Expanding Your Family
through International Adoption
As a Hague Accredited agency, Hope Cottage can help you navigate the unfamiliar waters of international adoption as you consider adopting a child from Ukraine, El Salvador, India, China, Russia and elsewhere.
While all adoption is ultimately about providing a healthy home and a positive future for a child who has neither, international adoption differs in the more complex cultural and legal considerations involved. If you have questions or concerns about the process or even just how to get started, keep in mind we'll do all that we can to ensure your international adoption goes as smoothly as possible.
Putting Our Experience to Work for You
Throughout the adoption process, Hope Cottage is closely monitoring adoption law in all countries where we help facilitate adoptions (whether we operate our own programs there or work with other American adoption agencies). This gives you confidence as a prospective parent that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Other compelling reasons to trust Hope Cottage with your international adoption include:
- Our 85+ year history of ethical adoption practice in the Dallas area.
- Our membership in the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS), a national organization of agencies working together to deliver professional adoption services with integrity, honesty and transparency.
- Our knowledgeable, compassionate and experienced staff who will personally assist you throughout your adoption journey, regardless of which country you adopt from.
- Ongoing training and support services for families of international children.
- Regular staff interaction to increase your comfort levels and familiarity with Hope Cottage.
- Introductions to other families currently in the program or to those already parenting internationally adopted children.
Supporting Families Outside North Texas
Because of our reputation in North Texas, even families from outside the area come to Hope Cottage for help with adopting a child from Ukraine, India or El Salvador. By working closely with in-country contacts, all of whom have international adoption experience and accreditation (when national policy allows), Hope Cottage can provide the services directly related to the assignment and placement of a child. Our staff works diligently to ensure a "long distance" family receives as much personal assistance and information as a local one. And we'll continue to work with them throughout the post-placement process.
Supporting Families Who Adopt Elsewhere
Families in Texas can adopt children with the assistance of placement agencies all over the U.S. and many other countries. But eventually all will need the local pre-adoption services of Hope Cottage to provide home study, training and support.
In addition, we work with families adopting from other countries to fulfill Post-Adoption Services needs. We've even helped families who move to Texas during an international adoption. Our staff is ready to step in at any time and take over the adoption process to help ease the stress caused by moving and adopting.
Regardless of the country of origin of your child, contact with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is necessary. Let our knowledgeable staff assist you with the USCIS application process and manage any other connections required by the orphan officers of the district offices in Texas.
Doris Marshall, Director of the International Adoption Program
Our international adoption program is directed by Doris Marshall, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, who has been on staff for more than 25 years. As a licensed social worker, Doris has held positions in both clinical and administrative capacities, and has made significant contributions to our pregnancy, adoption, foster care and counseling programs. She brings a wealth of experience to the international program and offers the unique perspective and valuable insight that only a seasoned professional can.