Padme totally understands the apprehensions of adoptive parents and preparing themselves for their visit to the agency to see the baby. While preparing emotionally on one side there is the excitement of the unknown and the journey that could unfold.
We have separated the list into two phases –
(i) Things that you should do when you receive the SMS informing you that you have been referred a child
(ii) Things to carry when you are ready to bring the baby home
Checklist 1
You have received the much awaited SMS and email informing that you have been referred a child. While this is an exciting time it can also be overwhelming.
Here is a checklist that will help you plan your visit to the agency
- Check the referral you have received and that the Child Study Report (CSR) & Medical report (MER) details are complete and up to date. If not get in touch with the agency and ask for updated reports.
- You can get the MER reviewed by a medical professional of your choice.
- Reserve the child on the Carings portal within 48 hours!
- Set up an appointment with the agency (within 20 days of accepting according to 2017 adoption guidelines).
- Check the documents required to be carried along with the agency. This is the standard list however some agencies ask for additional documents. http://www.cara.nic.in/pdf/schedule/9.pdf
- Confirm if the documents have to be notarized/attested.
- Ask the agency how it accepts the CARA prescribed fee – DD or Cheque.
- Think of a Name for your child. (if you haven’t already :))
- Plan your journey and in case you are booking your return tickets by flight, remember that kids under 2 years need infant tickets booked with the name you have decided on. You will also need to carry a proof, the foster care agreement works or ask for a letter from the agency.
- Things to carry – (See below)
- Meet your child – The most precious moment in your life that you will cherish forever. Don’t forget to take pics!
- Meet the child’s caretaker and get as much information as you can. Learn about the child’s routine, likes/dislikes if any.
- Sign the foster care agreement, CSR & MER.
- Submit documents for filing petition in the court. The agency will usually assign a lawyer for this purpose.
- Check with the lawyers about court dates and when you will get the birth certificate.
- Bring home your bundle of joy. 🙂
Checklist 2
We have drawn out a list of essentials that you could pack along with you, especially if the agency/institution is not in the same place where you reside.
The essentials
- Baby blanket.
- Clothes: Always pack extra set of clothes (You might need more than a few pairs especially if the baby is young)
- Baby wipes
- Diapers (depending on the weight of the baby)
- Milk bottles (if the baby was bottle fed or if you want to transition them to bottles). Many brands in the market. To name a few; Philips Avent, Mothercare, Pigeon. Also, one could also continue with the same brand that used in the agency. In some cases, the transition of bottles could vary.
- If the baby is on solids then please carry bowl, spoon and few pieces of cutlery.
- Bibs
- Formula or baby food – Always good to check with the agency what the baby is being fed currently and carry the same brand.
- Socks, mittens and caps (depending on the weather)
- Baby towels or face wipes.
- Small Flask (to carry water and milk)
- Small toys/books that can help keep the child engaged during the journey back home.
- Emergency medical kit: thermometer, Crocin, Cyclopam, Domstal, etc
Optional Items
- Diaper changing mat
- Pacifier (useful on long flights)
- Formula dispenser
- A wrap or baby carrier