[LindaInChicagoLand]

This information was copied from the Children's Hope International website on 3/28/06:

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LETTER CAMPAIGN

The only full time worker for the Chicago CIS Orphan Unit has been transferred as of March 16. The wait for I171H form is going to be very long unless she is replaced - with help - very soon.

Families can write letters to the District Director: Jared Heinauer, 10 W. Jackson Chicago, IL 60604-0000 asking that CIS make finding and training new staff a priority.
Ask Mr. Heinauer to assign adequate staff to the Chicago CIS Orphans' Unit. Explain how the wait affects you and your child.

Chicago CIS had one person in the unit 10 years ago and still assigns only one person. As we know, international adoption is growing and Chicago CIS needs the staff to grow too.
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I encourage everyone in IL, IN & WI to join this campaign to ensure that our adoptions aren't delayed more than necessary.

Thanks in advance!

Linda

[stillxling]

DH and I live in IL, and are getting ready for our first meeting w/ SW, after which we will then be submitting 1-600A. Thank you for posting this info...we will most definitely join this campaign.

[my2guats]

This is awful! I live in Chicago and heard that this person had been transfered. I also heard that they hired three new people. Is this true? I was hoping that maybe things would speed up with 171Hs. I am waiting to be fingerprinted by USCIS right now so my 171H wait is right around the cornor. A friend of mine has been waiting for her 171H for almost 7 weeks and is going mad. I will deffinitly write and let them know how important this is!!!
Thanks

[RyannB]

That explains why whoever I talked to last week had no idea what she was talking about.

[deborahromero]

Glad I was able to use my unexpired I171H!! But now I await Preapproval????

I will certainly write a letter.

[Bassette]

What a shame. They used to be one of the fastest.

[Mary Mulcahy]

The other problem is that office (in Illinois) sends the I171H to Guatemala. In 2004 that took 6 weeks (I already had CIS approval but that one person has to process all those forms which also holds us up.) Bummer. I will write too, this is a frustrating part that makes no sense.
Mary, mom to Danny and Ricco

[LindaInChicagoLand]

.. bump ..

[thefrys61299]

Wow. I'll definitley be keeping my eye on this situation. We currently reside in SC,but will be moving home to IL this summer and that is where our adoption will take place. This is good to know and something I will definitely keep up with as I research.

[LindaInChicagoLand]

... bump ...

[carney10]

One of my good friends has been dealing with this office lately due to expiring docs.
Yes- Diane has been transferred. BUT there is a lady in the office (that knows what she is doing), training some new people right now.

so hopefully this will not delay anyone in the process.
Good luck
Lisa

[LindaInChicagoLand]

Lisa - thanks for sharing that good news. I feel so much more optimistic about starting the adoption process now!
Thanks!

Linda

[Nikcaudle]

As an adoptive mother of two sons from Guatemala... as well as a child welfare worker in Illinois, I know there is some confusion and panic regarding CIS. Please everyone be patient... yes, it is true that Dianna has been transferred, however, Katherine, who has been working with Dianna for quite a while, IS her replacement. Katherine is working VERY hard to keep up with paperwork. Please know that there IS someone working at the CIS office in Chicago who is very capable. I am not sure why there is a rumor going around that no one is working at CIS. This is untrue.

[my2guats]

Thank God. This makes me feel soooooo much better. Thanks for clearing this up. Here's to a speedy 171H for everyone!!!