Protected: Spotlight Child: Africa
Protected: Spotlight Child: Asia
All about Bulgaria: Country Profile
Who can adopt from Bulgaria?
Single moms, married traditional couples, they are lenient on the age limit and have no issues with adopting while pregnant.
Is it possible to adopt more than one unrelated child at the same time?
Yes! Additional children if not in the same orphanage/region will require an extra week in country on trip one and depending on the distance to the capital, may require a couple extra days on the pick up trip.
What sort of children are generally available for adoption?
There is a waiting child program for children with special needs (age, older sibling group, medical or physical special needs). The parents choose the child at the beginning. There is also a ‘healthy’ child program in which you fill out a list of special needs (if any) that you are open to and you wait up to three years to be matched with a child that matches what you are looking for. Families generally go that route if they are looking for younger (than 3) or children with minor correctible needs only. Majority of children are Roma.
Do children live in orphanages or foster care?
Both. Majority live in orphanages broken up by age (0-3, 4-7, 8+) but they are trying to transition to a foster care type system so you find that happening more.
What are the living conditions of the children?
This really varies. The orphanage we went to was very poor and run down. It appeared clean. Many children share rooms, and there is not a lot of change in their daily routine. Not many toys and everything is shared.
How are the children treated?
They seemed to care for the children. It was hard to tell what was cultural and what was not as far as the treatment. Some kids were definitely favorites.
How do the referrals work?
I described this above. Once you receive a referral you have a limited amount of time to decide whether to accept it. Most families have a dr read the file and give their opinion on the child. Once you accept the referral, you receive travel dates for trip 1 to go meet the child and formally commit to adopt them in writing.
What is the general feeling toward people with special needs in this country?
Definitely not good. The country is not equipped for children or adults with physical special needs. Children are sent to mental institutions depending on the SN once they reach a certain age. Many families are encouraged to give up their children with SN, thinking they will be better cared for in an orphanage. Many families are poor and can not care for their chidlren. There is huge bias against the Roma people there and so Roma are rarely adopted in within BG.
How long does it take to adopt a child from Bulgaria?
SN list: approx 1 year from committing to bringing them home
Healthy: up to 3 years until referral, and then approx a month until trip one, and then 5 months later until trip 2 and they are home for good.
How was the travel?
Travel was easy to get around. They drive fast. Our agency provided a driver/translator to be with us at all times so we never had to drive ourselves which I would recommend. There are taxis and public transit in the capitol.
What is Bulgaria like?
The countryside is beautiful with the mountains in the background and field after field of wildflowers. The towns are old, rundown and full of soviet style buildings.
How much does it cost to adopt from Bulgaria?
Depends on the agency. Start to finish including our homestudy was approx $26,000 for one child, and two adults traveling both trips. I would say $26k-$28k is a good average for everything. Depends on lots of different things (where in country the child is located, time of year, where you are flying from, where you choose to stay in country, will all affect the total). Our actual BG agency fees were $10K for a waiting SN child through our agency. US side of agency fees were $3,500. Everything else was dossier paperwork fees, travel, food & lodging for two trips.
What would you say to someone who is considering adopting from Bulgaria?
It is an easy, predictable program the way we did it. Because it is Hague, you have been safety in place that everything is legal. Easy travel, one of the less expensive programs out there. The children are beautiful!
How is your child doing now that he is home?
Our son is 6 and has been home 3 1/2 months and is doing amazingly well. Learning fast, attaching, growing and very few issues. He is learning the language quickly. He is happy, healthy and a joy. I would adopt from Bulgaria again in a heartbeat.
What would you say to someone considering adopting a child with special needs?
The children are worth it. A lot of times a child is given the label of having a SN but it goes away and they are stuck with that label forever. Many times the environment causes the SN. Our son was said to have moderate mental delays which was downgraded to mild once he started preschool. They think the delays were just from growing up in an orphanage with little stimulation. I would agree considering the progress he has made since home.
Quite a few of our children listed are in Bulgaria. Feel free to email us at stillwewait@aol.com if you have any questions. In Him,
Claire
Russia: Country Profile
**Note: Russia is open to non-Americans only at this time**
Thank you, Molly, for answering my questions!
Who can adopt from Russia?
“Single people or heterosexual married couples. The actual requirements vary from region to region. Some have restrictions on family size.”
Is it possible to adopt more than one unrelated child at the same time?
“It depends on the region. Some allow you to adopt multiple unrelated children and some do not.”
“It depends on the region. Some allow you to adopt multiple unrelated children and some do not.”
What sort of children are generally available for adoption?
