Process Overview

The process to adopt in Nova Scotia is long, and government guided. The process for international adoption is longer and more involved.

1. Apply to NS to adopt internationally (done, Oct 1 2012)
2. Wait for basic approval to move forward (done!)
3. Have a home study
• First meeting (done, Oct 26 2012)
• Paperwork (done, Nov 14, 2012)
• Individual Interviews (Pam: Nov 23, Adam: Nov 26)
• Medical Paperwork (in progress from Nov 1)
• Couple Interview (in progress from Nov 26)
• Couple Interview and Home Visit (We're hoping before Christmas, but maybe not)
4. Complete International Adoption Training (done, Oct 21-22 2012)
5. Register with Adoption Agency (sent, Nov 21-22 2012)
6. Sign Adoption Agency contract (sent, Dec 5 2012)
7. Apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to bring a child into the country, as you need to have per-approval (done Nov 2012)
8. Receive Citizenship Approval (Jan 28, 2013)
9. Sign Home Study (done Jan 29, 2013)
10. Re-do Citizenship and Immigration Canada process for Sponsorship (sent  Jan 31, 2013)
11. Receive provincial approval  (got it Feb 14, 2013)
12. Find out what region(s) of Russia you can work with (Vladivostok! Mar 2, 2013)
13. New education requirements needed. Agency and province working on a solution. 
14. Start education programs from agency. (April 16, 2013)
15. Complete education program from agency. (May 11, 2013)
16. Complete Russian region's paperwork
1. Psychological Adoption Assessment  (Picked up April 1, 2013)
17. Wait for Dossier to be sent to, and processed by, the Russian Consulate n Ottawa for legalization (sent  May 16-ish, 2013)
18. File goes to Vladivostok for translation and notarization (sent  May 30, 2013)
19. Wait for Russian approval and official registration in our region (July 9, 2013)
20. Received request for additional documentation (August 1, 2013)
21. Additional documentation sent (August 6, 2013) 
22. Received request for additional documentation (August 7, 2013)
23. Additional documentation sent (August 14, 2013)
24. Wait for a match (that is, an on-paper match of a child that you are thought to be well-suited to care for). Once a match is given there is a very quick turnaround to travel.
25. Start preparing court documentation in advance of formal request under the agency's direction
26. Consult International Adoption Pediatrician for a review of the file
27. Give a tentative approval or refusal of the match based on a small dossier of information you are provided
28. Fly to Russia
• Meet with the Ministry of Education
• Meet the child 
• Approve or refuse the match
• Get to know the child over a few visits
29. Come home
30. Wait for court date
31. Fly to Russia
• Medical Assessment with 8 physicians
• Go to court for adoption hearing
• Get a "Yes" or "No" from the court
• See and visit with the child 
• Wait for the 10 day revocation period to pass.
• Pick up child 
• Have Visa Medical completed for child
• Travel to Moscow (if that's not the region you're in) for citizenship/immigration
32. Bring child home!!!!
33. Love, love, love!!
34. Follow up visits with social workers
35. Love, love, love!!