[Emilysmom]

We are thinking of going with Children's House International for either a Russian or Mexican adoption. Has anyone used them or does anyone have any feedback (Good or Bad) on this agency? We would really appreciate it! You may email me privately at lh303030@yahoo.com if you feel more comfortable

Thanks so much!

Lisa

[Petefamily]

Hi there,

We're just starting our research on agencies and we are also considering Children's House International. Hope somebody who has used them replies! Feel free to e-mail me as well if you get any helpful info...BTW, what country are you considering. I think we've decided on China...

Take care,
Beth

(e_wehrly@yahoo.com)
(Make sure the underscore is in there in the e-mail or my cousin will receive the e-mail instead!)

[Emilysmom]

I am so happy to get a reply!! I think we are going to go with Russia. Our daughter was adopted from Ukraine last year, so I think it would be nice for her to have a brother or sister from the same area. (We are not looking into Ukraine again - what a mess that was!!) I keep hoping that someone replies who has used Children's House also!! Is this your 1st adoption?

Lisa

[Petefamily]

Hi Lisa,

Yes, this would be our first adoption. Our (biological) daughter is almost five and we've had no luck w/ starting number two... Children's House Int'l sure does seem very nice (I've spoken to two folks from there), and I like the fact that they're a somewhat smaller organization and that you don't have to wait for a big group of dossiers to go through the system so that a big group can travel together... although I totally understand parents who wish the support of travelling in a large group, as long as we have an interpreter/guide I feel my husband and I will be fine. By processing the paperwork individually, I think (hope?) that the process goes faster.

I did look CHI up on the Better Business Bureau and they're members with no complaints in the last three years.

Are you from Washington state by any chance? We are, and they're having a social/get together thing at a children's museum in Bellingham, WA later this month. Our family will go there to meet some of the folks who work there, as well as those who've adopted through CHI.

Hope your day is going well!

-Beth

[Emilysmom]

I agree - I like that they are smaller. We are from Florida and the point person here lives about 1/2 hour from us. She emails me almost daily and is so helpful and easy to get in touch with. When we traveled to Ukraine we were on our own (with a translator) and it was fine. You will have no problem not being in a large group. I think we are going to submit our application this week. I am so excited!! Did you decide on China? I think we are going to go with Russia. If you don't mind me asking, why did you pick China?

Lisa

[KristineI]

Lisa, We are using CHI (Children's House International) for our adopting through China. It has been an amazing experience for us in every way. They are so informative and prompt. We expect our referral letter from China in a few weeks and expect to travel in January to get our daughter. I can't say enough good things about CHI. I will recommend them to anyone I know who's interested in international adoption.
-Kris in San Diego CA

[Mzmerz]

Hello

I am currently using Children's House and cannot say enough good things about them! I started out with GWCA and I felt like just another number to them. With CHI, I felt as if I was coming home. Everyone is nice and gets back to me with an answer to my question the same day, and let me tell you I ask LAME questions!

I found my daughter on their China Special Needs list and never once have a felt as if I was making the wrong choice. Stefani is strong for me and lifts me up when I am down.

I would recommend CHI to everyone, they ROCK

Amy P
Sedro Woolley, WA
Waiting for PA for Ashlyn Nicoll Wenxin, Guilin SWI

[bkruth]

We are in the process of our 2nd adoption from China. We used Dillon International the first time, and they are great, but nothing can compare to the personal attention that you get from Stefani and the CHI family. I reccomend them whole heartedly!

[bouvlover]

Hi everyone,

When I first started looking into international adoption, I think I contacted about a hundred agencies. Children's House Int'l. was the only one to respond with a personal phone call asking if I had any questions. I was sold, they are personal and warm and caring beyond belief. Stefani, the China department head is an adoptive mom herself so she is really attuned to all our feelings. I started working with them in 1999, and brought home a beautiful baby girl from China in 2000. Now, I'm waiting anxiously for my referral to come in (this month expectedly) for a little sister from her, also from China. When I decided to adopt again, the thought of looking into another agency never even crossed my mind. In fact, I'm so impressed with them that I became their state rep in PA. ) Feel free to email me privately if you have any specific questions. jrconline@comcast.net

[tinalynn]

Recommend Children's House International? You bet!!!! We've just been home from China for 2 months with our daughter and had the best experience from the application down to well, till now. We still are getting support from Stefani and the CHI family. We did LOTS of research when we decided to adopt and were very impressed with CHI. The best part is that is wasn't alot of "talk". CHI followed through, gave us GREAT advice, held our hands when we needed it and ran interference when we thought we needed it. I am the CHI family representative from Georgia because I believe in them so much!!!! We are so thrilled that we are just waiting to file our next application. Good luck and please contact me if I can help---Tina

[tjgruen]

We used Childrens House Intl. for our adoption from the Marshall Islands. I would highly recommend them! We had a great experience with them and look forward to hopefully doing a second adoption through them in the future. JoAnn the RMI rep responded to our many phone calls and emails. (and we had many questions throughout the process)
Best of luck with your adoption.
Tracy

[cricket84716]

I am just starting the adoption process through CHI and couldn't be happier with them. They are small enough that you feel like you are part of a family. Stefani is the director of the China program and is absolutely incredible. She has adopted six children herself and has been through about every scenario imaginable. She offers common sense advice and help and makes you feel like much more than just another number. She sincerely cares about helping to make families. I looked at quite a few other agencies and I can't imagine any being as competent and caring. I can't say enough good about CHI.

[momfossett]

I used Children's House International and they are absolutely great!! We used the China Program. We adopted our daughter 1 yr ago and just did our 12 mos post placement visit last week and we are totally sold on Children's House International. I don't know how all the programs run but if you consider China at all, Stefani Ellison, the Program Director will hold your hand all the way and work with you!! I've met other adoptive parents that used Children's House (CHI) and they are so supportive. It makes adopting a wonderful secure, supporting process in your life to find your children.

If you need an international agency; go with Children's House. Really really love them and especially all those in the China program. Very good agency. I've actually made dear friends in this agency.

Avis

[walshkim]

Today, I am an extremely happy Single Mom to a fantastic one-year old Vietnamese Boy, because of CHI. I, too, spent months searching for just the right agency because I wanted to adopt from Vietnam. In 2002, it was well known that Vietnam was going to initiate a moratorium on adoption, and I knew in my heart my Son was there waiting for me. I carefully interviewed many highly regarded agencies, but none gave me the consistent, professional and heart-warming response that CHI did.

Stefani Ellison (Program Director), JoAnn Vesper (SW) and the whole staff at CHI rallied behind me and helped me bring my Son home in February of this year. They are experts at documentation, timing, cultural issues, attachment, international adoption issues, and on top of that, are all very loving individuals.

I am waiting for Vietnam to open its doors to adoption again, so I can start the paper-chase for my Second Son. I would consider no other agency for this effort except Children's House International. Anyone that wants to email me or call me privately is invited to do so. I would be happy to speak with you.

(800) 462-7252
kwalsh@gen2.com

[jtr]

Has any one gone through Childrens House international's Ukraine program ?
JTR