[Mary135790]

I'm a single woman in the midst of paperchasing for a child from China. I would say get on the internet (which is what you are doing) and find many adoption agencies that handle adoptions in the country(ies) you are looking at. They will generally list country requirements (married/single, cost of the program, basic income requirements, wait times, etc.). Go to live seminars if they are offered in your area, otherwise, call/visit (if local) the agency(ies) with a list of questions so you can have structured discussions and/or have them send you information. If there is an adoption or single mother support group in your area, go to the meetings. Read books on adoption. See if there are groups on the internet that focus on adoption from your country of choice. Some countries are going through changes due to Hague convention mandates on international adoption so do your homework! Go to the Department of State web pages and see what they are saying about the state of international adoption for your country(ies) of choice.

As for process, (in order) I chose a country (no doubt about adoptiing from China!), chose an adoption agency, chose a homestudy social worker, have spent 7 weeks doing homestudy paperwork/visits. Then send the homestudy paperwork to BCIS (formally INS) and wait a long time (2 - 3 months) for them to send approval, meanwhile, do more paperwork for your dossier that is sent to the country. Then send the homestudy and BCIS approval to adoption agency, they have it translated, send it to the country, then you wait many/many months for a referral of your child!!

Best wishes in your endeavor!