[froggygirl30]

Hello!!! I'm posting this on every thread basically as we are trying to learn about all the countries and make a decision based on that.

My Husband and I are looking at several different countries for adoption (especially china and vietnam) and are going to EVERY thread to get information about the countries. I have some questions for all of you.


1. How much should we expect to pay in total (general answer.. How much did you pay?)
2. How young are the children in Japan when you receive the referrel and how long until you travel to pick them up?
3. What is the ratio Boys vs. Girls?
4. General health problems with the children?
5. How long does the process take for Japan?
6. What are the age limits?
7. We have a biological daughter (will be 17 when we get our child) and they will be sharing a room, is this ok?
8. Any other things I sould know about the country?rules or regulations?

[sak9645]

I'll answer for China:

1. How much should we expect to pay in total (general answer.. How much did you pay?) I adopted in 1997, so prices have risen a bit since then. Also, I am single, so I was not dealing with two airfares, two sets of birth certificates to authenticate, two sets of meals in-country, etc. My total costs were about $15,000 including everything from homestudy to homecoming. Total costs for a married couple back then were more like $18-20K. Add a bit for inflation, and you'll probably be close in terms of today's fees.

2. How young are the children in China when you receive the referrel and how long until you travel to pick them up? China will refer you a child between about 6 months and 24 months of age. The average age, especially for parents aged 30-44, is probably about 10 months. While China has age guidelines, do be aware that the country makes decisions on a case by case basis and sometimes refers younger babies to older parents and older babies to younger parents. Once you receive you referral, count on traveling in about 6-8 weeks. Once you get to your child's province, you will meet your child almost immediately. You will take custody of the child at that point have him/her through the remainder of the trip.

3. What is the ratio Boys vs. Girls? Roughly 90-95% of the available children are girls. It seems that China is referring more boys than in the past, but the bulk of referrals will be for girls.

4. General health problems with the children? Children may be healthy; may have minor problems like parasites or bronchitis or mild malnutrition; or may have undiagnosed physical or emotional health issues. This is true of adoptable children in all countries from which Americans adopt. China is currently the #1 country from which Americans adopt, and it is unlikely to have reached this status if too many children turned out to have serious issues.

5. How long does the process take for China? The length of time required for you to have a homestudy, get USCIS clearance, and put together a dossier will vary, but is probably about 3-4 months. Once your dossier is complete and sent to China, you should get a referral in 5-7 months, given how well the country has streamlined processing. You will then travel about 2 months later, for 10-14 days.

6. What are the age limits? Both spouses MUST be at least 30 years of age; there are no exceptions. Singles cannot have reached 50, unless they wish to adopt through the Waiting Child program. Married couples usually have to be under age 55, although some couples in which one spouse is 55+ and the other is significantly younger have been approved.

7. We have a biological daughter (will be 17 when we get our child) and they will be sharing a room, is this ok? China doesn't care whether kids share a room. However your state's law may have some restrictions on such things as the square footage of a shared room, the presence of storage space for each child's private possessions, etc.

8. Any other things I sould know about the country? China has one of the most ethical and organized adoption systems around. It is hard to go wrong.

Sharon

[froggygirl30]

Thank you!!!!

[mimc]

Very few children from Japan are adopted abroad.
This is from the US State Department:
http://travel.state.gov/family/adopt...untry_406.html

Adoption in Japan is a lengthy and complicated process, requiring that you cohabitate with the child for six months before an adoption petition can be filed (and I would assume that means living IN Japan). The child's ties to the biological family are not completely cut, and the adoption can easily be dissolved.

I don't know of any US agency doing Japanese adoptions. I suspect that the only way this is worth pursuing is if you live in Japan or are trying to adopt a child related to you or your family.

[kannon]

You can adopt from Japan. The lowest cost option would be through International Social Service Japan. They charge a $3000 (approx.) fee. This plus home study costs and travel would be all that you pay. They have mostly boys available. I don't know what the wait would be for a baby, as we were very flexible with our child requirements. Most if not all the children will be mixed Japanese/Black or Japanese/SE Asian. If you are looking for a set time frame and a pure Japanese child, then ISSJ is not for you. If you are set on an infant, I suggest VIDA out of New York. Be aware that the cost is $30,000 plus travel. Please take the time to look at the Japanese thread for resources.

Regards,
Kannon
Referral 6/05
I600 Submitted 7/05
Travel ?/05
Biomom to Yuuki age 6 and soon-to-be Forever Mom to Shinoa age 4.5

[froggygirl30]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. You were very helpful. Japan seems very interesting and I will further research it.

Thank you again