What is an intercountry adoption?
An intercountry adoption is a process where a person or couple living in one country legally adopt a child living in another country. In Washington, this process is regulated by the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000. The Act sets out the requirements that a person or couple must meet in order to legally adopt a child from another country. The requirements include, but are not limited to, having a home study done by a licensed agency, obtaining approval of the adoption from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, and obtaining an immigration visa for the adopted child. In addition, the Act requires foreign countries to follow certain adoptions standards set forth by the Hague Adoption Convention. The goal of the Act is to ensure that the adopted child is placed in a safe and secure home, and to protect the rights of all parties involved in the adoption process. Intercountry adoptions can take a considerable amount of time, energy, and financial resources, but the rewards are often well worth the effort. Intercountry adoptions can provide a safe and loving family for a child in need and can be a rewarding and life-changing experience for the adoptive parents.
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