The adoption process

- Initial enquiry.
- Lodge EOI form including application fee*. - Invitation by letter from ASQ to progress EOI.
- Establish eligibility*.
- Advised by letter when eligibility is established or not; Appeal rights provided. - Participation in education program.
- Complete family profiles*. - Confirmation of the country of choice*; Assessment fee paid*. - Review of information.
- Allocation of an Assessment Contract Worker to undertake assessment.
- Assessment report review; Couple receive a draft of report for comments*; Assessment report finalised. - Favourable or unfavourable determination of suitability by delegated officer.
- Favourable assessment advised in writing.
- Unfavourable assessment advised in writing - removal of name from EOI register; Reviewable decision - appeal rights advised. - Request document to compile a file for the relevant overseas agency; A comprehensive checklist provided; Couple* provide ASQ with required documentation**.
- ASQ compiles file for relevant adoption agency; Notary Public***; Department of Foreign affairs***; Embassy as required***. - File couriered to the relevant overseas adoption agency***; Acceptance or non-acceptance by the adoption agency. The adoption agency determines the best possible placement for a child with prospective adoptive parents**. - Placement propsal of the child receive by ASQ.
- Information reviewed, medical advice sought; Placement proposal may be declined by ASQ. - Placement proposal approved by ASQ; Placement proposal discused with the couple. - Placement proposal considered by the couple; Couples accept/decline in writing. - Couples decline: ASQ advised relevant adoption agency. Couple's file placed back into group of families awaiting consideration of a placement in accordance with overseas country requirements**.
- Couples accept: Couple lodges application with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship*. Legal and administrative processes finalised by relevant overseas adoption agencies**. - Couples advised by ASQ when able to make travel arrangements**; both parents are required to travel to take custody of the child; Interim Order issues or supervision period begins for a period of 12 months after arriving in Australia; Four post placement visits undertaken by ACW. - Final Adoption Order coordinated by ASQ; Apply for birth certificate three weeks after final order, if applicable; Application for Australian citizenship with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.