Information & Counseling
We understand that adoption is a major life decision. Adoption ARK will answer all your questions so that you can make the best decision for your family.
- We’ll provide information to you on our international adoption programs.
- We’ll help you determine what program will suit you the best.
- We’ll assist you in locating a home study agency in the state of your residence that will prepare your adoption home study.
- We’ll help you successfully navigate through the paperwork that is needed for the adoption dossier.
- We’ll provide assistance and detailed step-by-step instructions during the entire adoption process.
- Adoption ARK will always be there for you; when deciding to adopt, during the adoption process, and after the adoption is complete.
Waiting Children's Pictures and Profiles
In some cases, waiting child information may be shared with clients considering adoption. Not all countries and orphanages permit pictures and profiles of children to be displayed on the internet. However, there are children available for adoption whose pictures you can see after you complete an application with Adoption ARK.
Help with Paperwork
Completing your paperwork can seem overwhelming. We provide forms and detailed instructions about the documents that are needed for the adoption dossier and help with valuable tips and professional answers to all your questions. We are accessible around the clock via email or phone. Help with paperwork can give you peace of mind and can help you can avoid many unnecessary mistakes. All your documents and forms will be closely reviewed, translated, and approved by us before they are sent to the child’s birth country.
Home Study and INS/BCIS assistance will be also provided. If you are a resident of Illinois, we can complete your home study through our home study department. If you are not an Illinois resident, we can provide you with a list of licensed home study agents in your area.
Translation Services
After your dossier is completed and sent to us, we will translate it into the language of the child’s birth country. Professional translation is a very important part of the adoption process. Our staff speaks several different languages, which allows us to communicate with our personnel abroad and foreign government officials and also will help you communicate with your adopted child.
Monitoring the Process
After your dossier is translated, Adoption ARK will submit it to the foreign country. We will monitor the processing of the dossier in the foreign country and supervise the dossier’s progression. We will keep you informed throughout every step of this process.
Receiving the Referral
Once your dossier is approved by the foreign country, you will receive an invitation to travel and meet your future child. We will work with you closely to prepare you for your trip.
Many of our staff are world travelers and can provide you with helpful travel tips and insights into the culture and customs of the country to which you are traveling. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and well-prepared for your trip. It will be the experience of a lifetime!
Travel Arrangement Assistance
When you receive your invitation to travel, we will assist you with all aspects of your trip. You have the option of booking your own accommodations and flights, or we can recommend someone to help you. Adoption ARK works with several international travel agencies through which you will receive assistance with finding the lowest-priced and most convenient flights.
The in-country coordinators can assist with your hotel accommodations. They have the experience and connections to find the best accommodations for each parent or family.
Overseas Assistance
Overseas assistance will make your adoption experience pleasant and memorable. From the moment you step off from the airplane in a foreign country, the foreign coordinators will guide you through the adoption process and assist you with all adoption related matters. They will take care of all your adoption needs and will assist you with official negotiations, legal and court assistance, ground transportation, lodging arrangements, help with appointments, translation, and processing of all required documents.
Post-Placement Support
When you arrive home with your child or children, we are there to provide assistance with issues that may arise. We can help translate conversations between you and your child. If behavior issues arise, we can help you find the necessary resources. Our goal is to help you with the transition as much as possible.
ARKfamilies is our online support group comprised of parents waiting to adopt and those who have completed their adoptions. Our parents have found this group to be an invaluable source of information, support and friendship. To request membership to ARKfamilies, please send your requests to adopt@adoptionark.org.