What is your experience of adopting a child?

Question

My husband and I are looking into adopting a baby, possibly from China [3 failed IVF attempts, been trying for a baby for five years]. I would really like to hear you story and experiences. Thank you

Answer 1

My husband and I adopted from China in June of 2005. We spent a lot of time researching agencies and eventually decided that since the process was so complicated and constantly changing we wanted to use an agency that did only China adoptions. We applied to this agency, were accepted, and spent the next 6 months compiling a dossier which includes birth certificates, marriage license, statement from accountant, letter from police chief, letter from doctor, and many many more. We had a home study done by a licensed social worker which involved 3 home visits and submitted photographs of ourselves. A good agency will walk you through this complex process, and some will even do it for you. Upon completion of documents your agency will then submit your dossier to the China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) and where it is logged in. Then you wait--current wait times are estimated at 18-24 months. When the fateful day arrives, your agency calls you with information about a child assigned to you by the CCAA. You are given a brief health history, a photo, and a but of other information. Based on this you either accept (which most parents do) or decline. The rest happens quite quickly--within 8-12 weeks you fly to China to the province your child is from and then you meet your child. After completing a few days worth of paperwork in the home province you and your new child will travel to Guangzhou in southern China to the US Consulate for more paperwork and after about a week you return home to begin your new life as a family. The cost is considerable, but is done in incremental payments so should not really be a burden. Both boys and girls are available, but girls are much more common. China requires 2 post-adoption reports, at 6 months and 12 months. These are done by your social worker. Best of luck.

Answer 2

It's great accept the part of their life when they know you not their parents, so tell them up front.