[Happywife]

I hope I am putting this in the right section!

Are there any countries (or agencies??) that escort the child to the US, without the parents having to go to the country for a length stay? My dh and I are both teachers. Our jobs would make it quite difficult to leave for weeks at a time. We would definitely consider international adoption if there was a possibility of using an escort.

Thanks in advance for any info you have on this.

[ocracoke]

Ethiopia currently allows escorting to occur. Although, in the ever changing world of international adoption, that could change. Also keep in mind that some countries have short travel times. Ethiopia on average is about about 1 week. I was in Ethiopia 6 days. However even if you don't travel you will need to plan for some time off with your new child. I took 6 weeks off -- 1 for travel and 5 for adjustment. Some agencies have requirements such as 2 month, 3 months, 6 months that at least one parent needs to be home with the child.

Samantha

[Happywife]

Originally Posted by ocracoke

Ethiopia currently allows escorting to occur. Although, in the ever changing world of international adoption, that could change. Also keep in mind that some countries have short travel times. Ethiopia on average is about about 1 week. I was in Ethiopia 6 days. However even if you don't travel you will need to plan for some time off with your new child. I took 6 weeks off -- 1 for travel and 5 for adjustment. Some agencies have requirements such as 2 month, 3 months, 6 months that at least one parent needs to be home with the child.

Samantha

Oh, yes, I should have made it clear that when we adopt, I will become a SAHM. I wouldn't be going back to work. But my dh would not be able to take off several weeks in a row.

Thanks for the info about Ethiopia. I really feel like I don't know much of anything yet about the adoption process, so I am thrilled that I found this site. I sincerely appreciate your input. Thanks!

[cara620]

South Korea is still escorting too. There are rumors that escorting may end in the future and I think there is one agency here in the US (not sure which one) that is requiring parents to travel. But at this point Korea dose not require parents to travel.

Hope that helps,

[silvirquil]

My husand and I are adopting from Thailand. It is only 7-10 days in country, although the wait time to get a referral is longer in that country than others such as Ethiopia

[sak9645]

Right now, Ethiopia and Korea allow escort. However, both countries and agencies are beginning to discourage this option. The reason is that it is becoming increasingly clear that parents who travel develop an appreciation of their child's birth country, which is really valuable as they strive to develop their child's pride in his/her heritage.

I must tell you that I traveled to adopt my daughter from China, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. My memories of my trip are so overwhelmingly pleasant that I cannot help but convey this to her. I would strongly recommend travel, and I must tell you that employers are becoming increasingly sensitive to employees' needs in this area.

Do remember that some countries have relatively short travel times. Some countries also allow one parent to travel and finalize the adoption, if both cannot do so. While many married couples report that their travel was a truly marriage-enriching experience, having one parent travel is generally better than having neither parent travel.

Sharon