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Understanding the Process: A Beginner’s Guide to International Child Adoption

international child adoption

International child adoption means when you are planning to adopt a child from a different country. There are many reasons for you to adopt a child internationally.

However, international child adoption takes a long time, so you need to be flexible and patient. Contact an adoption agency near you first to know about the adoption process.

Adoption by Shepherd Care (ASC) can be a good choice for international child adoption. Our team has been working with families and children in Colombia for over 25 years and is ready to listen to you whenever you want us to help. Our agency has a well-established relationship with the Central Authority of Colombia, ICBF.

Steps to Start International Child Adoption

  • Once you contact us, our Colombia Program team will talk to you and guide you through the adoption process.
  • You can ask them about the adoption fees and any other questions.
  • The next step is to complete the home study requirement. Our adoption caseworker will talk to you and complete all other formalities, including interviews, training clearances, and the paperwork process for the home study.
  • Then our team will help you apply for I-800A approval through USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services).
  • While waiting for I-800A approval, we will help you complete the Colombia dossier. For that, we will collect and apostille the remaining documents.
  • The next step is to get ICBF approval. Your application will be reviewed carefully. Once it is reviewed, you will get approval.
  • Give this entire process some time. When two countries are involved, you can assume that there will take some time. So, please be patient.
  • Now, Colombia will share a referral for you. Our team members will carefully review that referral. They may review your application once again if needed.
  • Once you get the referral code, it’s the time for you to get ready for Colombia. Prepare for the Colombian visa application and pack your bag.
  • Our team will help you with the process and your journey to Colombia.
  • This is the much-awaited step you have been waiting for—your visit to Colombia. Go there and meet your baby for the first time.

Contact Us

Do you have any questions about the adoption process? Contact us. We are ready to help you. Our team works 24/7, 365 days a year to help you.

Call/ Text: 954-981-2060 and 407-265-9599

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Official Statement from
Adoption by Shepherd Care

It has come to our attention that the Hulu series Good American Family contains inaccurate information regarding Adoption by Shepherd Care (ASC) and the adoption of Natalia. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the facts.

Contrary to what is presented in the documentary, ASC did not initiate any communication or have any involvement with Mr. or Mrs. Barnett in connection to Natalia’s adoption. The legal adoption process for Natalia was completed in the state of New Hampshire, where the original adoptive family resided, and was facilitated through a New Hampshire-based agency—not Adoption by Shepherd Care.

For those seeking further clarification, we encourage you to watch The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, Season 2, Episode 1, which clearly states that Adoption by Shepherd Care was not the agency responsible for facilitating this adoption.

We want to express our respect for all agencies and professionals engaged in this vital work. However, it is essential that accurate information is shared with the public and that the correct entities are acknowledged for their role in any adoption process.

At Adoption by Shepherd Care, we remain steadfast in our mission to place children in safe, loving, and permanent homes. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical practice, and compassion for the children and families we serve.

We respectfully request that the media and members of the public refrain from further spreading misinformation related to this matter. While we understand the interest in this case, we also urge respect for the privacy and dignity of all individuals involved. Adoption is a deeply personal and emotional journey that must be approached with sensitivity and integrity.

Adoption by Shepherd Care will continue its unwavering commitment to finding loving and permanent placements for children, guided by the principles of honesty, compassion, and respect.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Joseph Sica – jo*@*******sc.org
Michael Cardenas – mi*****@*******sc.org

🌸 Spring Promotion: Begin Your Adoption Journey with Reduced Upfront Costs! 🌸

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and we’re making it easier than ever to take the first step in your adoption journey! From now through March 31st, we’re offering a special limited-time promotion to help families get started with reduced upfront costs.

Here’s how it works:

  • Consultation Fee: Pay only a partial portion of the $400 consult fee upfront. $250 Due at Submission Of Preliminary Application.
  • Inclusion Fee: Pay only a partial portion of the $1250 inclusion fee upfront. $850 Due after Consultation.
  • Deferred Payment: The remaining balance of these fees will only be due once you are matched to a case.

This is the perfect opportunity for families considering adoption to move forward with confidence and financial flexibility.

Don’t miss out this offer is only available through March 31st! Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take advantage of this exclusive spring savings.

Let’s make this spring the season of new beginnings for your family! 💕

Upcoming Adjustment To Our Domestic Fee Structure

We are writing to inform you of an upcoming adjustment to our Domestic fee structure, effective January 1, 2025. This change will apply to all active and waitlisted families as of the effective date.

We understand the potential impact of financial adjustments and are committed to providing transparency regarding these changes. This decision was made to ensure that we can continue providing the highest standard of services and support to the families we serve. If you have any questions or concerns about this adjustment, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in our organization.