Once you’ve made the decision to adopt a child from India, the next step is to find an agency that is approved by CARA to help facilitate the process.
CARA requires the use of an Authorized Foreign Adoption Agency (AFAA).
The AFAA will not only approve your home study, but will also represent you with CARA and the orphanage. They will also be responsible for many crucial steps in the process, such as:
- Filing the CARA application
- Being the point of contact when you get referrals for a child
- Notifying CARA when you accept a referral
- Handling all official communication with the orphanage once your child is assigned
- Committing to post-adoption visits and follow-ups
You’ll be working with your agency for more than two years and it’s important to do your due diligence. Some things to consider when choosing an agency:
- Look for agencies that have had recent experience placing children from India
- Talk with adoptive parents that have worked with the agency in the past
- Attend informational sessions and events conducted by the agency
- If the agency is not in your state, find out how they handle the home study process
- Give more importance to their track record than their proximity
- Talk with at least two agencies before making your decision. Find out who your Case Worker will be and make sure you speak with him/her
