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Check out the video on my YouTube channel HERE.

So, you’re doing a private adoption internationally, and someone told you all you need is an international home study? Well, hate to burst your bubble, but that’s a myth! I’m here to set the record straight—and trust me, this is the info you need to know. Adoption & Beyond has seen families get all kinds of misinformation about international adoptions, especially about this whole “just get a home study” thing. Newsflash: You’ll need a little more than that.

Home Study? Cool. But You’re Gonna Need Backup.

Before 2014, sure, just getting a home study was enough. But then came the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA), and now every international adoption is a Hague adoption—even if the country you’re adopting from isn’t part of the Hague Convention. What does that mean for you? I hate to tell you, but that means you are going to need a home study provider AND a primary provider.

What’s the Difference, You Ask?

Think of your home study provider as your prep squad—they make sure you’re ready to adopt. The primary provider, on the other hand, is your international project manager, handling all the paperwork and coordination between the U.S. and the other country. Sometimes, one agency can wear both hats, but usually, you’ll need two separate agencies—so you’ll be getting a whole team here!

Pro tip: Your primary provider doesn’t even have to be in your state! You’re good to go as long as your home study provider is local.

Private Adoptions? Same Deal.

Are you planning a private adoption from abroad or do you already have a little one in mind? Guess what—you still need both a Hague-accredited primary provider and a home study. No shortcuts here, my friend. Without both of these key players, your adoption could be delayed or worse—derailed. And no one’s got time for that.

How We Can Help

Here at Adoption & Beyond, we’re Hague-accredited to handle international home studies. So, if you’re in Kansas or Missouri, we’re your go-to for the home study side of things. Plus, we’ll help you track down the right primary provider for the country you’re adopting from.

Need a hand finding your primary provider? No problem—we’ve got you covered with a handy resource link below!

https://directory.iaame.net/ords/r/iaame/asp-directory/search

Ready to dive into your international adoption adventure? Hit us up for your home study, and we’ll help you pull together the rest of your dream team.

This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Our services are not financial, business, or legal advice. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content. Adoption & Beyond, Inc. owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.

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Steffany ave

Founder & Director

adopt@adoption-beyond.org

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Meet Steffany Aye, the heart behind Adoption & Beyond since its inception in 1998. Fueled by a deep passion for supporting both birth and adoptive parents, Steffany's journey as an adoptive parent has continued the foundation for this non-profit adoption agency.

Drawing from more than 26+ years of dedicated experience, Steffany and her team are committed to crafting warm, thriving families through child-centered adoptions. Their inclusive services, free from any form of discrimination, reflect Steffany's unwavering dedication to the beautiful tapestry of adoption.