[bdbd]

I would like to first introduce myself. I am new to this group as my husband and I just joined this week. We are currently 18 months into the wait for a referral from China but are now evaluating switching to an agency that does Khazakstan adoptions.

We haven't yet had an appointment with the agency, so I haven't been able to get any of my questions asked. One in particular gives us concern.

My husband is on long-term medical leave from work due to surgery to repair a clavicle injury from a car accident. He is a school teacher, and there are
issues with his school board re: returning to work until he is 100% better. The problem is we don't know when this will be.

He is completely functional, but he suffers from pain and needs a cane to walk when his pain is bad. There are no issues that would prevent him from parenting a child and his injuries are not life threatening. His doctor will attest to this on the medical form. I am concerned, however, about the homestudy, which will state that he is on LT disability since his surgery last February.

I am wondering if Khazahkstan is as stict as China, for example, with regards to medical issues of prospective parents. I have seen the medical form, which mentions degrees of disabilities. Does anyone know how much weight is placed on what the homestudy says vs. the doctor's statement on the medical form?

I also read somewhere else that the Kaz government is more concerned with the health of the mother than that of the father. Has anyone experienced this?

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,

Denise

[DET62]

I am not sure how to answer your question, but I suggest that you call the agency and ask them, before you commit to the adoption. I think it might be a real stumbling block, but I don't know that. It may depend on the region.

I must tell you, traveling to Kazakhstan is grueling, no matter where you go. It might be really hard on your husband, and both parents need to be there for bonding and court.

Good luck!
Dee

[hml1976]

Honestly I think it will be a problem, Kaz is pretty strict about medical issues and I would beware of any agency that tells you it will be ok. Give a few of the big agencies a call and see what they say, that's your best
bet. Good luck!

[flowerchildA]

The first question they asked in court was what do you do for work and how much money do you make? I think it may be hard to explain that he's not working. Also, they had our homestudy in court and the prosecutor was asking us questions from it...which caught us off guard.
I would wait until he's back to work and then not have it on the med. reports at all and if asked about it you can explain that's it's a resolved injury. We were told the medicals have to say none in all boxes! If his doctor is willing to do this it might be ok. Also, I would not but the word disability in the homestudy.