What are the rules for international adoption?

In California, the rules for international adoption differ from domestic adoption. In order to adopt a child from another country, the prospective parents must meet certain requirements established by the California Department of Social Services. First, the parent or parents must be eligible to adopt according to the International Adoption Law. This means that the parents must be a U.S. citizen and age 21 or older, or married and one spouse must be a U.S. citizen over 21. The parent or parents must be financially stable and able to provide for the adopted child. The prospective parents must also complete an approved home study. This includes criminal and child abuse background checks, an evaluation of the home environment, and interviews with the adoptive parents. The home study must be done by an agency or professional approved by the Department of Social Services. The adopted child must meet the criteria for adoption in the country from which they are adopted. Different countries have different requirements and have the right to reject prospective parents. In addition, the parents must be eligible for immigrant visas and the child for an orphan visa, both of which are granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Finally, after the adoption is completed, the parents must register the adoption in California and obtain a birth certificate and U.S. passport for the adopted child. This will make the adopted child a U.S. citizen, and the parents can then receive any necessary Social Security and state benefits. International adoption is a complex process that can take considerable time and effort. Prospective parents must make sure they understand all of the requirements and are prepared to complete all necessary paperwork.

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What are the rules for international adoption?

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