Resource Links

State Government Websites

FBI Fingerprint Criminal Record Check U.S. Department of State Authentication North Carolina Request for Criminal History Record Form & Instructions (PDF) State by State Directory for Child Abuse Clearances (PDF) State Child Abuse Registries (PDF) Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? Summary of State Laws (PDF) Obtaining Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death Certificates U.S. Department of State Apostilles /Document Authentication Services Obtaining A Social Security Number for Your Adopted Child Suggested Courier for Expediting US Dept. of State Apostilles: Caring Hands Services, Inc. 430 M Street, SW, #N106 Washington, DC 20024 Phone: 202-554-2277 $35.00 plus Authentication Fees and Postage. For additional fee information, click here.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Websites

General Information About The Intercountry Adoption Process Prospective Adoption Parent Guide (PDF) FAQ: Adoptions by Prospective Adoptive Parents Who Reside Outside of the United States (PDF) Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 I-600 updated as of 12/23/2016 use updated forms only (PDF) I-600A updated as of 12/23/2016 use updated forms only (PDF) I-800 updated as of 3/10/17 use updated forms only (PDF) I-800A updated as of 3/10/17 use updated forms only (PDF) How to obtain a Social Security card and prove U.S. citizenship for a foreign-born adopted child Requesting Original Adoption Documents Submitted to DHS/USCIS – G-884

Financing Your Adoption

Associates Home Loan Adoption Grant Your Adoption Finance Coach is a FREE service to all Primary Provider Hopscotch clients Help Us Adopt a national non-profit 501(c)(3) financial assistance grant program providing qualified couples and individuals – regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability- with grants of up to $15,000 toward their domestic, international, foster, or special needs adoption expenses. A Child Waits Foundation desires to save children from living their entire childhood in orphanages without the warmth and love of a family. Their grant program provides financial assistance up to $5,000 to qualified U.S. citizens who are pursuing an international adoption regardless of marital status, race, religion or national origin. The Gift of Adoption Fund has awarded more than 1,100 grants worth over $3.9 million since it was founded in 1996. Grants range from $1,000 up to $7,500 and are awarded each month. Any U.S. citizen who has an approved adoption home study from a Hague accredited agency is eligible to apply. There is a $50 application fee, but you can submit your application for review up to three times. The Sparrow Fund provides grants for encouraging and supporting families in the adventure of post adoption. National Adoption Foundation is dedicated to providing financial support for adoptive families in order to assist them in the successful adoption of children. The program is open to adoptions of non-related children. The primary requirement for eligibility is a home study, either completed or in process. The grant program has no exclusions as to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, family characteristics, or income. Grants are awarded quarterly and range from $500-$2,000. The deadlines for application are March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. Grant awards are dispersed to your adoption agency only. The grant can be applied toward any qualified adoption expenses. In order to be eligible, applicants are required to donate $25 on a monthly basis; however, the applicant can cancel the recurring donation after the first month if they wish to discontinue. The Never Alone Foundation invests in families connected with the international adoption community and helps bridge the financial gap to assist parents in bringing orphaned children home. The Never Alone Foundation offers three grants to consider depending on your situation. Adoption Tax Service IRS Tax Child Adoption Refund/Credit Information Qualified Adoption Expenses Form 8839 (PDF) Examination of returns and claims for refund, credit, or abatement; determination of correct tax liability IRS Tax Credit