Required Documents
Homestudy
This ended up being the most difficult part of the dossier, not to do initially, but to get accepted by the Adoption Department. The problem was with the way my psychologist interpreted the test. He felt that it could only be used to find big personality traits like if you are depressed or shy. The Adoption Department wanted a more detailed report on the test and more information drawn about my personality. My psychologist wouldn't do this or didn't understand what was wanted. Fortunately, in the end, the Adoption Department accepted my report as it was because they realized that my psychologist didn't understand or won't do what was asked.
Three Letters of Reference
These letters have to come from leaders in the community such as elected officials or someone from a church. I used two local Mayors and a Pastor. I knew both Mayors through work and the Pastor is my Neighbour.
Medical Certificate
My agency gave me a form for the doctor to fill out and plus I needed blood work (a full blood panel, HIV and Hepititis) for myself and my daughter.
Certified Copy of my Birth Certificate
Police Clearance
Letter Confirming Home Ownership and Value of the Property
I used the Property Tax Assessment that the BC Government sends out each year.
Photos
I had to send two of myself and then 2 sets showing the rest of my family, and the interior and exterior of my house.
Certified Copy of my Passport
Adoption Application Form
This was provided by the agency and I filled it out.
Employer's Letter
This needed to show my position, lenght of service and rate of pay.
A Letter from the Bank
This letter just stated how long I had been at the bank, that I had funds in my accounts and had paid off any loans. The banks won't give detailed information but this letter was accepted by the Adoption Department without giving details on amounts in my accounts.
Power of Attorney
This is to allow the lawyer in Honduras to act on your behalf and the form is provided by the agency.
Letters
The adoption agencies added in some letters. First, from the BC Ministry saying that I was approved to adopt. Second, one from TDH. And third, one from the Honduran Consulate.
Getting the Dossier to Honduras
It took many weeks for after my dossier left my hands before it was registered in Honduras. Here are the steps for Canadians.
Left my hands for the BC Agency - June 12
BC Agency sends to TDH Ontario - July 5
Notarization - Completed in a few days. Done by July 9
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa and Consulate of Child's Country- These are done at the same time. Send to the consulate July 14 and completed by August 9.
Courier to Child's Country - Appoximately one week.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honduras and Translation- Translation took a few days and then my dossier spent a few weeks at the Ministry. Completed at the Ministry Sept 24.
Submitted to the Adoption Department- Submitted September 24.
Total Time - 15 weeks
