Frequently Asked Questions

What countries does Adoption STAR have inter-country adoption programs in?

Bulgaria and Hungary are the international programs offered. This list may change or expand at anytime. Adoption STAR also has a domestic program. For details on any of the placement programs, including the requirements, travel information, and details on the age range of children available by country, please do not hesitate to contact Adoption STAR

How long does it take to adopt a child internationally?

From the time you submit your formal application until you are united with your child usually ranges from 12-36 months, and is dependent on the country you adopt from. However there is no time commitment or guarantee.

What are the costs?

Fees vary by country, however, most Adoption STAR international adoptions range from $14,000 to $26,000. This is an estimate and does not include expenses such as travel. One common misconception is the cost difference between international and domestic adoption. It is commonly believed that international adoption costs far more than domestic adoption, however this is not true. The truth is that, while each adoption has its own set of special circumstances which can influence the cost, domestic and international adoption costs can be very similar.

Who are the children available?

Adoption STAR provides international placement programs of babies and older children. Just as there are children of all ages available for adoption in the U.S., the typical age of a child adopted internationally also varies, depending greatly on the country of origin and its adoption policies. While some countries do place babies with American families, other countries have strict adoption mandates that only makes the adoption of an older child available to foreign families. Additionally, some countries have very long adoption processes. While an American couple may initially be matched with an infant, by the time the legal process is carried out and the family is able to bring the child home, the child is several months older.

What type of information is provided about the child?

Adoption STAR works with a team of in-country adoption specialists to assure that you will receive as much information about the child’s social, emotional, educational and medical background as possible. Children will be tested for Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, HIV, etc. Photos, and sometimes videos, are available on a child. If a child’s birth family background is known then information about his birth parents and other biological relatives will be provided.

Can Adoption STAR work with families who don’t live in New York State?

In addition to being authorized in New York, Adoption STAR is licensed in Ohio and Florida. If you reside in any of these states, you are welcome to register in the Adoption STAR International Adoption Program.

I’m not sure which country I’d like to adopt from.

You don’t have to choose a country in order to start the process. Adoption STAR staff will be glad to assist you with this important decision. You are not required to make a final decision until your social worker is ready to write your home study.

If we adopt internationally, do we need to travel?

Traveling to your child’s country of origin is usually required. In addition, even if not required, it is recommended as it is important to become familiar with your child’s origins, culture, food, climate and lifestyle to best able to assist the child in transitioning to your home but also to work to keep the child’s culture apart of your new family.

How do I request an application?

Give the agency a call or drop us an email or request a packet online. If you have any questions when you receive the application packet, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How do we decide between pursuing a domestic or international adoption?

The best way to make a decision between considering domestic adoption versus an international adoption is to write down a list of pros and cons. Adoption STAR has developed a list of important areas to consider as you make the decision between a domestic or international adoption. Click here to learn more about domestic vs. international adoption.