Professional Website of Dr. Bradford L. Woo

Adoption Services

Dr. Woo has 18 years of professional experience working in the area of international adoptions. He has helped hundreds of Bay Area families adopt children from China, Russia, Japan, India, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Ethiopia and elsewhere around the world. He is available for free consultations at any time. Dr. Woo works exclusively with Adopt International & Domestic Services in San Francisco. Together, they are able to assist you in completing the entire adoption process for the country of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can anyone adopt a child internationally?

Anyone who is a United States citizen may adopt a child from around the world. For married couples, only one spouse must be a United States citizen.

2. Do I have to be married to adopt?

No. Single people are eligible to adopt, although the options for single men are very limited. Some countries require that couples be married for a minimum period before they can adopt. It does not matter if you have been divorced.

3. Does my age matter in adopting?

Yes. You must be at least 25 years old to adopt. Some countries require that you be at least 30 years old, while others have policies stating that if you are beyond a certain age, you may be approved to adopt an older child or may be precluded from adopting.

4. Does my ethnic background matter?

For almost every country, ethnicity will not matter. The exception is India, where it is easier for parents of the same ethnicity to adopt.

5. May families who already have children adopt?

Yes.

6. Is there anything that might disqualify me from international adoption?

The most critical factor is a past criminal history, particularly child abuse, domestic violence, or substance abuse convictions. Less serious convictions (for example, for civil disobedience or similar infractions committed as a young adult) ordinarily are not held against you. Every applicant will be required to submit fingerprints and obtain federal and state criminal and child abuse clearances. Other factors that may disqualify an applicant include a severe medical condition or insufficient financial resources.

7. Do I have to own my own home or be wealthy to adopt?

No. Any person or family who can demonstrate the capability to provide for a child will normally be approved.

8. Which U.S. government agency determines to approve whether a person may adopt from another country?

You must file a formal application (Form I-600A or I-800A) with the United States Department of Homeland Security Citizenship & Immigration Services ( “USCIS”) to adopt from any country. Typically, it takes two or three months for USCIS to approve your application.

9. Will USCIS send someone to investigate my home and me?

No. That investigation, called a home study, is conducted by Adopt International. Any person or family who wants to adopt must have an approved home study. Your home study report, when completed, will be sent to USCIS.

10. What is a home study?

A home study is a written report by a licensed adoption social worker. It describes your personal and family background, home environment, employment, financial resources, physical and emotional health, and motivation to adopt. An Adopt International social worker will prepare your home study. The process includes office appointments and an in-home visit. You will also need to provide, among other information, personal reference letters and documentation of birth, citizenship and marital status. The home study process is conducted in a comfortable, positive atmosphere that promotes an educational and collaborative spirit. To start the home study process, contact the Adopt International office nearest you and request a private consultation to explore your adoption options. This initial consultation is free of charge.

11. Do I have to apply for approval to the government of the foreign country?

Yes. You must have your home study and other supporting documents (called a "Dossier") forwarded to the country from which you plan to adopt. The procedures and requirements for approval vary from country to country. Dr. Woo and Adopt International will guide you through the process each step of the way.

12. Do I get to select the child I adopt?

Generally, yes. Most countries will provide you with background and medical information on a child waiting to be adopted. It is your decision whether to accept the referral of a child. The one exception is China. The government of China assigns ("makes a referral of") a child to you. In most cases you may designate the age and gender you prefer.

13. Do I get to decide the country to adopt from, or does USCIS determine this?

It is your choice completely, provided you meet the requirements of the country you choose.

14. Do I have to travel to adopt my child?

For most countries, yes. At least one parent will be required to travel to bring the child home and complete the adoption or guardianship process. We strongly urge both parents to make this trip together, and we encourage singles to invite a relative or friend. A small number of countries will allow a child to be escorted to the United States.

15. How much does it cost to adopt a child?

Typically, you can expect to spend between $15,000 and $30,000 for the entire adoption process, including transportation and lodging abroad. But there are programs in certain countries with costs that exceed this range.

16. Must the total amount be paid now in order to begin the adoption process?

No. Roughly half of the amount will be needed within the first six months of the process. The balance is required at the end of the process when you prepare to travel to bring your child home.

17. How long will it take to complete the adoption?

The length of time will vary depending on the country you choose. Some countries will be faster than others. In general, you can complete an adoption from most countries within 9 to 18 months.

18. Can Adopt International help me adopt the child of a relative or friend in another country?

In some cases, as long as the child satisfies the USCIS definition of "orphan." Adopt International can help you to find out whether the child is adoptable under United States immigration laws.

19. What do I do now if I want to begin?

The first step is to call Dr. Woo or Adopt International for a free consultation. When you choose to proceed, our staff will assist you in preparing and filing your documents in the United States, completing the home study, and, in accordance with your wishes, establishing your relationship with our excellent liaisons in countries worldwide offering international adoption. Typically, our liaison will translate and forward your application documents, arrange for travel, escorts, and interpreters, and provide complete assistance in finalizing the adoption requirements while you are abroad. Hundreds of families throughout Northern California have adopted with Dr. Woo and many are available to give you reassurance and speak to you about their adoption experience. You are free to ask us for references concerning Adopt International and our liaison programs.

Call for a free consultation
Bradford L. Woo, Psy.D.
1500 Noriega Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 681-4957