[Archive]

... From the country of Kazakhstan. It is a wonderful country and we got a beautiful little girl from there who is just healthy as can be! Unfortunately, the Kazakhstan process is very expensive, as are most countries that require an agency in order to adopt. Also, changes in law have made it so that many agencies require parents to stay a month or so in country which is very difficult. (We were there in spring, 2000, for 13 days and that was difficult enough... can't imagine a month.)

Ukraine allows independent adoptions and the cost ranges right around $10,000. It's a great process (we almost went there, but fell in love with a photolisted child from Kazakhstan), and there is a great network of people that can help you every step of the way.

Haiti adoptions currently run about $12,000 and it is a relatively easy process. I just this morning got an e-mail from a lady who runs an orphanage ministry in Haiti who sent me a listing of the children there. They have very young babies as well as older children available. Would be glad to pass this info along to you if Haiti is something you're interested in.

There are tons of countries out there... Where you go depends on a number of things, including gender, race, age of child you desire, how quickly you want the adoption done, if you want to travel or not, and - of course - how much money you're willing to spend. If you go with an agency, I strongly advise that you do your homework on them as there are some pretty disreputable ones and international adoption is a financial risk even in the best of circumstances. There are some wonderful agencies out there though, too.

The Hope for Adoption Act recently raised the $5,000 tax credit that Pam mentioned to $10,000. Also, some non-recurring adoption expenses can be claimed.

Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like, and I can give you more info.

-SusanC.