[todd11]

We used a Co called American Adoptions and in all honestly just got lucky. But this agency is realy wonderful

[jaydensmommy]

The Mohave County Attorney's office also performs uncontested adoptions free of charge as well (you just pay for the fingerprinting as well as the home studies).

[teranga]

Hi all,
Who knew there were people in AZ out there? I've checked many times and so few posts! We're in the process of adopting as well. We're adopting a baby boy from Ethiopia and we have our referral and everything is set. We will be in Addis Ababa at the end of March to pick him up! We also have 2 bio children.Glad to have found you all!
Pam

[teranga]

I meant end of Feb, not March!

[JenWen]

How exciting! That's just right around the corner!!

YAY!!!

Jen

[Quin2000]

My huisband and I are just starting out, but I'd love for some advice from those of you that have adopted in the Phoenix area.

I have had a difficult time finding an agency in the area that fits us. Most seem to be agencies that require you to be a part of their religion. My husband and I are a Christian family and were raised in Christian homes, but we are not currently active in any religion or church. Does anyone know of an agency that doesn't require a "faith statement" or something of that sort? Don't most women place their children with an agency because they want their child to be raised in that specific religion?

Additionally, we would prefer to keep our costs under $15,000. Is this realistic? I looked at American Adoptions (or something like that) and they reported costs between 25 and 35 thousand. Then I read a post by a gentleman on one of these posts that reported spending 45 thou with that agency. ??

I would also appreciate PMs regarding attorneys that you may have worked with.

Thank you so much for your "brains" on this. I know it takes time to answer posts, hopefully I can offer advice once I become a seasoned Adoptive Parent!

Steph

[Lara10000]

Hello, we adopted 2 baby's from Phx. Arizona we lived in N.H. for the first one and Florida for the second one. I would like to know your experiences also. Lara

[toddsgirl69]

HI, we are looking to adopt in Arizona. We already have our homestudy, we just need help finding a birthmother. We have two boys and really want a newborn baby girl. If anyone can help, I would REALLY appreciate it. Thanks

[Anne5]

okay... we are AZ. Rural AZ. It's been a nightmare. Partly because of changed contracts with the state and agencies in rural areas. Finally after almost 18 months we have been waiting. We have a few avenues where we are waiting for calls.

Hope everyone has a good experience and all works out well.

[Anne5]

I have had a difficult time finding an agency in the area that fits us. Most seem to be agencies that require you to be a part of their religion. My husband and I are a Christian family and were raised in Christian homes, but we are not currently active in any religion or church. Does anyone know of an agency that doesn't require a "faith statement" or something of that sort? Don't most women place their children with an agency because they want their child to be raised in that specific religion?

Additionally, we would prefer to keep our costs under $15,000. Is this realistic? I looked at American Adoptions (or something like that) and they reported costs between 25 and 35 thousand. Then I read a post by a gentleman on one of these posts that reported spending 45 thou with that agency. ??

-----------

Go on a search and know that if you apply with an agnecy that has a religious name to it you likely will be asked for a faith statemnt. Here in AZ some of the agencies that were backed by religious organizations have changed their names and are not asking for faith statments (at least this has been our experience with the one we are usuing) If we adopt through the agency we chose we will be paying 11,000. I would recommend making phone calls. I don't know where you live but different areas have different guidelines and agencies to check with. GOod luck!

[jenlars3]

Hi! I live in Tucson. My husband and I are just barely starting the adoption process. We're looking to adopt from Liberia. Anyone have any experience with that?

Jen

[shanzelka]

We are adopting two wonderful girls from Tucson--why aren't you adopting from your own back yard?

[Anne5]

Originally Posted by jenlars3

Hi! I live in Tucson. My husband and I are just barely starting the adoption process. We're looking to adopt from Liberia. Anyone have any experience with that?

Jen

Welcome Jen! What led you to Liberia? We never considered an international adoption so I don't know much about them or the benefits and problems with them.

[jenlars3]

We've tried the domestic route before (about two years ago) with no luck. Then we went back to the infertility treatment route (no luck there after a year). International adoption is something that we've always been interested in. We are looking at Liberia for a few reasons. My niece's father is Nigerian, so we've been interested in adopting from Africa. Liberia has an interesting history and background. In addition, the fees seem reasonable and the turnaround time is (reportedly) fairly quick.

[shanzelka]

By domestic, do you mean private adoption for a newborn? Have you considered adopting a child from the foster care system? The costs are zero--in fact you will receive monies and benefits, and the waiting time is very short. We received our first adoptive placement less than six months after we were licensed/certified. A year later we have two more adoptive placements (we're done now!). If you choose to go this route, just educate yourself on the issues these children may have.