Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the children?
For international adoption, children who range in age from 1-year-old to 14 years old are available. In our domestic adoption program, newborns are available. Please visit our individual program pages to learn more about the country’s average age range, special needs, and restrictions.
How do we start the adoption process?
Give us a call! We are happy to discuss all of our programs with you, what program is the best fit for your family, and send you an application to get moving. Your first step in the adoption process, no matter what program you choose, is to complete a home study. Once you send us an application, we will get you started with the home study process.
Don’t have time to give us a call? Send us an email! You are welcome to inquire about more information via our Getting Started page.
Don’t have time to give us a call? Send us an email! You are welcome to inquire about more information via our Getting Started page.
What is a Home Study?
The home study is easily the most asked about step of the process as it is both curiosity and concern-provoking! A home study is a report written by a social worker that evaluates your readiness and ability to take placement of an adopted child. This comes together from three parts: a minimum of three assessment meetings with your social worker, paperwork, and education hours. Most families worry that the social worker assessment meetings are an interrogation, to which we say that is not the case! Our social workers’ goals are to get to know you, your background, and what makes your family unique. Please give us a call to learn more and we will gladly walk you through it.
How long does it take to complete a Home Study?
Most of our families complete the home study in approximately two to three months. This timeframe is entirely dependent on how quickly adoptive parents are able to compile necessary paperwork and complete education hours.
In need of a home study faster than two to four months? Give us a call to learn about our expedited home study process!
In need of a home study faster than two to four months? Give us a call to learn about our expedited home study process!
Do I need to know what country I want to adopt from before I start the home study?
No, you do NOT need to enter the home study process already knowing the country you wish to adopt from. While its helpful and faster if you have a country in mind, our social workers and directors will gladly walk you through the different programs so you can find which is best for your family, whether that be domestic or international. You will need to know before your home study is written where you would like to adopt from.
After applying to a country or the domestic program, how long before we can adopt?
This depends on the country and varies pretty greatly on age openness, special needs, and your age as an adoptive parent. Please refer to our individual program pages for more information or contact either of our offices to talk with a Program Director!
Who will help us during our stay in our child's birth country?
Heartsent has many connections in our program countries who will help you while you’re traveling, whether it be a coordinator or guide. Please refer to our individual program pages to learn more about what travel will be like while you’re in your child’s birth country!
Domestic adoptions also require assistance; Heartsent is able (if applicable) to provide assistance with out-of-state travel and paperwork help to complete your adoption.
Domestic adoptions also require assistance; Heartsent is able (if applicable) to provide assistance with out-of-state travel and paperwork help to complete your adoption.
How long is the stay in the birth country if we do a foreign adoption?
Generally between 5 to 14 days, depending on the country’s requirements and court process. At times two trips are necessary, or there may be extended time in the foreign country before your adoption can be considered complete. Domestic adoption may require 1-2 weeks in the child's birth state if your child is not born in California.
Is it possible for us to work with Heartsent all the way through our adoption?
YES! For countries where we have an internal (direct) program, you can work solely with Heartsent. We can also work with our network of agencies to form a "team" approach for your adoption. This way we can provide you with continual service throughout your adoption experience.
For a domestic adoption, Heartsent works with highly qualified attorneys to complete your adoption. We will work together with your attorney to make sure your process is smooth and filled with heart!
For a domestic adoption, Heartsent works with highly qualified attorneys to complete your adoption. We will work together with your attorney to make sure your process is smooth and filled with heart!