International Adoptions

[cynsaun]

After almost 6 years of infertility, my husband and I have decided we are going to adopt a child from possibly Russia. We would like a child that is around 3 or 4.

I know there are quite a few people that have gone through the process, and was hoping I could get some information and thoughts from you. I have done a lot of research on the internet, but I would like firsthand opinions and stories.

Some of my questions:

*How did you go about finding a reputable agency to work with?
*How long did it take to do the homestudy and other paperwork?
*When did you first see pictures/meet your child?
*How long did you have to be in the country you adopted your child from?
*How did the child adapt to living in your house and learning English?

I appreciate any insight you could give me. We are very excited about this.

Thanks!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

No advice but lots of and good wishes! How exciting!

 

[happybratpack]

Congrats!!!!! Woooohoooooo!!


I'm not any help with Russia as I'm adopting from China, but I know a lot of the required paperwork is the same. My homestudy (China requires 4 homevisits from the social worker) took about a month all together and wasn't anything to worry about. I lucked out and found a great SW here and it was more like talking to a great friend.
I'll be in China for about 14 days total - doesn't Russia require two visits? I can't remember.

Lily is considered a *waiting child* because she had a medical condition. (congenital heart disease) She was on a waitlist of kids looking for families and the special needs process is a bit different that the regular one. I actually first saw her pic on a great site called Rainbow Kids. (http://www.rainbowkids.com)

As for the agency, I haven't had the best luck w/ my experience. I would definitely recommend finding a yahoo group or board to ask for references and opinions. Unfortunately the agencies are licensed by state so sometimes the full history isn't readily available if they have moved before.

There's a LOT of great Yahoo Groups for int'l adoption, you should check them out. I'm always around if you want to chat, just PM me.

Congrats again and GOOD LUCK!!!!!

ETA - The other required paperwork didn't take long to put together. I had to have a full medical exam w/ HIV/Hep testing and a notarized letter from the dr stating you were in good health. Other than that: local police clearance, FBI fingerprinting and clearance (which seemed to take forever), financial statements (not pro, just generated yourself), employment letter, singles have to provide a guardian letter, birth certificate w/ seal and marriage/divorce license (order now, they take a while if you don't have). Phew, talking your head off. If you need any help holler at me. I'm knee deep in it now.

 

[transparant]

cysaun - I have a friend that adopted 2 children from Russia. If you want - I can check with her and see if I can PM you her email. I'm sure she'd love to help you! I think what you are doing is wonderful!

 

[cynsaun]

cysaun - I have a friend that adopted 2 children from Russia. If you want - I can check with her and see if I can PM you her email. I'm sure she'd love to help you! I think what you are doing is wonderful!

Thanks! I'd really appreciate that!

Happybratpack -- Thanks for the information! This is all still relatively new to us, yet so exciting!

 

[CEDmom]

We adopted from China but I believe our agency handles Russia or at least parts of the former USSR. It's Holt International Children's Services. I can't say enough goods things about them. They are a highly regarded and respected agency. From what I understand Russia requires 2 trips and you have to go before a Judge there to have the adoption approved. There's the usual home study, background check and Homeland Security clearance that all international adoptive parents have to go through.

My only hesitation with regard to an older child would be with attachment disorder but working with a really good agency should help you avoid those issues. Most school districts have early intervention programs which might be something to look into for help with language issues.

The bottom line, just remember that when all the nonsense is over with you will have a most precious gift. There are days you'll be repeating that mantra over and over. Take care and best wishes.

 

[HaleyB]

My sister just adopted virtual twins (not related) from Gutamala. From start to babies home took around 9 months, but she worked on it like a full time job to get things to move. They are the cutest, sweetest babies.

I wish I could be of more help, but good luck!

 

[pkasbohm]

nothing to add...just wanted to say that i hope it goes smooth for you and wish you the best of luck!!

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Sorry I can't answer any questions about international adoption, but as an adoptive mom (domestic), I wanted to wish you luck and a speedy journey!

 

[Philadisney]

congratulations! : i myself am adopted, but domestic. however, when i was in high school my aunt & uncle adopted a little boy from russia. he was 18 months when they got him, and when they went to pick him up, they spent 6 weeks in the country (along with their 10-year-old biological daughter). he was not talking yet so learning english was not an issue, he is a very 'american' boy (he is now 8) who loves skateboarding and spongebob squarepants. he understands that he is adopted even though he doesn't remember anything about russia, and my aunt & uncle have a shelf in his room with several keepsakes from russia to remind him of his biological heritage.
best of luck to you, i think you are making a terrific decision!

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I can't wait to be Auntie Meatball.

 

[luvmydogs]

Oh, Cyndee! Such absolutely wonderful news--you must be so excited! All my best to you and your dh as you become parents again!

 

[cynsaun]

I can't wait to be Auntie Meatball.

You know you will be!


Thanks again, everyone! We are so very excited.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Good luck, Cyndy.

I have a friend who adopted a baby from Central America. Her red tape was worse than you could ever imagine.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

We used Wide Horizons for Children in Waltham, MA. My son, born in Korea, came home in 1988, he is 18 and in college. My youngest son, born in The Phillipines, came home in 1991, and is 15 and a sophmore in high school. Both of my kids were born with a cleft lip and palate, so they were special needs adoptions. The process was long and sometimes the wait was almost unbearable but it was well worth it. They are a great agency. My kids are doing well.

 

[cynsaun]

We used Wide Horizons for Children in Waltham, MA. My son, born in Korea, came home in 1988, he is 18 and in college. My youngest son, born in The Phillipines, came home in 1991, and is 15 and a sophmore in high school. Both of my kids were born with a cleft lip and palate, so they were special needs adoptions. The process was long and sometimes the wait was almost unbearable but it was well worth it. They are a great agency. My kids are doing well.

Thanks! I'll have to look them up!

 

[loisg1]

DH and I adopted DDs now 14yo and 17yo from Colombia. They were infants when they came home and have no memory of the time spent there. They both have been told from the time they were old enough to understand that they are adopted. At the time, we lived in CT and our first step was Latin American Parents Association there. You meet other parents who have adopted children from Latin America. They have names of groups that are reputable and that is how we found the orphanage we dealt with in SA. They also had suggestions regarding agencies that do home studies. Good luck wherever you decide to go to pursue adoption!!

 

[nordkin]

We adopted our daughter from Russia in 1992 and our two boys from Russia in 1993. We used Los Ninos in Texas and they were wonderful. Our daughter was 7 and the boys were 4 and 5 when we adopted them.

 

[nelle]

Congrats on your decision to adopt!! We adopted our youngest son from S.Korea he came home this past June. We used Children's home and Family Services out of MN. They also have a Russia program. We had a awesome expierence with them we started our homestudy in Jan of 05 and he was home in June of 05.
Here's the link to their webpage, PM me if you have any questions.
http://www.childrenshomeadopt.org/

 

[Loubon]

No advice but best of luck to you.


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