VIETNAM ADOPTION: THE ADOPTION HOME STUDY AND MEETING THE ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Vietnam is once again gaining in popularity as the country of choice for American adoptions. In 2006 the number of American adoptions from Vietnam reached the highest point in 3 years and accounted for 163 orphan visas. It is expected that with passage of the U.S. Vietnam Bilateral Agreement on Intercountry Adoption of 2005 the numbers will vastly increase.
This article will outline Adoption Home Study requirements mandated by Vietnam. Before we begin a few words about the Adoption Home Study. It is a comprehensive report of the adoptive family’s background and child-rearing philosophy. It is designed to assist the family in preparing for the arrival of a new family member into a nurturing environment. It is conducted by a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the privacy of your home. Upon recommendation of the adoptive family the report is filed with (CIS) and becomes part of your dossier. Prospective adoptive parents are also urged to request additional information from their adoption agencies and adoption home study agencies.
IT IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM THAT ONLY AMERICAN AGENCIES LICENSED BY VIETNAM CAN PLACE ORPHANS FOR ADOPTION. Please ascertain the agency you are working with meets these criteria.
ADOPTION HOME STUDY GUIDELINES FOR VIETNAMESE ADOPTION
• Prospective adoptive parents must be 20 years older than child they wish to adopt
• Married heterosexual couples and heterosexual singles are eligible to adopt
• Prospective adoptive families must have good ethical qualities and receive clearances from the FBI, Child Abuse Registers, local authorities
• Prospective adoptive families must be in good health, free of mental impairments and contagious disease
• Families wishing to adopt must have verifiable income and possess the resources to raise and educate an orphan
• Children over 9 years of age must agree in writing to the adoption
• Adoptive families may have the opportunity to review medical records prior to receiving their referral. This is an excellent opportunity for consultation with an pediatrician specializing in international adoptions and adoptions from Vietnam
• Vietnamese law may disallow an adoption if it is not in the best interests of the child or if the adoption if illegal
• Prospective adoptive families must agree to comply with requirements for post-placement supervision
• Permission to adopt must be granted from an authorized American adoption agency in your state of residence
Written by ROBERTA KALMAR LMSW of Adoptiondoctors.com
Roberta is a specialist in International Adoption Home Studies with over 20 years experience works with adoptive families and single persons. She is a featured writer on matters of international adoption and has recently visited Vietnam touring a long established adoption program and researching adoption policies in The Socialist Republic of Vietnam. For more information on adoption home studies for Vietnam please contact Ms. Kalmar, at 718-499-8993 or visit her website at: abcadoptionsonline.com.