[Angella]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. My husband and I have been trying to have a child for 5 years (we lost our first and only pregnancy in 2006) and I just can't take the physical toll of infertility treatments. I've always wanted to adopt, but just assumed the cost would make it impossible. After some basic research, I don't feel that way anymore. In the past few months, my heart is just screaming adoption and we both feel this is a path we're meant to take.

We are both interested in adopting from China. From everything I've read online, you must be 30 years old. We are 27 right now. However I know the wait time can be incredibly long. My question is, is it possible to begin the paperwork journey now, or do you have to be 30 years old at the time you begin filing all the paperwork??

I've contacted several agencies and have not yet heard back from a single one. We're in the early stages of this and are trying to get all the information we can.

Another question is regarding anti-anxiety medications. The various websites we've come across have worded this is two different ways.

If you have taken anti-anxiety medication IN two years, you will not qualify.

If you have taken anti-anxiety medication FOR two years, you will not qualify.

My husband just recently started taking an anti-anixety medication, but it's not an on going thing. Just temporary. Does this mean we wouldn't qualify for 2 years? (Regardless of the age thing.) We're just a bit confused about the wording of that rule.

Thank you very much!!

[AtlMommy]

Hi Angella...welcome aboard! I'm not totally certain about the age thing, but I believe you must be 30 from the get go, but this may depend on the agency. With reguards to the medicine, you would probably need to ask an agency that question. I would be persistent with these agencies or try a few different ones. From things I have heard lately, China is about 6 years wait time to get a referral. Good luck with everything!

[Angella]

Originally Posted by AtlMommy

Hi Angella...welcome aboard! I'm not totally certain about the age thing, but I believe you must be 30 from the get go, but this may depend on the agency. With reguards to the medicine, you would probably need to ask an agency that question. I would be persistent with these agencies or try a few different ones. From things I have heard lately, China is about 6 years wait time to get a referral. Good luck with everything!

Thanks so much for the info. From your username, are you in the Atlanta area? Do you have any agencies you could recommend I contact? I've requested information from 4 agencies (2 in state, 2 out of state) and nothing so far.

[specialk4b]

You need to be 30 when your dossier is sent to China. You can begin putting things together around 6 months before your birthday so they can be submitted once you turn 30.

I believe that one needs to be off anti-anxiety meds for two years before submitting your application.

I'm also in the ATL. I'm sending you a PM regarding our agency.

[sak9645]

1. Chinese law is absolutely firm on the lower age limit. You must be 30 when your dossier is logged in at the China Center for Adoption Affairs, even if you won't get a referral for another few years. This is true whether you are adopting a healthy infant or an older child with special needs.

2. China has become very strict about anxiety and depression, which they consider to be psychiatric illnesses, even though Americans do not. If you have been on anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication, or gotten therapy for anxiety or depression, at any time in the two years before you apply, you will not be accepted.

3. Unfortunately, China is not a very good choice, even for people wanting to adopt through the traditional (NSN) program, at this time. Wait times have been creeping up, and could go to five years or more. As China has become more prosperous, the number of healthy children placed for adoption because of poverty has decreased and, moreover, the Chinese government is attempting to reduce the number of abandonments, and to encourage domestic adoption.

4. If you decide to wait until you are 30 to apply, you might want to look into the Waiting Child program, in which you can adopt either young children with special needs or school aged children with or without special needs. At least at this time, some of the special needs are quite manageable.

Sharon

[Rapids]

You could also look into the Ethiopia program. If you are interested, there is an agency in Atlanta, Illien Adoptions International that has a good ET program. They have a good website, just google them.

Jenny