Post Placement Services for Waiting Children
What do we do when we come back to the US with our child?
In most ways your post adoption process will be like that of any
other adoptive family. If only one parent traveled to China to complete
the adoption then your family will be required by the US government to
readopt your child within 18 months. If both parents traveled then
readoption is not required but is still strongly recommended.
Your social worker will visit you after you have been home for about a
month. This check in is a great opportunity to talk about resources
available in your area for both you and your child. China requires
reports from a social worker on how your family is doing at six and
twelve months. Then you provide self reports to us every year until your
child is 18 years old.
Americans Adopting Orphans provides assistance for integrating
your child into the United States with our Step 6 Instruction Pack. This
pack talks about readopting your child, obtaining appropriate medical
testing and support, issuance of social security numbers and a passport,
obtaining proof of citizenship, and receiving your income tax credit.
Will the government help pay for the care of my child?
In most cases, no. While some assistance may be available to families
adopting children with special needs out of a state's foster care
system, there is generally no government support for children adopted
internationally. As this varies from state to state you should discuss
this question with your social worker.
Children adopted internationally are generally cared for as children
born to a family. This means that in most cases your child will be able
to use the same medical care and insurance that you have from your
employer or self-paid plan. You should speak with your insurance plan
manager before committing to a special needs adoption.
There are also organizations that will help children with specific
medical conditions. For example, Shriner's hospitals (located all over
the country) are generally available to provide orthopedic surgery,
cleft lip and palate repairs, and care for burns, spinal cord injuries,
etc., all at no charge to the adoptive family without regard to
financial need.
What post placement services are offered by Americans Adopting Orphans?
Once you have adopted a child through our agency we want you to stay a part of our family. From fun things like camping trips and parties to medical and emotional consultation and referral services, we will be here for you. Your family will become a part of a community connected by our exclusive "families only" Yahoo e-group. Our staff includes social workers, nurses, parents of kids with special needs, and even shoulders to cry on. If we can't help directly we can probably get you pointed in the right direction.