[mommyto3]

Anyone out there from Arkansas? Wondering if there is anyone in the area that can help me get started?

Should I try looking for a child before I begin the paperwork?

Do the loans you can get help with the travel fees, homestudy fees and INS paperwork fees?

I just feel so at a loss here.

Joede

[hdowns]

Joede,
I am not from Arkansas but would love to help with your questions! Sounds like you are just getting started. What age of a child are you looking to adopt? Do you have a specific country in mind? Have you started looking at agencies or found someone to do your homestudy?
Most often people start with a homestudy and agency, but if you have very specific intersests you may look at waiting children before getting started - this isn't the most usual route though.
Heather

[bekalynn]

Joede,

I wanted to echo Heather's sentiments.

One of the first things I did was start requesting information from agencies. At the time, I was still trying to decide on either international or domestic adoption, so I collected information on both.

If you are interested in an available child, prepare yourself for him/her to have special needs or be a little older, as that is the norm that I've seen in children that are waiting. Heather is right. This route, though possible, isn't the norm.

Once I narrowed my decision down to international, I began my 'research'. Deciding on a country was for easy for DH and I. You might want to check out restrictions and requirements on various countries you are interested in, to determine if you are even eligible.
Gathering documents from the different agencies will also give you suggested costs for the adoption.

Also, check out the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints are lodged against the agency (or agencies) you are interested in. That helped narrow down my choices of two to the one I have picked.

Good luck and congrats on your decision to adopt!

[ccmccoy]

I am not from AK either but would love to help. In my opinion the firsst question to answer is International or Domestic. Once you have that decided then start looking for agencies. I would ask for information packets from each of them, they are more than willing to send them. They know that you are looking at other agencies and that you need all the info you can get. They are usually pretty good about talking to you on the phone and answering your questions. This could also give you a feel for them - what they know, how much they are willing to help you out and make you feel comfortable using them. I would also ask (usually one is given) for a referral list and talk to as many of them as you are comfortable with. You do not have to decide on a country or age of child until later. Now, of course, you need to pick on agency with countries you think you may be interested in, however, you don't have to be specific right away. The agency and your social worker can help you decide which country and age of child.

My husband and I got a home equity loan and that will be used to cover all the expenses. Our bank said they didn't care what we used the money for.

If you choose an agency in another state, we did, your primary agency should be able to help you find a SW in your state to do the homestudy or they should at least point you in the right direction.

I felt lost when we started too but it will get better. A book my friend used to help her find an agency is "The Adoption Option" I have it but have never looked at it. I used the internet to find our agency. This forum is a big help. You have to PM any info on an agency but people here are willing to help. You just have to ask!!

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

Cheryl

[mommyto3]

Thank you! I appreciate everyone trying to steer me in the correct direction.

I tell you..the idea of adoption hit me rather quickly (I have always known deep in my heart that I would want to, but I really didn't expect the desire to become this overwhelming so quickly) as the idea overtook me, I knew exactly that I wanted a little girl from China. The age between infant and 2 years. I wouldn't mind a child with special needs..my daughter has down syndrome. Guess I should try to start the process at the beginning instead of in the middle.

I sure do appreciate your help!!!

[bekalynn]

Joede,

As someone who is just starting the process...I can tell you it is hard to not take a step back and breathe instead of jumping in head first!
Once we decided to adopt, I wanted my baby, and I wanted my baby NOW! I have no patience!

BUT, I am thankful for the time the process takes now. It will help us get things together that we wouldn't have ordinarily given the time to do!

It's exciting too, having picked a country! Now you can concentrate on gathering info from agencies that help coordinate China adoptions. DH and I loved the idea of China and are considering that if we ever adopt again, it will definitely be from there. (We don't meet the age requirements currently, and would have to wait another 3 years before we do - there goes that patience thing)

[angxmas]

I'm in AR. I haven't started any of the adoption processes yet. But have been reseraching for several months now. If you want to PM me I can give you some names of some of the agencies I've found with good reputations. I've also got a friend who has adopted 4 children, internationally, 2 of them being from China. I'd be happy to help you as much as I can.