*Pause* This page contains checklists and documents for Alabama Residents Only. If you are not an AL resident, please click HERE to be redirected to the correct document page.
To get you started
Welcome to the first stage of your adoption process! During the course of the next several months we will complete your home study, registration dossier, and 1st immigration filing. There is a lot to do - so, please follow these tips and instructions to get you started.
Download and Read the Following Guides and Checklist - We STRONGLY recommend you print them and store them in your adoption paperwork binder for easy reference later.
India Program Overview
Document Preparation Guide
The Purpose of a Home Study
Home Study and Registration Document Checklist
Other Helpful Links
Family Portal Login
Email Your Coordinator
US State Department (Int’l Adoption Page)
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Submit Tracking Info
Like before, any documents you will need to send to your case coordinator for this phase must be complied and mailed in one envelope, with the mailing checklist coversheet. A link submit your tracking information is above.
Documents & Forms
The sections below have been arranged according to priority - based on items you may need to plan ahead for, order, or make appointments for. Be sure to notice tips and advice included in section descriptions and refer back to your document preparation guide often.
Clearances for Household Individuals
ABI / FBI Suitability Clearance (Everyone age 18 or older)
Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Instructions
Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Form (Everyone age 14 or older)
Local Police Clearance (Everyone age 18 or older)
*In addition to the clearances listed above, if a household member has lived in another state (other than AL) or country since the age of 18, Child Abuse and Neglect Clearances will be completed for those locations as well. Please provide previous residence information for the Applicant(s) by using the link below. Prev. Residence information for other household members is gathered from the information sheet they provide.
Previous Residence Information (applicants complete)
Your coordinator will provide you with the additional - state / country specific - forms.
Coming Soon! - Track the Progress of Completed Clearances
References
Reference Instructions - Read First!
After selecting your references:
Enter Reference Contact Information
Track the Progress of Returned References
If you need to edit reference contact information After Submitting, please click here
Certified Vital Documents
Ordering and receiving these documents can take days, weeks, even months! Read the instructions carefully and order these early!
While you are waiting for clearances, references and vital documents to be returned / arrive, make your medical and psychological appointments. Remember to read the instructions carefully so that you understand what information and qualifications are required.
Medical Reports / Information
Adult Medical Reports - Instructions & Form
Child Medical Reports - Instructions & Form
Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation - Instructions & Psychologist Letter
Let’s move on to completing the important narrative portions of your paperwork. The majority of these are electronic forms that you will log in to SAM to complete.
This portion should not be overlooked in its importance and given an adequate amount of time, attention, and priority.
Personal Assessment & Narrative Documentation
Readiness Assessment Worksheet - complete 1st
Statement of Motivation - electronic form
Applicant 1 - Autobiography - electronic form
Applicant 2 - Autobiography - electronic form
Child Incorporation & Planning
Attestation from Child(ren) of Applicant(s) - instructions & form
Child Details with Care & Guardianship Plan - electronic form
Special Needs Chart - instructions & form
Both your home study and registration dossier require the documentation of an applicant’s financial profile. This includes a financial worksheet that you will complete and supporting documents to verify the information you provide.
*We recommend obtaining the supporting documentation before you complete your financial worksheet, as the figures MUST match.
Financial & Asset Documentation
Instruction Sheets
Throughout the adoption process, and continuing into parenting , we encourage our clients to proactively educate themselves and seek resources available. Though no parent is ever 100% prepared for the role; preparing, educating, and building resources helps to gain realistic expectations & confidence to face circumstances that fall outside of expectations.
Adoption Education Certification
Please read the Adoption Education Information Sheet BEFORE you explore the links below.
Adoption Learning Partners - online Hauge Certified Adoption Education
Empowered to Connect - website developed to offer resources and training based on the model developed by “The Connected Child” authors, Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross
Dossier Photos
A requirement of the registration dossier is to submit a family photo portfolio. The photos submitted must follow VERY specific guidelines, otherwise they will not be accepted.
Dossier Photo Guidelines and Examples - read thoroughly before you select your photos.
Once you have selected your photos, email these to your case coordinator for approval. Do not skip this step!
After your case coordinator has approved your selection, order 6 sets of your approved photos from an online service and have them mailed / sent to Children of the World directly (attn of your coordinator).
Suggestions for online photo ordering: Shutterfly, Wal-Mart Photo, Walgreens, Amazon Photo, Snapfish, CVS Photo
CARA Registration Form
The electronic form in the link below will allow you to double check / correct the information we use to submit your CARA Registration. Please access the link, make corrections and add information where needed.
CARA Registration Form - electronic form
