International Adoption Eligibility

Nightlight Christian Adoptions is licensed by the Department of Social Services in California and South Carolina to select suitable families for children needing adoption. The selection of adoptive parents is based on their eligibility to meet state and agency requirements as well as the requirements and preferences of the applicable foreign country. The adoption homestudy process also will assess their capacity as adoptive parents and the characteristics of children whose needs they can meet.

Residence

Nightlight works with families living throughout the United States. No specific residence requirements are applied other than those stated by the involved countries and their respective governments.

Citizenship

At least one (or sole) adopting parent must be a United States citizen.

Religion

Applicants must be committed to providing their child with a constructive, wholesome and spiritual home environment.

Health

Adoptive applicants must give evidence of good health, both physical and mental, which will be verified during the application process by medical examinations and psychological evaluations.

Age

In general, we believe that there should be no more than 45 years difference between the age of the adopting parents and the age of the adopted child. However, some countries may have more relaxed or stricter requirements.

Marriage

Adoptive applicants are encouraged to have been married a minimum of three years when the homestudy begins. We hope this period will provide the couple sufficient time to establish a home, financial security, and to adjust to the marriage as well as to each other. Married applicants must have a satisfying and secure marriage. Single parents are eligible to adopt if they meet the qualifications of a stable home environment, financial security and have a strong support network of family and friends. Eligibility for single parents to adopt varies among countries.

Education

Classes and reading pertaining to parenting skills and adoption issues are required of adoptive families. Our goal is to prepare you to be the best parents possible for your child.

Little girl from Russia or Eastern Europe holding flowers and smiling

Postplacement Supervision

Countries require supervision for varying
periods, depending on the country. It is critical that families comply with these requirements so as not to jeopardize future adoptions from those countries.

Finances

Adoptive parents must be able to pay fees and costs based on the fee schedule for their specific country. All fees and costs must be paid before travel. Special assistance may be possible based on the needs of the child to be adopted and the financial needs of the family.

Pregnancy

Before you begin the adoption process, you need to complete all your infertility treatments so you can truly be ready to be the best parent for your adopted child. If you become pregnant while in the adoption process, notify our office immediately. We will place your file on hold. When you are ready to consider adoption again – generally at least when your child is nearing their first birthday – call us to discuss re-activating your file.

Adoption of Subsequent Children

In order to have adequate time for attachment and bonding, it is important to have a minimum of one year with the child/ren in the home before beginning another adoption.

Adoption Services Menu

Nightlight Christian Adoptions is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) adoption agency, licensed by the states of California, Colorado and South Carolina to provide adoption services, and is Hague Accredited through COA. Nightlight can perform adoption homestudies for residents of Colorado, South Carolina and Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties).