THE DOSSIER - YOUR LIFE ON PAPER

If you are adopting independently, the preparation of the dossier can seem like a daunting paperwork task. But if you take it one step, one document at a time, and you keep yourself organized, it will go rather smoothly. Don't rush things, this does take some time...actually it takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and legwork! Guard it with your life! Lots of useful info can be found at iAdopt.info.

Translators we recommend are:

Deb Blaz: blazm@yahoo.com
Andree Weimer: andreel@hotmail.com
Emmanuel Pierreuse: franslations@aol.com

Please feel free to join the Petits Anges de Chantal yahoo group and ask us any questions you might have about the procedure. We are a hugely supportive group of moms who are adopting, interested in adopting, and have already completed adoptions from PAC. Here is a list of things that comprise your dossier, which you will need to send to Marie at Petits Anges:

1. Approved Home Study
(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate) Your agency or social worker doing the homestudy must be licensed and certified to do an international homestudy. Get a photocopy of their license.

2. State Certified Birth Certificate
(translated)

3. Medical Evaluation
(notarized, state authenticated, translated)
Must be on physicians letterhead, signed by doctor. You need to include basic lab tests, HIV, DVRL and CBC. It must state that you are in general good health status. (Labwork does not need to be certified in any way or translated)

4. Pyschological Evaluation
(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate) Must be done by a licensed pyschologist, MA degree or higher. It must state your name, psychological soundness and recommendation for adoptive parenthood. You and your spouse can do this together.

5. Police Report by your Local Department
(notarized, state authenticated, translated) This is a letter on Police Dept. letterhead that simply states you are a citizen in good standing and will probably state how long you have lived in that city. If you do not live within city limits, you must go to the county Sheriff's office.

6. Two Letters of Reference from Acquaintances/Friends
(notarized, state authenticated, translated)
These must state the nature of your relationship and how long they have known you, your strengths, weaknesses (if noted), and opinion of you as a parent.

7. Letter of Employment (Or Tax Acct. Letter if Self-Employed)
(notarized, state authenticated, translated) On company letterhead, containing your name, position, start date, and current salary. For tax accountant letters, these must state that they have done your previous year's taxes and verify your earnings.

8. Bank Letter
(notarized, state authenticated, translated)
A letter from your bank stating your accounts are in good standing, how long your accounts have been opened, and the current balances.

9. Power of Attorney
(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
You will only need one naming Marie France Simon, the name of the Creche, and the ID#0031606250.

10. Letter of Request to Haitian IBESR (Social Services)
(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
This should be somewhat of a personal, heartfelt letter, telling why you wish to adopt, what you can provide, how anxious you are to adopt. It does not need to exceed a page or so.

11. ID photos- 4 passport style photos

12. Certified Marriage License
(translated)

13. Certified Divorce Decree - if applicable
(translated)

14. Copy of 3 Months of Bank Statements

15. Copy of Last 3 Year's Tax Returns

16. Photocopies of 2 forms of Photo ID (passport, Driver's Lic, etc..)

Every single document (except for your labwork, bank statements, taxes, certified birth certificate, certified marriage certificate and certified divorce decree) has to be authenticated by your Secretary of State. You can mail it in, but it is much faster to walk-in and get it same day. If you don't live close to yours, check into local courier servies. Everything except labwork, bank statements, copies of ID, and tax returns also have to be translated into French.

MAKE SURE YOU TRANSLATE BEFORE SENDING THE DOCUMENTS TO GET LEGALIZED AT THE HAITIAN CONSULATE!