China
Guatemala
Russia
Vietnam
Brazil
IndiaIndiana has pre-adoption requirements that only come into effect when a child is brought to the U.S. through a guardianship for adoption in Indiana. There are no pre-adoption requirements for Indiana residents in Brazil, China, Russia, Guatemala, or Vietnam because you complete the adoption in the foreign country. Please note that adoption laws are a matter of state law. Your state may have what we call pre-adoption requirements that apply to every adoption or pre-adoption requirements that only apply in particular circumstances — state law dictates. What is important to remember is that these are requirements that either must be completed before you travel (e.g., Illinois, Pennsylvania) or which usually cannot be fulfilled pursuant to your state law until you are in the foreign country.
It is up to you (we will help you if you have questions) to determine whether there are any pre-adoption requirements you must meet from your state authorities prior to your travel or whether there is additional paperwork that must be completed during your travel. If a certificate or approval is required before you travel, your failure to obtain this certificate or approval will delay your travel and your ability to adopt for a substantial length of time. If you are unprepared for the requirements that must be completed while you are in the foreign country, this can lengthen your stay in the foreign country. This is not written to alarm you, but rather to have you find out this information early in the process.
Our recommendation would be to inquire with whatever agency does your home study. Your home study agency is licensed in your state and should be well versed on any state pre-adoption requirements and be able to give you proper advice in this area. Also, we stand ready to assist you.
