anyone adopt internationally? looking for advice on choosing an agency!

[lynetteSC]

Hi! After much consideration, we have decided to start looking for an agency to adopt from China. Just wondering if anyone has done this and has any agency recommendations. There are so many choices out there. This is such a HUGE decision, I felt sure some people from the DIS would have some great suggestions/advice! It would make us feel much better if we knew someone that had used a particular agency! Feel free to send me pm if you don't want to post. Thanks in advance!

*** Please no flames or debates about adopting domestically in the states versus international! We have our own very personal reasons for our decision. ***

 

[BWVDenise]

Good morning! We have adopted 3 times from Korea. The first 2 times we used Holt International www.holtintl.org Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions!! Congratulations on your decision!!!! How exciting!

 

[RUDisney]

Congratulations on your decision! I'm very happy for you!

I have heard good things about Holt International, too, but have no first hand knowledge of Asian-based agencies.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

No advice, just wanted to post and wish you luck. DH and I are trying to adopt privately here in the US. No matter what your decision is, it's very personal and I don't think anyone would flame you for whatever choice you make/made.

 

[Kermit]

Congratulations! We've never adopted, but I would like to some day. I've always wanted a little Chinese girl. Good luck!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just passing on my best wishes, Lynette. As an adoptive family, (wow, seems like ages ago)(guess it was, LOL ) I just wanted to wish you guys well in your pursuit.

Dan

 

[4greatboys]

This is the website I used to look at quite often when we were considering international adoption.
http://www.internationaladoption.org/

It may provide you with som useful info. Good Luck!! We were getting ready to start the process when we got pg with youngest ds but its still something I would love to do.

 

[lynetteSC]

Thanks guys! I knew the DIS would have some suggestions!
Also, thanks for the well wishes!

 

[CEDmom]

Lynette,

Our precious daughter was adopted from China through Holt Internatinal (www.holtintl.org) 3 years ago. We chose Holt because of it's long standing presence in Asia and it's reputation. There are many agencies and the vast majority are well qualified but with anything there are some that are very questionable. I'd be happy to give you more information if you want to PM me.

Congratulation and best wishes as you add to your family.

 

[Laura]

Boy, I hope nobody's been bothering you about your choice to adopt internationally. We all live on one planet and there are children everywhere who deserve parents who love them! And love is the most important thing, no matter what anyone else might think.

I think you are making a great decision. I worked for a short time at a small local adoption agency that dealt with both domestic and international adoptions (China and Russia), and it seemed to me that the domestic process was extremely stressful and time-consuming for the adoptive parents. I would tell anyone to adopt internationally.

My only advice is to make sure you get along with the people at the agency and that you are not just a "number" to them. You'll be dealing with them for quite a while until you celebrate your "Gotcha Day". You want to make sure they are working their butts off for you to get you your child!

I wish you luck and a speedy adoption process. Sometimes at the agency the baby would be presented to the new parents right in our office -- it was so special to witness! You will be soooo happy when that day comes!

 

[chell]

Lynette I sent you a PM.