[kdibattista]

Good morning everyone,

My husband and I are considering switching to China from Kazakhstan and I have a couple of questions that I hope someone can answer:

1) Did you need to show proof of your high school diploma? My high school has since closed and I have no idea where my original copy is (it was 13 years ago) so I'm concerned that will give us a problem

2) What is the latest timeline?

3) Do you know if many people bring extended family for the trip... my mom would LOVE to come along

I think that's all for now... I appreciate any help you could give!!!

Thanks so much!!

Kim

[Shelley]

I don't think you need to show proof of hs diploma, but even if you did and the school is closed, you should be able to request a copy from the dept. of education in the state you graduated in.
Not sure on the timelines, will let someone else answer that.
Yes some people do take extended family. I know of a couple who took their 2 daughters, and a set of grandparents to pick up their 3rd daughter. Good luck, Shelley

[Lissa]

1) Did you need to show proof of your high school diploma? My high school has since closed and I have no idea where my original copy is (it was 13 years ago) so I'm concerned that will give us a problem
Level of education is covered in your homestudy--so China requires no documents. I doubt you willneed to supply the agency with a diploma but every homestudy agency is different. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but the advice offered in the earlier post is helpful just in case.

2) What is the latest timeline?
I am not currently in process. I'll let someone who is answer that as they keep more up to date (for obvious reasons) about that information.

3) Do you know if many people bring extended family for the trip... my mom would LOVE to come along
People do, but make sure you check with your agency about their policies regarding extended family travel. I know part of the reason we picked our agency is because they allowed it and then midway through process they began charging a fee to discourage the practice. I know other agencyis charge a similar fee and others do not allow it at all. SO make sure you know where your agency stands on the issue before you sign with them.

[sak9645]

1. China does not require your high school diploma. Your homestudy agency might, depending on your state's requirements, but it's unlikely.

2. It's hard to predict the time line right now. Waits could get longer -- but they could also shorten if many families decide to go with other countries because of China's new requirements and the long time line.

3. Many people bring extended family. Before signing with an agency, make sure it is one that is comfortable with the practice. And before telling your Mom she can come, make sure you will REALLY want her along. For example, think about how flexible she is in new situations, how well she handles unexpected "glitches", how her physical health is (the trip IS arduous), and how sensitive she will be to your need for time alone with your spouse and child.

Sharon

[specialk4b]

I guess I'll handle question #2 since 1 & 3 seem to have been covered

I'm not sure how far along you are with paperwork, but it can take 3-6 months to compile your dossier.

The most recent set of referrals went to families that waited 15-16 months after being logged in with the CCAA. Wait times have been steadily increasing due to the large backlog of dossiers in China and the apparent decrease in children available for international adoption. No one can say if the trend will continue, and everyone hopes that it reverses itself and the timeline gets quicker.

Other than the timeline, China is a very stable and predictable program.

[chinagirl2006]

1) Our agency didn't need us to supply them with our high school diploma
2) We've been waiting 16 1/2 months so far - we expect to get our referral in 3 weeks...so I think its a little over 17 months right now...but its always changing...the wait was 6 1/2 months when we started in 2005
3) My mom & sister are traveling with us - you should ask your agency how they feel about it - some say no - but ours didn't see a problem with it

[z-mommy8]

Hi Kim,
Although no one knows what the future holds, I just wanted to mention that if there is no speed up of referrals, the wait could stretch to 3 years. I'm not trying to be a pessimist...just wanted you to be able to consider that possibility. Both China and Kaz repute to have good orphanage care and both have many wonderful children that need homes. Good luck with whatever you decide!