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Welcome!!
Hi Lisa!!
Welcome to the board!! When we started the adoption process in 2000, we were interested in Russia. After doing lots of research and talking with many agencies, we felt more comfortable adopting from Kaz. The incidence of FAS is lower than in Russia. I was VERY concerned about getting a child with FAS. Kaz is known for well cared for children, low incidence of FAS, and a low ratio of children to caretakers (1:6). Now, that doesn't mean that you won't find FAS in Kaz because I'm sure it exists. I just think you may have a better chance of avoiding it if you are careful! I highly recommend that you find a reputable international adoption specialist to review your referrals.
As far as agencies, you will find a ton of them! We used Building Blocks Adoption Service for all three of our adoptions and were VERY happy with them!! They are an Amrex agency and only adopt children from Almaty. Almaty is a large city in Kaz (the former capitol) and has many amenities. You won't have to "rough it" much there at all.
Review some of the other messages about agencies and that will give you some ideas on where to start looking. Get info packets from each agency and then start calling them with questions. You'll get a good "feel" for an agency when you talk to them on the phone.
Good luck with your adoption!! Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like!!!
Pat
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