There are a number of different agencies throughout the United States which place babies and older children from foreign countries with couples in the United States. Each agency has its own requirements. For instance, many require that the adoptive couple be under the age of 40. For particular requirements, contact the agency directly.         The prospective adoptive couple must meet with a caseworker associated with the agency and have a pre-placement report (homestudy) performed. The couple must provide social history, medical history, financial status and other information. Once the adoptive couple is approved, the agency matches a child with the prospective adoptive couple.         In some countries, the adoptive couple adopts the child in the foreign country. Upon their return to the United States, the child must be re-adopted in order to obtain a United States birth certificate. In other countries, the child is placed in the adoptive couple’s care and the adoption is finalized in the United States.         It is also possible to adopt a child from a foreign country privately. A pre-placement report is still required and must be obtained from a caseworker who is associated with an agency licensed in the United States. The attorney handles the termination of parental rights and the finalization of the adoption.         If you would like more information on an international adoption and would like to speak with an attorney about the legal process for adopting a child born in a foreign country, please contact Mark R. Iverson for a free one half-hour consultation at the following address:   Mark R. Iverson, P.S. 900 N. Maple Street Suite 201 Spokane, Washington 99201 (509) 462-3678 Toll Free: 1-800-338-8273 E-mail Address: adoptionlegalservices.org