Definitions

In the world of adoption, there is lingo... just like any other thing in the world... Just like the Down syndrome world as well. I am guessing that up to this point, I have tossed out some terms that you may or may not know both in the adoption world as well as the Down syndrome world so I think I will take a few minutes and clarify some meanings as well as some acronyms that are tossed around quite frequently. Here we go.... let's start with the Adoption World

Dossier

Technical Definition:

A dossier is typically a briefing paper based on an individual of interest in police or intelligence circles. They generally contain a relevant biography, most current information on activities and any special information of interest to the agency, such as having training in various specialized fields

My definition:

We compile several pieces of paper. Some of which include, employment verification, medical statements, copies of our passports, certified copy of the deed to our home, marriage license, petition to adopt, letter of obligation, copy of information about our home (sq footage, rooms etc), home study, and power of attorney's. These things all have to be notarized, then they are apostilled (definition below) by the state of Iowa. Then all this is sent over to our "country" to be translated and submitted to the government there.

Apostille

Technical Definition:

Apostille is also a French word which means a certification. ocuments which have been notarized by a notary public, and certain other documents, and then certified with a conformant apostille are accepted for legal use in all the nations that have signed the Hague Convention.

My definition:

Since all of our documents in our dossier have to be notarized, they are then sent or taken to our state office where they are certified that they have been notarized.

USCIS

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

We had to file an application with USCIS in Iowa. We sent them the application, our marriage license as well as our completed home study with $830 for filing of this application. They are the final word here in the United States as to whether or not we are approved to adopt Jacob. After submission of these documents, we will be given a date to get our Federal Fingerprints done. After that is all complete, we will get our approval (God willing). The approval letter is called a I-171H and is the FINAL PAPER to complete our Dossier. Waiting and waiting for one single uneventful piece of paper. It doesn't come with bells and whistles and from what I understand if you don't know what you are looking for, you might not even notice! LOL

Home Study

I couldn't find an exact definition for this but it really is just like what it sounds. Your home study is an in-depth study of your home, your family, and your financial ability to support a child, with or without special needs. We had an independent social worker who is licensed to do international adoption home study's come to our home. We talked with her twice for several hours each time. Prior to our home study appointments, we completed a very long questionairre that she sent to us. We discussed every single aspect of our lives, finances and parenting. This wonderful woman knows more about us than most of our very close friends!

I am sure there are terms that I am missing, but those are the most common ones. It is nearing my bedtime AND the Down syndrome list is much much longer so we will save that for another day!!

Anything I am missing... or any questions about this process?