[becky]

Amy,

I don't think that there are overall averages. What I do think is that the agency you use should tell you their policies concerning updates/pictures/medical reports. Then, if your agency does not follow through with what they promised, you have a reason to complain.

Updates, pictures and medicals almost always depend upon the individual attorney. Some do many of them, others do none. Your agency should give you that information when you are offered a referral.

When I got my referral of Isabella, I received 10 pictures, a brief medical report and the birth certificate. I only received pictures when my agency visited (none from the attorney). I never received any medical updates. I did get one weight update before I traveled so that I would know what size clothes/diapers to bring.

With all that said...I was told at the beginning that my attorney would not provide medical updates, unless there was a problem. The old 'no news is good news' thing. I also knew I would receive pictures/videos about every 6-8 weeks when the agency director visited with each of the children and foster mothers.

So...I knew what to expect and that is exactly what I got. Was this 'average'...probably not, some agencies do more, but it was what I was told to expect, so I was fine with it.

As for 'averages' as far as timelines go. I would say that pre-Hauge, they fell into 3 distinct categories:

The REALLY excellent agencies almost across the board had children home in 3-5 months.
The majority of agencies have children home in 6-9 months.
A few agencies never seem to be able to bring a child home before 10 months or longer.

Of course there are exceptions to everything. Even the excellent agencies run into problem cases. What makes these agencies deserve their 'excellent' reputation is how they handle these cases. Some agencies try to give their clients the run-around. They make up excuses for the attorneys, or blame the Guatemalan system. The great agencies are on top of everything, they keep you informed every step of the way, and if necessary, they are in Guatemala helping to solve the problem if at all possible.

Enough of my personal soapbox....

Have a great day!!