Adoption: International and Home Study Services
Our Adoption Program assists Hawai'i's families in adopting children from China and the Philippines. We also work in cooperation with Holt International Chidlren's Services to assist Hawai'i's families in adopting from other countries.Our goal is to educate and support our adoptive families in their journey toward adoption. We also strive to support them with resources and education after the adoption is finalized. We believe that every child, no matter how near or far, deserves a warm, loving "forever" family.
Accredited, DHS licensed Child Placing Organization. We are currently in the process of completing the Hague accreditation.
Service Description:
Information Sessions
Free one on one and group orientations available. Overview of our adoption services, criteria for prospective parents, country specific application procedures.
Consultation and Counseling for Prospective Adoptive Parents
Private consultation to answer personal questions. Detailed explanation of application procedure.
Comprehensive Adoption Application Processing
Service provided by a team of specialists experienced in the areas of child welfare, child health, international social work and immigration procedures.
Adoptive Parent Training
Each adoptive parent adopting internationally is required to complete ten hours of adoption training prior to the completion of their home study. Examples of topics covered include attachment and bonding, cultural diversity, special needs adoptions, and how to talk to your child about adoption. Training is available in person at our office as well as through an online course.
Pre-Travel Orientation
Preparation for international travel with a child, things to bring, things to do.
Travel Arrangements
Referral to travel agencies that are experienced in arrangements for international adoption. For China adoptions, both parents are strongly encouraged to travel to China as the adoption occurs there. A guide/translator will be assigned to you for the duration of your stay there (approximately two weeks). For Philippines adoptions, only one parent needs to travel as the adoption occurs in Hawai'i after the post placement phase is complete. Travel takes approximately one week.
Post-Adoptive Follow-up Support
Regular home visits and telephone contacts by a social worker or a child health professional will be provided. Post placement reports are required by the Hague Treaty.
Networking Support
Child and Family Service is a part of the Hawaii Adoption Permanency Alliance (HAPA). Annual social gatherings for adoptive families. Resource and referrals to Hawai'i's large adoption community.
Home Study Services
A home study is a detailed report about the adoptive applicants and all household members. This is required for any international or domestic adoption. The home study covers the applicants' readiness to adopt, medical and mental health, extensive background checks, and financial stability. It also paints a picture for the receiving country or agency of the applicants' personalities, hobbies, childhood, and family/friends network. The home study interview consists of individual and joint interviews by a social worker in-office and in your home. All members of the household will be interviewed.A home study is completed on all our China and Philippines adoptions and is included in their fees.
Home Study services are also available to applicants adopting internationally through other agencies who do not have an office in Hawai'i. Please check if the agency you wish to use for your adoption process is COA accredited, state licensed, and Hague accredited.
Our program is able to assist in writing domestic adoption homestudies for families working with an adoption agency and/or attorney.
Our Adoption Program is also able to complete Post Placement and Post Adoption reports. The number of reports required and the timeframe depends on the country/state from which you have adopted.
Our Philosophy:
- All Children deserve caring parents and a warm loving home.
- Adoption is a family building process.
- Adoptive Parents are individuals who love children so much that they want to invite a child in need to become a part of their family.
- No part of the world is too far to find a child whom we can unite with a family.
As a participant in a Child and Family Service program you have the following rights:
- The right to a humane service environment
- The right to services free from unlawful discrimination
- The right to be involved in your own service planning
- The right to confidentiality except when otherwise mandated by law
- The right to services which are least restrictive and most convenient
- The right to file a complaint if these rights are infringed
Please call our Adoption Program for more information.
Funders:
This is a fee for service program.
Locations:
We are able to work on all islands to complete your international adoptions. Please contact the Oahu office for more information on international adoption or for assistance with a domestic adoption home study on Oahu.
Oahu
200 N. Vineyard Blvd., Bldg. #B
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 543-8446
Email: Adoption
If you are a neighbor island resident looking to have a home study completed for a domestic adoption, please contact your local CFS office.
West Hawaii
81-6587 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
Phone: (808) 323-2664
East Hawaii
1266 Kamehameha Avenue, A-5
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: (808) 935-2188
Maui
305 E. Wakea Avenue
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
Phone: (808) 877-6888
Visit These Websites For More Information:
China AdoptionsFilipino Adoptions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Department of State International Adoption