“From about 1 year old, up to teenagers. The special needs vary greatly, children with HIV, hepatitis, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida. There are also often healthy children available, if you are willing to wait.”
Do children live in orphanages or foster care?
“All children available internationally are in orphanages. There are children in foster care, but they are not available for international adoption.”
What are the living conditions of the children?
“They vary greatly, based on the institution. Many are decent, but there are many which lack adequate necessities– enough nutritious food, heat in the winter, etc.”
How are the children treated?
“Again, it varies based on the institution and even the child. Someone are treated well, even loved, although the kind of love a caregiver can provide during a shift does not equal the kind of love that a parent can provide. Some are abused in the institutions, physically, emotionally or sexually abused, neglected, starved or all of the above.”
How do the referrals work?
“You receive your official referral on your first trip to Russia. You visit with the local ministry or department of education to receive that referral. You may have a child in mind or they may assist you with a blind referral.”
What is the general feeling toward people with special needs in this country?
“Generally, they are looked down upon, not thought of as real human beings. Many believe they should be locked away. Russian society is slowly changing, thanks to a few dedicated groups and parents, but this sort of cultural change takes a lot of time.”
How long does it take to adopt a child from Russia?
“Again, it varies. Anywhere for 8 months to a couple of years. It depends largely on the region and how aggressively the parents pursue the adoption, as well as the adoption-friendliness of the region.”
How was the travel?
“3 or 4 trips of about a week to ten days are required. The first is to get your referral. The second to have court. Some trips require a trip to collect paperwork to get the birth certificate and passport for your child. Other regions, the third trip is the final one, with gotcha day and embassy paperwork. In country, you may travel by train or plane. You may be required to go to Moscow to have a medical examination done. All of these details will become more clear once you have chosen an agency and a region, because they vary so greatly from region to region.”
What is Russia like?
“It’s a beautiful country. The landscapes vary greatly depending on where you are in the country. The cities have beautiful sites and modern amenities. Russia is rich in culture. Most of the people are friendly and welcoming.”
How much does it cost to adopt from Russia?
“It varies greatly, anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000, based on the region. “
What would you say to someone who is considering adopting from Russia?
“Don’t be afraid of Russia because of the high cost and extensive travel requirements. If your child is in Russia, it is absolutely worth it. The children in Russia need homes as badly as children anywhere else. Find out what different agencies work in that region and talk to all of them– there are likely a few. Compare notes to see which is the best fit for you.”
How is your child doing now that he is home?
“Wonderful! He is an amazing child and I’m so glad we took the leap to adopt from Russia to bring him home. “
What would you say to someone considering adopting a child with special needs?
“Again, don’t be afraid! Do the research, talk to parents who have a child with this special need. Find out what your insurance can cover. Pray about it. There are so many wonderful blessings in adopting a child with special needs.”
Going deeper: Latvia adoption
Dee graciously agreed to answer some further questions about the process of finding and then adopting her daughter, Darya. Thank you so much, Dee! Her answers are so insightful; I hope you find them helpful.
Why did you decide to adopt from Latvia? “I found my child first and then luckily she was in a country I was able to adopt from.”
How did you find your child? Was she listed on Reece’s Rainbow?
“I’m a foster parent and while at a meeting someone mentioned the book The Connected Child. When I googled the book, it linked it to Reece’s Rainbow. That was sometime around spring of 2011. I was immediately hooked. But I was looking at it as an advocate and providing financial support for families and children. I saw Darya (listed as Brigita on RR) that summer. I had started doing daily prayers for certain children and families and Darya was one I prayed for daily. I fell in love with her beautiful smile! I honestly did not feel Darya’s chances of adoption were good given her description and age. It wasn’t until Sept. that I felt/heard God tell me that Darya was my daughter. It was an experience I had never had before and cannot even describe fully. It was like I had instantly fallen in love with Darya. It was a tough decision though. I am single and was very scared about adopting a child with special needs, esp. being so very low functioning. It was extremely emotional. But I knew in my heart that Darya was my daughter and that I couldn’t go one without her.”
What were the conditions of the orphanage/institution like?
”Darya was transferred to her institution in 2009 when she was 4yo. It was very clean, the children were separated into groups and lived in what looked like small apartments, and there was a playground there. When we went on the first trip, it was their summer and so they let the kids go outside twice a day. I’m not sure if they got to go out like that when its cold. The children were clean. The girls had long hair and it was fixed nicely. Darya was very clean. There were about 6-7 kids in each group. They just recently added a school on the campus. Darya had not started yet but was supposed to start that Sept. The caregivers seemed to genuinely care about the kids. However, Darya does have a lot of learned behaviors that are concerning (biting, hitting, pinching) and self-plays being choked, bit, spanked, pinched, pulls her hair, slapping herself in the face, etc. I don’t think she was abused necessarily. I think a lot of this behavior likely came from other kids. While I was there, a much older boy/young man kept pulling her coat to choke her and pulling her hair. “
What would you tell someone considering adopting from Latvia/ considering adopting a child with special needs?
