Adoption Program
Vietnam
The Vietnam Adoption Process
Once you have committed to the idea of adopting internationally, there are several steps that need to be taken early in the process. The HIC staff will walk you through the entire process to make sure everything is in order throughout the adoption process and especially when you travel to pick up your child in Vietnam.
Upon receiving your completed application, HIC will begin to complete the necessary forms required by the Vietnamese government (DIA), compile your dossier, and send the packet to Vietnam. The experienced HIC staff will lead you through the entire adoption process. Our staff in Vietnam will notify us when they are finished processing your paperwork and will alert us when it is time for you to travel to Vietnam to pick up your child.
Application
The HIC application provides us with information about you and your adoptive needs. You are asked to list references, your reasons for wishing to adopt, the type of child you think would best suit your family. With your approved application, we begin to walk you through the adoption process.
Home Study
Your home study must be completed by an agency within your state of residence. HIC will complete the home study for residents of Hawaii. We accept home studies from non-profit, state licensed agencies for HIC clients who live outside Hawaii.
Once the home study has been completed, one original copy must be submitted to USCIS and one to HIC. Your home study should be submitted to HIC as soon as possible for you to receive HIC approval and for translation purposes. Your final home study report should be kept to 4-5 pages.
USCIS (INS) Pre-Filing
The first step in getting approval to immigrate a foreign born child is to submit a form I-600A ("Application for Advanced Processing of an Orphan Petition") to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Approval from USCIS typically takes 1-3 months. HIC can assist you with this process and provide you with forms and instructions.
Adoption Parent Training Classes
HIC offers a variety of pre-adoption training and support groups. Our Mentor Program connects you to a family who has already completed its HIC adoption. HIC follows the Hague mandated 10-hour training requirement, and encourages all families to complete online adoption preparation course work. Detailed information on live and online courses is available to HIC clients.
Traveling to Vietnam
Your trip to pick up your child in Vietnam will last approximately 30 days. You will be met by the HIC’s in-country representative who will lead you through the adoption process in Vietnam. Clients will travel to Ho Chi Minh City and then travel to their child’s home province, where the orphanage is located. Finally, the family will travel to Hanoi to complete out-processing with the U.S. Embassy
Official U.S. government link for travel information to Vietnam.
Post Placement / Post Adoption Support
Upon your return home, you will be required to use your home study agency or a licensed social worker to complete several post-placement reports. Post-placement reports are due 6, 12, 24, and 36 months from the time you return home. Additionally, an annual self-report on your family and child's well-being must be completed until the child is 18 years old. All reports are to be forwarded to HIC in a timely manner. Other post-placement resources available to families include the monthly HIC email newsletter, access to a variety of local and national adoption resources as needed, and access to the HIC staff members who specialize in various aspects of the adoption process. The latter is done in person or by phone or email.
Post Placement / Post Adoption Packet
Upon your arrival home with your newly adopted child, an HIC Post-Placement Packet will be waiting for you. Our Post-Placement Packet is designed to help you finalize issues such as ensuring your child's U.S. citizenship, applying for your child's Social Security card and passport, and re-adopting your child in your state of residence, if necessary.
