuss this with you and your social worker.
26. How much will it cost?
Costs vary from country to country. There are two major factors which affect costs: (a) the legal structure of the foreign country and, (b) the age of the child. There are many fees for professional services to complete any adoption, foreign or domestic. Total fees vary significantly from country to country. We do all we can to keep our fees as low as possible consistent with the level of support our clients and our profession demand. Our fees are fully disclosed in our free adoption information found here. We are available to discuss our fees with you as well, please contact our Director of Intake at 1.888.97ADOPT or by email.
27. How do I know if I earn enough money to adopt?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) minimum income requirement for parents adopting internationally is based on the number of people in the family, plus the number of children adopted, and is 125% of the Poverty Line. The figures are listed on Form I-864P, Poverty Guidelines, and found on the web site of Department of Homeland Security. Read More »
28. Why does it cost so much when so many children need homes? Read More »
29. I can’t afford the cost of adoption. Is financial assistance available?
Many adoptive parents have asked this question and we are excited to answer, “Yes there is!” Almost everyone who is willing to put forth the extra effort can find some type of financial assistance either through donations from family and friends, or low percentage rate loans or even grants. Read More »
30. How long does it take to complete the adoption?
The average time for most families is within one year, but this can vary according to events and changes in the foreign country. The entire process, from the beginning of the home study to having a child in the U.S. typically takes from 8 to 15 months, depending primarily on the program chosen. The home study process, the wait for a referral and the court proceedings in the foreign country are normally the most time consuming aspects of adoption.
31. What is a home study?
Basically, a home study is an assessment of your family and home to determine your fiscal, emotional and physical abilities to provide a loving, stable environment for a child. CWA will help you understand and prepare for the home study.
32. The home study sounds scary. We live in a modest apartment.
A home study by a licensed social worker is a requirement in any adoption, foreign or domestic. Notice, this is a home study, not at house study. The size or furnishings of your house is not an issue. Assuming you have a safe place for a child to live, your residence will not likely be a problem. The home study seeks to document for the authorities that you are able to provide a loving stable environment. It is also a process to assure that you, as an individual, couple or family, are fully prepared for the task of parenting an adopted child.
33. What should I look for when I choosing a home study provider?
You are free to use any home study provider that is currently licensed in the state where you live, and they must agree to sign the Exempt Provider Responsibilities Form to work with CWA. CWA can give you information on providers we have worked with in the past, but our list is not all-encompassing. You should compare the costs each home study provider charges, and understand what services you are getting for your fees. Most of all, you should choose a provider who is responsive and with whom you feel comfortable. You will have a professional relationship with them for a number of years, both during the adoption process and afterwards.
34. Will I have to travel to my child’s birth country?
Yes, in most cases. Some countries will allow one spouse to travel or return home early, and some countries will permit a child to be escorted from their homeland. Traveling provides you the opportunity to learn about your child’s culture and enable you to understand your child better. Many families videotape their entire trip. In years to come, you can share the exciting and touching memories that are uniquely yours.
35. Do I need to learn a foreign language?
No. Many of our families have never traveled internationally and are fluent in only one language. CWA will arrange for English speaking facilitators to meet you at airports and work with you while in country.
36. An international adoption sounds too complicated. I don’t think I can do it!
It IS complicated, but CWA helps hundreds of families adopt every year. A CWA staff member will guide you through every step, from document collection to travel. We provide very extensive documentation and a high level of support. Even if you never visit our offices, we will know each other well by the end of the process. Helping you is our job, we take it seriously, and we enjoy it.
37. Who will be my contact person at Christian World Adoption?
You will work with a case manager throughout your adoption. Our case managers are professional, well trained and very knowledgeable about our adoption programs. A case manager will help you with document preparation, provide you with information about your child, help with travel arrangements and lodging, and oversee the adoption processes in the child’s birth country.
38. What is a post-adoption report?
All countries require periodic reports on each child, with a few pictures, for several years after the adoption. These are sent by the parents or by a social worker, through the agency, to the foreign courts; they assure them that the children are healthy, loved, and well taken care of. These reports continually reassure the Courts that they have made a decision in the best interests of the child. Post-adoption reports are thus crucial to the continuation of international adoption in almost all countries. Actually, they are quite enjoyable to write, kind of like a letter home. They give you a chance to reflect on your child’s adoption and your child’s development, and help assure that international adoption will continue to be an option for both orphans and adoptive families. In some cases, the reports are simply written by the parents and translated by us. In other cases, countries or states will require that one or more of the reports be written by a social worker.
39. Is CWA accredited?
Yes, CWA has been accredited with the Council on Accreditation (COA) since 1997.
40. I cannot adopt now, so is there a way I can help children?
You can pray for the children, and/or you can visit our sister organization, Christian World Foundation. Christian World Foundation sponsors a variety of humanitarian aid programs for the children in need around the world. Read More »
41. Does CWA offer a newsletter? Read More »
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