[greatgirl24]

Hi there! My name is Kelly. My husband and I are just starting the adoption process..we haven't yet picked and agency. I have a couple of information packets from two different agencies, and I am not sure which to pick..or if there is actually another agency I should be looking into instead of the ones I have information on! This is all so daunting to me! I want to do the right thing right off. If someone could tell me what they think about The Great wall of China adoption agency and Holt international, I would greatly appreciate it! Or if anyone would like to tell me who they used that would be great too! Please feel free to PM me or send me an email! Thanks so much!!!

Kelly

[sak9645]

At this time, be aware that China's non-special needs (NSN) program has a wait list that could run several years. This is NOT agency dependent. The CCAA processes groups of NSN dossiers strictly in the order that they are logged in. So regardless of what agency you go with, you could be looking at getting a referral three to eight or more years from now, depending on whose predictions you believe.

If you are willing to go with a healthy school aged child, or a child of any age with special needs -- and China is no longer classifying issues like malnutrition or birthmarks or an undescended testicle as special needs -- you should be aware that some agencies have their own lists, from which you can identify a child, and that other agencies work from shared lists. I am not an expert on the SN lists, but you can get a lot of information on how the lists work, on this forum.

Sharon

[greatgirl24]

Thanks Sharon, I really appreciate your information. I do realize that the wait is horrific for non-special needs for china. I still feel the calling..which I am sure you know what I mean! haha..I for some reason can't get past it. I also was looking into Nepal too, but when I am looking at other countries my heart strings continue to be pulled towards China..I realize the wait is LOOOONG..too long..but I think that I am being pulled towards China for a reason, I am just going to go with my gut on this and see where it takes me..thank you again for responding to my thread!

Kelly

[KarenInCa]

Kelly, for us there was no other option but China as well. So, I know what you mean.
And now when I look at our first daughter...it just feels so connected. This is what we were SUPPOSED to do.
For our first daughter, it took 10 months. We've almost been waiting for our second daughter for 27 months....and counting. Most likely, we will see her referral in 2 more years.
However, after the May 2007 people get a referral (now on March 2006) I truly believe the wait will be less. May 2007 was when the new guidelines came into place, and a lot of people rushed to get their dossiers in with China at that time. Wait times are only speculations when you're starting the journey new. But guard your heart. I'd rather expect a longer wait and be happily surprised, than to expect an earlier referral, and become disappointed by the long wait.

BTW-, we went with a smaller agency but right now, I would suggest going with a larger one, so I have no advise on that front.

[LockStock]

Originally Posted by greatgirl24

Thanks Sharon, I really appreciate your information. I do realize that the wait is horrific for non-special needs for china. I still feel the calling..which I am sure you know what I mean! haha..I for some reason can't get past it. I also was looking into Nepal too, but when I am looking at other countries my heart strings continue to be pulled towards China..I realize the wait is LOOOONG..too long..but I think that I am being pulled towards China for a reason, I am just going to go with my gut on this and see where it takes me..thank you again for responding to my thread!

Kelly

I believe Nepal limits each adoption agency to 10 referrals per year. Most agencies with a Nepal program stopped taking applications from families in January or February.

[greatgirl24]

Karen..Thanks! I feel the same way..I feel like I am supposed to do this..I am so ready to start the process, but we are still discussing things and trying to work out the financial aspects of it all..I was told by the agency that I am looking to use that the wait could start to decline for the very reasons you stated, which of course there is NO guarantee with that, and I know that I could be in for a very long wait. I believe if it's supposed to happen it will happen, and God will lead me through it..so no worries! I hope you get your referral soon! I bet you are on pins and needles waiting for it! How exciting it will be to have another daughter in your house!! Congrats!!

Kelly

[KarenInCa]

Keep in mind that with adoption, sometimes it might seem difficult to get up the finances at the time, but after the adoption, there are a few ways to get back some of the money you've invested. All in all, an adoption from China will cost around 22,000-25,000 when it's all said and done (including the 2+ weeks in China, and plane trips to get there.
But, the Federal government has a tax credit of over 11,000 which can be applied to the year the adoption takes place. Your state might also have a tax credit, and many employers also offer adoption reimbursements. My employer offers 5,000 reimbursement and DHs offers 4,000 reimbursement. Obviously, these are all after the expenses are paid, and adoption completed. But it's nice to know, especially since these funds will come in after you have the little one to take care of. I was able to take 6 months off work immediately following our adoption, for bonding because of all of this.