[amberl10]

We are going to meet with an adoption counselor next week. I was just wondering, from the time you start the process until you go get your child, how long is that about???

[meganicolson]

Here is a quick run through of our time frames for our first adoption. However, it is good to keep in mind that timing changes all the time in international adoption and the process might be running quicker now than it was when we adopted our daughter.

September 2003 preliminary application
Oct 2003 formal application
August 2004 homestudy complete (we waited on this due to the long pre-waiting list)
January 2005 dossier requested by Ayudame
February 2005 dossier translated and accepted by Ayudame
April 13, 2005 Referral of our daughter
May 3, 2005 travel to Bogota
May 4, 2005 in our arms forever!
June 8, 2005 Home

We began the initial process again when we returned home in June 2005. Our dossier was requested in April 2006 and was tranlsated and received by Ayudame by mid June 2006. We are now waiting for a referral. According to our agency the "average" wait is 6-12 months for a referral. However, that is not specific to our adoption house, Ayudame, but to referrals throughout Colombia. Referral times differ between adoption houses and also if you adopt through ICBF, the government run adoption houses.

I hope that makes sense. I know that there are others here who can share their experiences.

Megan