[LMR]

I was just wonderinig if anyone has recently or is in the process of adopting from Korea. My husband and I are having our intial interview with our agency to begin this process!

[JoshGuat]

I'm not adopting from Korea, just wanted to say congrats!!

[CarmJoeMom]

We are really looking into it. My husband is freaking out because of the economy but he said he *thinks* he'll be ready emotionally, mentally and monetarily by Thanksgiving! I am hoping for it sooner, but I don't want to rush him! I have our agency picked out already and just waiting on him to send in our application! I'd love to keep in touch! What state are you in?

[dkateriz]

No, I have not but I do know many people who have who I can hit up for info if you'd wish.

[LMR]

Thank you JoshGuat!

dkateriz, any info would be great. We know the general process, but any personal experiences would be very helpful. Thank you!

[purejoy]

My brother and sister-in-law came home with their son from Korea a couple of weeks ago. They said their agency would not be accepting new apps after October 1, unless (1) you have already adopted from Korea or (2) you are willing to be special needs-only. This is because of the backlog of waiting families at present and the growth of domestic adoptions in Korea. Again, this is just what their (very large) agency is moving to, but I would encourage you to ask questions about this and, specifically, the possibility of increased wait times.

[mevertin]

We were in the Korea program before we switched to Guatemala 4 years ago. Our social worker encouraged us to switch because there was something like a quota on the number of referrals each year (I'm not sure if it was per agency or overall) and she said the quota had been met for the year so we could not get a referral until after January ist of the next year. From our research on Korea at that time, I know that most kids are with foster families and get good health care and overall care. The program has many more restrictions for the adoptive parents than most countries. I know they are pretty strict on age and weight especially. I'm not sure if there is a restriction on number of kids already in the family. You can have your baby escorted home or you can go to Korea for pick-up. I'm pretty sure the fees at that time were less than Guatemala. I'm a little fuzzy on the other details. There is probably a more definitive list of program details on the web somewhere. Good luck. I am very excited for you!
Mary
mom to Bobby 11, Bridget 10, Angela 8, Eddie 3 (home from Guatemala in 2005) and Naldo 16 months (home since Feb.)

[purejoy]

I'm sorry; my post above sounded sort of negative. I didn't mean for that to be the case, it was just a cautionary note.

Among things my brother & sister-in-law loved about the Korea program were:
1) great foster care; their son was VERY well attached
2) good amount of birth family info (if it's not an abandonment case)
3) option to escort -- even though they ended up traveling and have NO regrets
4) more predictable and well-established than many other international programs

Jet-lag, however, was dreadful. :P

They accepted a referral with mild, correctable special needs and their process was 6 months from start to finish (but their USCIS office was super-quick with the I600 and I600A approvals)!!! Other families with their agency in the regular referral program are waiting 12-18 months for referrals and then another 2-4 months to travel.

Their little boy is beautiful and they LOVED their time in Seoul! Best wishes.

[beachdreams]

When we started our second adoption, we had some concerns about Guatemala's stability so we researched other countries and Korea was one of them. I learned that the referall wait time and a few other details were determined based on whether you agency works with Eastern Social Welfare, SWS, Holt or Korea Social Services. That also determines whether their is a weight restriction or not.

Good luck!!

[LJR1974]

We are thinking about it, but can't begin until April (till DS has been home 1 year). We have an agency chosen, etc. Just waiting till April.

[LMR]

We officially started the "Paper Chase" last week!

[BCSTRACK]

I have two friends that adopted about 3.5 years ago and they had a great experience, but I don't know if things have changed since then?

Good luck with your journey!
Belinda