“In regards to special needs, research everything you can and have as little expectation for your child as possible. Even for their future. A family met Darya in 2010 and shared their experience (and pictures) with me. Based on that, I was expecting a very listless, extremely delayed child with other issues aside from Down Syndrome. I was pleasantly surprised to find Darya in much better shape and development.
In regards to Latvia, be prepared for many trips and long stays. But, this country allows you the opportunity to bring your child home the first trip! Its a fantastic blessing (with added financial problems though). But I’d do it again. Latvia is beautiful and a wonderful place to visit. But it can be expensive. Bring some food yourself. In addition, multiple unrelated children can be adopted together.”
How many trips did you make to Latvia during the adoption process?
“3 trips total. The 1st trip is to meet your child. The child(ren) stay with the family in an apartment or home for 10-14 days or so. This is for a bonding period. If you want to adopt multiple children, the children have to spend this bonding time together. Social workers visit you in the home to check on the child and see how bonding is doing. This trip is about 17 days. Both parents travel this trip.
After you come home, you get the paperwork together and apply for the I800a. The 2nd trip comes after this and the article 5 are received (the embassy does that based on the approved I800a). This is the actual adoption hearing. Latvia has a mandatory 20 day appeal period. Only 1 parent needed. If the child is over 12yo and went home after the 1st trip, the child has to return for this trip.
The 3rd trip is after the 20 day appeal period. This is to get the new birth certificate, passport, medical, and Visa. This trip is about a week. I believe only 1 parent for this one as well and the child has to travel this trip.”
How is Darya doing now that she is home?
“Darya is doing fantastic! She has transitioned well and is learning so much. She was taught basically nothing and I’m not sure what she understood or didn’t understand in her language. But she has caught on to English really well and follows simple commands well. Her self-injurious and self-stemming behaviors are getting better. She hits, bites, and pinches people all the time but its not as fierce and hard as it was in the beginning. She is learning sign language and definitely has potential to learn to speak some. She can quack and makes other noises that mimic syllables/words. She still doesn’t really play and the self-play of hurting herself is a bit sad. She is becoming more and more healthy. Her hair and skin glow and her physical abilities are getting better (though she has really good muscle tone anyway). She loves to snuggle, loves to have you sing to her, loves music in general, and loves to
swing! She is so much easier than I was expecting but at the same time is a lot of work. I think she is fantastic (though I may be biased).”
Protected: Sebastian needs a family urgently! Update: Sebastian has a family!!!!
Vonnie has a family!
Our sweet Vonnie is coming home to her own family! She has been MATCHED!! We are thrilled for her and her family and cannot wait to see her home. She is coming home to a family that I hold near and dear to my heart and I know they cannot wait to have her home. Congratulations to Miss Vonnie and her family!
Hold on sweet girl! Your Momma will be there soon!!
Taylor
Country Profile: China
Who can adopt from China?
What are the specific requirements (age, marital status, income, limits on the number of children already at home, mental health background etc.) Are waivers ever given?
Married couples and single women may adopt from China. Married couples must be between 30 and 55 and the age is the same for single women. Waivers can be obtained for families older than 55. No history of mental health is preferred but waivers can be obtained for that and just about anything else. China is fairly flexible especially for the special needs/special focus program. Other requirements for married couples include 10,000 dollars of income per family member including the adopted child, a BMI of less than 40, net worth of 80,000 dollars or more, there is no restriction on the number of children at home for special needs adoptions, you must be married for 2 years if there is no history of divorce, 5 years if either spouse has previously been divorced, and no more than 2 divorces per spouse. There are different requirements for single women such as no more than 2 children already at home and the youngest has to be at least 6 years old. They have to have a net worth of 100,000 and a BMI of less than 40 still. The income requirement is the same but China also requires single women to submit a statement about their sexuality and in some cases provide the names of male role models that wo.uld be in their child’s life
Is it possible to adopt more than one unrelated child at the same time?
Through the special needs program yes. One child has to be considered special focus though, which means they have been listed on the Chinese shared list for 6 months or more the other child can be listed as Special Focus, Non special Focus, or Log in Date (LID) Only. Through the traditional/non special needs program two children cannot be adopted at the same time unless in the case of twins or siblings. China also allows family to reuse the same dossier to bring home a second child as long as that child is brought home within one year of child one’s adoption date.
