What is a Dossier?

dos·si·er ( P ) Pronunciation Key (dos-e-a)n.
A collection of papers giving detailed information about a particular person or subject.

The Dossier is the bundle of official (mostly notarized) documents we need to compile, then send to Ethiopia in order to be matched with a child. I won't list everything required because there are over 21 components, but I will give a few samples:


- Family letter to Ethiopia governmentnt (stating our interest in adopting from their country)
- Reference letters
- I-600 Petition to classify orphan as immediate relative
- Power of attorney (for the people who will represent us in Ethiopian court)
- Notarized Police clearance letter, medical statement, bank statement, and on...

Once completed, we will have to send some documents to the WA Secretary of State for certification; some to the ID Secretary of State; and some to WA DC to the US Department of State and the Ethiopian Embassy.

My head is already swimming...