How Do I Begin?
Gathering InformationFew choices in life are as significant as the decision to adopt a child. Dillon Southwest is here to help you in any way we can as you contemplate this important decision. We understand your excitement, uncertainties and concerns. We also know that international adoption is not for everyone. To begin your adoption journey and make the right decision for your family, we encourage you to seek knowledgeable and experienced adoption professionals who can provide information and guidance as you pursue your adoption dreams. Dillon Southwest's qualified staff is ready to answer your questions at every step of the way. Researching and gathering information is a critical first step. That is why we believe that attending one of our free informational meetings is a great way to get started! You will meet other families who are considering adoption and members of our professional staff who will give you detailed information and answer any questions you may have. Our group education program covers topics that include: raising a child who may look different from you, traveling abroad, the health and medical care of your child in his or her birth country, cultural issues and talking with your child about adoption. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of a family who has completed the process. To end the day, our panel of adult adoptees will share their personal adoption stories and answer questions you may have about raising an internationally adopted child. We encourage you to visit our Adoption Resources page. On this page, you will find links to country specific websites, books, magazines, online classes and much, much more. When you are ready to begin your adoption journey, please begin by following the process that is outlined below. An Overview of the Process
Contact Dillon Southwest (480-945-2221) when you are ready to discuss your options or when you are ready to review the adoption program of your choice. A social worker will go over the basic requirements and make sure all your questions are answered before you proceed to the next step.
The Pre-Application involves a short application with basic questions, a commentary of each applicant’s motivation to adopt, and a family photo.
The Application requires documents that Dillon Southwest will need to complete a home study. Please keep in mind that for those of you who are proceeding through the China Program, many of these documents are also needed for the Dossier.
Once you have received approval of your application, you will be assigned a social worker and begin the home study process. This is a time for your social worker to get to know your family and gather additional information so that she can compile the necessary information into the home study document. During the home study, we will also be able to answer any questions that you might have. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the transition to parenthood, as well as the issues that you might face while raising your child.
Dillon Southwest strongly believes in educating and guiding families through the various aspects of adoption and parenting. We believe that adoption is a lifelong process, and therefore gear our educational component to help families learn about as many aspects of adoption as possible. In addition to our group workshops, Dillon Southwest also requires families to read books about adoption and take online training from one of the many adoptive parent training websites that are available. Our training course has been developed as a tool to help families become more informed, while at the same time, enjoying the process. Some of the areas covered in our educational workshops include information about international adoption, foster and orphanage care of children, the adjustment of the child and family, attachment and bonding and medical issues to name a few. In addition, families who have adopted a child speak to our groups and answer any questions that families might have. We are also fortunate to have a panel of adult adoptees who are pleased to come and share their experiences with the group.
Adopting internationally is a challenging experience, even with a high level of support and guidance. You'll undoubtedly have questions and concerns as you go through the process. The staff at Dillon Southwest is here to assist you and you will be able to interact with other families who are adopting children through our agency, as well. In addition, experienced families who have already completed their adoptions and are eager to provide their support are available to you. If you will be traveling to the country of your child's birth, a Dillon Southwest representative will guide you as you make the necessary travel arrangements.
All of us at Dillon Southwest feel that it is very important to provide children and families with ongoing support and assistance after children have been placed into their new home. Our post-placement period is structured around the needs of the child – not solely around the due date for reports to the country of the child's birth. This process has been designed to help the transition period to be as smooth and trouble-free as possible for the child and his or her new family.
As a member of the Dillon Southwest family, we hope that you will join us at a variety of events hosted by our agency. Dillon Southwest celebrates the heritage of all the children that we place with several annual cultural festivities. This is a great way to meet new friends and see how the children are growing up. We encourage you to keep in touch after your adoption is complete. There will always be support and guidance available to you and your family throughout the years. You will also have the opportunity to be in contact with others who have adopted through our agency.
Outline of the Korean Adoption Process
Outline of the China Adoption Process
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