[michellcrrn]

We were devastated to hear our hearing was held first thing June 1st after being closed all of May. The scrutiny board told the judge since we have 4 children why would we want more. The judge postponed court till June 16 and we were asked to write an additional letter stating why we want another child. We were devasted as they did not have time to read the homestudy which stated all this. Our agency says this is common and not to worry though I'd love to hear from any other family who dealt with this and any pointers they can give!!!!! We really are perfect for this child. He is deaf as is our oldest so we all sign and have 5 years of job experience working with deaf infants . I'd love to hear back from people!! Michell

[lswimmer]

Michell- I don't think I can offer advice as this is our first adoption. I imagine you have expressed all the reasons you have about wanting another child. Perhaps adding some information about your ability to provide for this boy, especially as a family that he will be comfortable with as he grows up because of everyone's ability to communicate with him. I do wonder if we will get a similar question because we have one boy and are adopting another. Good luck. Laura

[Colorbind love]

We had 4 kids when we adopted our youngest son. We had to write the same letter, but we wrote it earlier in the process and it was submitted with the documents at court.

Its very common to go to court more than once. In fact, its unheard of to only have 1 court date in India. This time last year, we had our first court date June 4th. We went through 3 court dates and got guardianship on the 18th. But, our agency never told us why they ordered a new court date each time. We were simply told to be prepared for several court dates.

However, if you haven't already written such a letter, even if its in the homestudy, then likely you need the letter included in the file. Trust me, its not a big deal. Everyone involved in our case openly stated we were 'immeniently suited' for the child we adopted. But we still had to jump through the hopes.

He came home August 9th. So, take heart you are almost DONE with this process!

[Jo~Kiwi~]

I have no experience with this, as we're waiting for our first court date. The Delhi courts shut down for June, so we're hoping for July. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you though, and will be thinking lots of positive thoughts for the 16th!

[michellcrrn]

Thanks for your reply on my post about being asked to write an additional letter. I pray court follows your path and will soon be over. What city was your court in? We are adopting from BSSK so are using the Pune court. I have heard several people say they had to write a letter so I hope it ends at that as another women adopting her 5th was asked at the second court hearing to have all her kids teachers write letters saying the kids were clean and well-fed. So I am waiting for that possibility!!!!!!! Michell

[mom of two imps]

Michelle- Be proactive! Ask your agency what other letters they have seen requested, and get them lined up. When we adopted from Pune last year, we had a few documents ready "just in case" they were required. (Letters attesting to our quality of family life, childcare plan, and a letter stating why we wanted to adopt) I know it seems like senseless duplication of work, but isn't a little extra time worth it? The court DID review these letters and took them into consideration.
Don't get discouraged! You are so close to the end of the process. Keep your chin up and start your packing list!

[Colorbind love]

Our court was in Bangalore. As I said, we wrote the letter before the orphanage director ever agreed to work with us to place the child for adoption in our home.

The agency we worked with, as well as the orphanage, were extremely proactive in the process. They were dedicated to getting our son home ASAP, due to his medical issues. And, because of their dedication, everyone else in the process was motivated and dedicated. Our entire in-country process was 5 months, including through the 5 week shut-down in May for summer break.