Figure 1: Requirements for Post-Adoption Reports
| |
Notarized
Report |
Notarized &
Apostilled
Reports |
Labeled
Picture |
| Ethiopia* |
3 |
- |
3 sets of 5 |
| Russia* |
1 |
2 |
3 sets of 5 |
| Ukraine |
2 |
- |
2 sets of 8 |
| China |
3 |
- |
3 sets of 5
|
| * After the post-adoption report requirements are met, a letter with photos must be submitted yearly until the child reaches 18! |
Figure 2: Due dates for Post-Adoption Reports
| |
|
Report Due Date |
| |
1 month |
3 months |
6 months |
1 year |
2 years |
3 years |
| Ethiopia |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
| Russia* |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
| Ukraine |
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
| China |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
| * Russia reports have the further condition that they must be dated no earlier than one month prior to the due date |
 |
What is a post-adoption report?
A post-adoption report is an update on an adopted child prepared by a licensed social worker. In most cases, the social worker who did a family’s home study will do their post-adoption reports. Post-adoption reports are an important part of completing the adoption process.
What are the requirements for a post-adoption report?
Post-adoption reports describe how the child and family are adjusting to one another and include labeled pictures of the child. The number of copies and type of authentication required for post-adoption reports varies by country (see Figure 1). Due dates for post-adoption reports (see Figure 2) may be determined by the court date, the date the child enters the United States, or other factors. Families should meet with their social workers well in advance of the due dates for their post-adoption reports.
Why are post-adoption reports so important?
Post-adoption reports are required by the government of the child’s birth country. Every family who goes through the adoption process signs an agreement stating that they will comply with the post-adoption requirements as a condition of their adoption. Because post-adoption reports help ensure that officials in the country continue allowing international adoptions, it is crucial that they arrive on-time and complete. Failure to complete post-adoption reports on-time can add costs to your adoption and can place other adoptions in jeopardy.
How do post-adoption reports help families?
The post-adoption visit is a chance for families to check-in with their social worker. The social worker can be an important source encouragement and resources. The post-adoption report is also a chance for families to demonstrate to the child’s birth country that the adopted child is being cared-for and loved.
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