[Amaris]

Hi,

My husband and I (we are not NRI) are beginning the process to adopt a healthy little girl from India. I am wanting feedback via PM from any of you who may have used Love Basket, Commonwealth (specifically program B), Holt, International Family Services, or Childrens Home and Family Services. I am specfically interested in referral times/childs age at referral/region adopted from, as well as the overall experience with the agency. Thanks.

[lijahsmommy]

I am looking at commonwealth. A lot of agencies don't have openings in their India programs. I would also be interested in any information that you receive.

[Amaris]

We have narrowed our choices to two agencies:
International Family Services and Commonwealth/Sunshine Adoptions.

I have learned that Sunshine and Commonwealth are essentially one in the same with their India program. They no longer have an A or B program. They just partnered with an orphanage there north of Mumbai and plan to have several referrals of children under the age of 3. They do not have many families waiting for a referral at this time. However, because this specific program is new, they do not have a record of timelines or references.

IFS really prepares the adopting family with tons of educational resources and I have found the agency coordinator to be very helpful. They also do not have a long waiting list. Both agencies have openings for non-nri's.

The cost of the India program with both agencies are about the same-albeit a tad bit more expensive than a few others I check into.

Hope this helps. Let me know what you decide to do.
By the way, where at are you in the process? HAve you a completed home study? We are in the middle of ours. We are trying to save money for the agency fees required when you contract with them.

[lijahsmommy]

Hello there. We have submitted an application to Commonwealth. We are waiting for them to reply before we do our homestudy. Should we be or should we go ahead? I would love to talk more. Not very many people adopting from India who aren't nri's. Do you get the Why India Quesion alot?

[bthomasga]

I am looking at Commonwealth/Sunshine as well. They have recently begun a program in Nepal and the Program Director is the same person who is the Director for the India program. What are your impressions of Commonwealth so far? Have you spoken to people who've used them for the India program and been pleased? Feel free to PM me.... Thanks.

[lijahsmommy]

We love Commonwealth. I have heard from one person who used them for another program, and they loved them. Not many people are adopting from India, as compared to other places. It's hard to find someone to talk to about.

[klr1876]

Hello! I have really enjoyed reading the information you've all provided. Does anyone have any feedback regarding Children House International for Indian adoption? Also, I'm VERY new to all of this... have you all found that being a non-NRI is a major drawback?

Thanks for the help!