What children are generally available for adoption?
Special needs children from about 6 months old to 13. Special needs range from very minor to very severe. There are healthy children over the age of 6 available as well that are classified special needs because of age.
Do children live in orphanages or foster care?
Both, some children reside in Children’s Welfare Institutes (CWI) or Social Welfare Institutes (SWI). CWI’s care for children only and SWI’s care for both children and the elderly/disabled. Foster Care is present all over China. Some children reside in private foster homes such as the big organizations like New Day, LWB, and Starfish that you hear about and some are in foster care through the orphanage with individual families.
What are the living conditions of the children?
It varies greatly depending on the province the child is from along with the size of the orphanage or if they are in foster care. Generally speaking most children are fairly well cared for.
How are the children treated?
This again varies depending on where the child is from. L is from a very small rural orphanage and got great care. Her orphanage loved their babies and wanted the best for them. J was from a large city orphanage and his care was the opposite of L’s.
How do the referrals work?
For the special needs program you can be matched with a child who is classified as Non special focus or special focus before you send you paperwork to China. These children tend to have moderate to severe special needs or are older. You also can complete your paperwork and send it to China and wait for your agency to match you with a child that has minor needs that is classified as LID only from the shared list. LID only children typically have very minor needs and are younger. If you want to adopt a child under 2 with minor special needs it is best to get a LID and then be matched with a child. Some agencies have orphanage partnerships and can match families quicker than others, they can also match a LID only child with a family who will be LID within a month or two after the child is listed with their agency.
For the Non special needs program you have to complete you paperwork and send it to China and wait for the CCCWA to match you with a healthy child. (This program is currently closed due to the 7+ year wait for a referral)
What is the general feeling toward people with special needs in this country?
Special needs are generally not accepted in China. Children with special needs are looked upon as cursed and bad luck. However that opinion is changing and children with more minor special needs such as minor heart defects or cleft lips are being adopted domestically by families.
How long does it take to adopt a child from China?
For the special needs program: It really depends on the gender and special needs you are open to but it is typically about a year to 18 months start to finish.
Non Special Needs is currently 7+ years from the time you receive your Log in Date. Most agencies are not accepting families for the healthy program.
What are the travel requirements?
There is one trip of about 14 days. There is a minimal 5 day stay in your child’s province. Some provinces require a longer stay but at most its 20 days in China for one child. One or both parents can travel. For two children in different provinces the trip would be around 20-24 days. Some provinces will expedite paper work so the family can have a shorter trip this does cost extra though.
What is China like?
China is a very beautiful and old country. There is a lot of sightseeing to do while you are in country. The people are wonderful and love foreigners. They always want to take your picture especially if you are blonde hair blue eyed or have children that are. Our family loved China very much and cannot wait to take L and J back one day to visit their birth country. We felt very welcomed while we were there and most locals were thankful that we were adopting Chinese children and giving them families.
Approximately how much does it cost to adopt from China?
It is anywhere from $28,000-34,000. It is more if you adopt two at once as it is double everything in China and some agencies charge a fee to add on a second child. It was about $50,000 for our family, but when we traveled we took everyone with us and had 6 international plane tickets. When you travel plays a big role in the price as it is more expensive to travel during the summer or around Christmas.
Help Raise 50,000 for Reeces Rainbow
From Lydia’s Mom…
Drake
Brandi
Vytas
Alan
Vonnie
|
From Lydia’s Mom….“My daughter, Lydia, has a goal to raise $50,000.00 for Reece’s Rainbow. That money will go to help fund the adoption of 5 International orphans who have special needs. If Lydia’s YouTube video gets 700,000 hits, she’ll earn that money.The video, “All For You”, is an original song written by Lydia and me. It is about Lydia’s siblings, Hope and Charlie, who have Down syndrome. Would you help us by clicking on the video link below and spreading the word? If all of my Facebook friends play the video 10 times today, that will equal 12,000 views. We will then be well on our way with plenty of YouTube attention!Three years ago, Lydia successfully raised more than $26,000.00 for Reece’s Rainbow by asking for donations. That money went to bring two little girls who have Down syndrome to their forever families where they are thriving. Being a part of this new effort is free, but the outcome will be huge for 5 lives!”CLICK HERE to watch on YouTube |
…for Hope & Charlie
Help Lydia raise $50,000 to benefit the five children on the left!
|
Please go and watch the video it will take less that 5 minutes to watch and like it. This money would change FIVE little lives including our Sweet Vonnie’s! Share with all your friends as well! Let’s help Lydia meet her goal!
Taylor
