Age of Parents

Married couples must be at least 27 years old to be eligible to adopt, and single women must be at least 27 years old to adopt older children (9+ years). Parents must be at least 16 years older and no more than 45 years older than the adopted child. 

Marital Status

Couples married at least three years are eligible to adopt from the Philippines. A total of two divorces is allowed per couple.

Children in Family

Couples with 5 or few minor children and single women with 2 or fewer minor children are welcome to adopt from the Philippines.

Income

Families will have an income of at least $15,000 per family member, including the adopted child.

Criminal History

Families with no criminal history are welcome to adopt from the Philippines. Criminal history will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Medical History

Applicants cannot have a past or current diagnosis of a communicable and/or life threatening disease or other condition that impairs their ability to parent and/or the quality of life of a child. Families with no history of significant mental health issues or substance abuse are welcome to adopt from the Philippines. Applicants must maintain a BMI of less than 35. Families will be required to complete a psychological test and submit a letter from their pastor as a part of their dossier.

STEP ONE

Once contracted with AGCI, your next steps are to begin your home study, education, and dossier.

STEP TWO

Review waiting children! When a child who meets your approved parameters has been identified from the Philippines’ monthly bulletins, AGCI will request additional information on that child from the Central Authority. Once the information on the child is received, you will have two weeks to make an informed decision about accepting the referral. Wait times vary depending on your family’s openness to age, number of children and identified specialized needs.

STEP THREE

Wait for final approval from the Central Authority.

STEP FOUR

Parents travel to meet and bring your child home! In-country travel typically spans 5-7 days!

STEP FIVE

Welcome home! AGCI and the Philippines require post-placement visits and reports monthly through the first six months and bi-monthly reports until adoption finalization. The number of reports may vary, and additional reports may be required by your state until the adoption is finalized. During this time, NACC has granted your family legal guardianship of the child, but the adoption will not be final until you finalize the adoption in U.S. courts, which can be pursued after you receive your Affidavit of Consent to Adopt by NACC. AGCI is here for support throughout your child’s life—connect with us at any time for ongoing support services!

There are so many ways to fund your adoption! You can learn more about AGCI-specific grants, adoption loans, and employee benefits and more by contacting one of our experienced Adoption Advisors!

AGENCY FEES

Application: This non-refundable fee covers the cost of a review of your application to confirm your eligibility for your desired program.

U.S. Agency*: Processing expenses for AGCI include, but are not limited to, personnel costs, administrative overhead, operational costs, staff training and education, state, federal, and international licensing and accreditations, oversight and supervision of cooperating agencies, post-adoption support services, communications and insurance. The agency fee covers AGCI’s cost to facilitate your adoption with agency and government officials in the United States and abroad.

*If adopting siblings, agency fees increase.

HOME STUDY AND POST-ADOPTION

Home Study Services: These fees cover the services needed to prepare and complete your adoption home study. These fees vary depending on your home study agency.

Post-Adoption Reports: These fees cover the cost for your home study agency to provide post-adoption visits and reports upon arrival home. These fees vary depending on your home study agency.

INTERNATIONAL FEES

These fees cover the cost of facilitating an international adoption in Burundi. These fees include, but are not limited to costs related to personnel, administration, training and education, legal fees, and communications associated with government and agency authorities, government fees, and care of your child prior to the completion of your adoption. (Due with completion of dossier and referral packet as indicated on fee schedule)

FEE DISCLOSURE

All fees paid to AGCI are paid in advance of service. AGCI fees are non-refundable and may not be waived. If services are terminated and a refund is due, all refunds will be processed within 60 days of withdrawal and/or closure of the adoption file upon receiving the Adoption Termination Contract.

ADDITIONAL & THIRD-PARTY EXPENSES

Additional or third-party expenses are outlined in the provided Fee Schedule.