PHASE I: PRE-ADOPTION
This phase is taken up with counseling, legal and administrative preparation:

1. Agency Application
   Click here to request an on-line application packet.
   
   
2. International Home study
   A licensed social worker and/or home study agency (be advised to follow your province's regulations) conducts a series of meetings to determine your suitability to parent an adopted child and to simultaneously help you prepare for the experience by informing you of pertinent issues related to international adoption and immigration procedure.
   
   
3. Dossier
   A Dossier is a set of legal documents required by the country from which you are adopting. These documents require translation and authentication through notarization, certification and legalization on a federal level. Refer to checklist for country specific documents and authentication requirements.
   
   
4. Child Referral
   A BERCEAU experienced personnel will work with you throughout the process to understand your needs and preferences. The child referral step is initiated after completion of your dossier. BERCEAU makes every effort to honor you preferences, but please be advised that if your list of criteria is too long and specific, you will narrow your options, which may lengthen your waiting period for a referral. After your dossier has been accepted, referrals are made anywhere from few days to a few months. Referrals come in the form of medical report (this information will help you with medical terminology) and pictures. Medicals typically include birth information (weight, height, head and chest circumference, tests results, etc.), reason for availability, medical diagnosis and updated measurements. Information regarding birthparents is generally minimal, if available at all. Medical reports are usually prepared by a licensed pediatrician certified with the Canadian embassy in Russia and Citizenship and Immigration Canada office in London, England.
   
   
5. Child Acceptance
   BERCEAU advises families to consult with a practitioner familiar with children who have been raised in institutional settings. Families communicate with their social worker regarding their specific medical concerns or questions, which are then promptly addressed by the orphanage physician who cares for the child. It is important that families are comfortable with their referral and all concerns are addressed prior to acceptance and travel overseas.