Kandee Biren

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series

After you choose your International Agency, it is time to begin gathering all the required documents. This can be an overwhelming adventure for the organized person. If you are the type of person who is not organized, gathering the documents may be absolutely terrifying.

The best way to proceed is to take many deep breaths, breathing through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Decide to take baby steps when collecting the documentation; do one document at a time. Organization is crucial to success. Once you receive your home study packet from your designated home study agency, dedicate some quiet time to review documents without distractions. Give yourself a chance to become familiar with the language and documents needed for the Russian Adoption process.

The first step to help make your home study process easier is to invest in an expanding file folder with multiple pockets. This will allow you to label and separate all the required documents. Some of the documents required will be: birth certificates, marriage license, divorce decree, tax returns (up to 5 years in some states), employment letter, pet vaccinations, medicals, and other documents depending on your state’s requirements.

Begin with documents that take the longest period of time, such as: country, state and local finger printing. Also it is helpful to verify with your state or country where you were born and/or married. This is important because you will need to request certified or apostil led copies of documents for your dossier. If you happen to have a history of an arrest, this MUST be disclosed to your home study agency. All information appears on the background check. Do not get caught in a lie. Depending on the type of arrest, there may or may not be an issue. Everything about you shows up with the fingerprinting process when adopting internationally. Depending on how your past is presented by your home study agency is how Russia will view your documents.

It is important to always make copies of each document. Put them in your expandable folder immediately, so you will have doubles if needed. When sending any information anywhere always have a tracking number so you can easily track your documents through the United States Postal Service Website. Send all pertinent and time sensitive material through a reputable courier service such as Fed Ex, DHL or UPS. The services all have convenient pick up and delivery times to make the process smooth. Tracking of items sent is always assessable through the Internet.

Most documents for the home study for Russia will need to be notarized. It is important to choose a notary who is familiar with the wording, which is essential to your documents. Wording varies per state. It is important your notary’s commission does not expire within the two years of your signing the document. Documents are all time sensitive depending on the country you choose to adopt. Depending on the country, time sensitive documents may expire as soon as three months. Once again, organization is essential to your home study process.

Depending on your state's requirements, courses may be necessary. Childcare, CPR or International Adoption classes may be needed. Often these courses are offered on line, local hospitals, colleges, and adult education classes and through your home study agency. Your home study agency will have a folder very similar to yours with your documents. Each state must comply with the licensing requirements of the state and each state has a licensing person and is reviewed yearly.