Several country programs offered by CHSFS offer you the option of having your child escorted (brought to you in the U.S.) instead of requiring you to receive your child in his or her country of origin. CHSFS believes children's interests are best served when parents travel to receive their child(ren); therefore, the following escort and travel guidelines apply:

For children under 1 year old at referral:  Children under 1 year old at referral may be escorted to the United States when allowed by their country of origin.

For children 1 year old or older at referral:  To serve the best interests of the newly adopted child and his or her adoptive family, CHSFS expects the adoptive parent(s) to travel to the child’s country to receive the child when the child is 1 year old or older at referral. Exceptions to this travel guideline may be considered.

Benefits of travel:

q       Your child’s separation anxiety that might result from leaving familiar caregivers and surroundings may be minimized when you travel, because you and your child will spend time together prior to leaving the country, which enhances parent-child attachment.

q       When you travel, your child experiences one less transition in caregivers.

q       You have the opportunity to meet and learn from your child’s caregivers and others who have been important and/or critical in his or her development.

q       You can gain a rich understanding of your child’s social and cultural background from which to cultivate a greater appreciation for his or her unique identity.

q       Your child, throughout his or her life, will value your story about “the day we met.”