In Waiting
Once a proposed match or referral is received, families review the available information before moving through approval, travel, placement, and post placement requirements. This stage brings important decisions, emotions, and preparations as families move closer to welcoming a child. The Children's Bridge helps families understand the process, review next steps, and prepare for the journey ahead.
About Active Files
A file may become active after the required approvals are complete and the dossier has been submitted and accepted according to the country program’s process. Active status differs by country and program.
Being active does not mean that a referral or proposed match will happen immediately. Families may wait for a significant period of time, and documents may need to be updated during the waiting period.
About Matches and Referrals
A match means a child has been identified as a possible fit for an approved adoptive family, based on the child’s needs and the family’s approved profile, openness, and program requirements. Families are not always matched in strict chronological order.
A referral is the formal child proposal or information package the family receives about that child. It may include available medical, developmental, background, legal, or family history information, depending on the country program. The family then reviews the referral, often with medical or professional support, before deciding whether to accept.
Factors considered for matching
Reviewing a Referral or Proposed Match
When a referral or proposed match is received, families review the available child information carefully. Health and background information can vary significantly by country and by individual circumstances.
Families are encouraged to consult medical professionals when appropriate and to revisit their acceptance factors, support systems, and long-term capacity. Proposal information may be limited, and some information may change or become clearer over time.Thoughtful review helps ensure that decisions remain child-centred and grounded in what the family is prepared to support.
Travel & Placement
Travel timing, length of stay, and in-country requirements vary by program. Some programs require one trip, while others may require travel around the time of birth, placement, or later legal steps.
Travel preparation may include logistics, documentation, health planning, emotional preparation, cultural learning, and support planning for the first days and weeks with your child.Your Program Manager will provide program-specific guidance as you approach this stage.
Finalization & Registration
The legal completion of an adoption varies by country and program. Some adoptions are finalised in the child’s country of origin. Some require later registration, court processes, state processes, or additional legal steps after arrival home.
Because finalization and registration requirements differ, families should rely on the country-specific program page and Program Manager guidance for current instructions.
Post-placement requirements
After placement, families may have required post-placement reports or other obligations. Reports may be completed by an Adoption Practitioner and submitted according to the schedule required by the country program.
Some programs may also require finalization, registration, immigration, permanent residency, citizenship, medical coverage, parental leave planning, or legal name-change steps after arrival home. These requirements vary and should be reviewed carefully for each program.