[Kaluca]

Hello, everyone. My husband and I are eager to expand our family and are very impressed by many aspects of Korean adoption, including the excellent medical care, foster care, and streamlined process.

However, we worry that we may not be eligible for a Korean program for two reasons. First, I have a history of mild depression. It in no way is debilitating or interferes with my ability to parent my 3 wonderful children, and I am not on any medication. Secondly, when my husband was 20 and in art school, he went to rehab for marijuana use. He is now 33 and has not had any substance abuse issues since that time. (He has no arrests or charges relating to this-his treatment was private and voluntary).

We are loving, devoted parents to our 3 kids who are all thriving, have no other health issues, and have ample resources. Do we have any chance of being accepted by Korea?

Thanks so much in advance for any thoughts.

[sslgdl]

If you have been reading the board Korea's adoption process seems to have gone haywire today. If you are really interested in Korea still I suggest you get with an agency to ask these questions specifically. I had thyroid cancer back in 2002 and before we sent in any applications or did anything my US agency called the Korea agency they use to get it approved. I really don't think they will have a problem with your depression - as long as you have good references especially from you doctor stating it will not be a problem. They asked about 50 times about the drug and alcohol use (no joke) so they are pretty big on that one. I would definately contact an agency but keep in mind that it looks like Korea might be shut down for awhile, also I have heard that Guat. might be shut down next year, and China has recently made big changes as well and I have heard that they even have 2 yr waits now. International adoption is not looking very good right now and that is really sad as there are so many babies - just like here in the states that deserve good and loving families and the governments just make it more and more difficult to adopt.

[lynnor]

I don't think you'll have any issues. Just be honest and if the Dr states you are ok to parent, that is all it usually takes.

As far as the Korea program, things might slow down a bit, but I don't see Korea closing in the next couple years. I think people are panicking waaaaay too much. And even if children are a bit older when referred, they will most likely still be under 1 y.o. when coming home. Still a very fun and "baby" age! All countries go through cycles.

[Kaluca]

Thank you both so much for your replies!

We are probably about a year from officially starting the adoption process, but are gathering all the information that we can now so we are well-informed when we dive in in earnest. We will definitely be watching the changes in the Korean program with interest.

[jchrapcyn]

You should talk to a SW from your agency about your situation and be honest. The first agency we were going to use for China was hesitant about us due to medical issues and a very minor arrest in the past. The agency we used for Korea had no problems at all. The SW worded everything very nicely in our HS. I think the key is findind a SW and agency that understands your situation and wants to work with you.

People should not be saying Korean adoptions are shutting down. KSS is still giving out referrals and babies are still traveling home from other agencies also. I think everyone needs to be aware that the babies will not be as young as before due to the 5 month rule. Any programs being put on hold seems to be an agency-specific thing.

[Leifang22]

I had heard Korea was a great country to choose as far as children being healthy and having wonderful foster homes. My husband and I looked into it and we were to young to adopt from Korea. We are going thru Taiwan. I started the whole process in May 2006 and rec'd the picture of my son June 26th- he was 6wks old! He is healthy we have all of his health history and will probably meet his birth mom when we travel along with his foster mom which will hopefully be in the next month or two. The only time you travel is when you pick em up. If for some reason Korea doesnt work out I would check into Taiwan. Just a heads up!

I

[Kaluca]

Jchrapcyn & Leifang22,

Thank you both so much for your replies.

Jcrapcyn- I am relieved to see that Korea didn't have a problem with your situation, and that you had a thoughtful sw who crafted her words nicely. I hope for the same!

Leifang22- Congratulations on your referral-how exciting! Thank you for letting me know about the Taiwan program. After reading your post, I have read up on it and it, too, seems like a wonderful program. Would you mind PM'ing me what agency you are using? Thanks!

[jenolio]

Just letting you know that as long as you are honest and forthcoming w/your agency,there should not be an issue. Honesty is key. Also, we r w/an agency that has put on "hold" our HS from going to Korea for now. However, we have been told that it will definitely go out by Nov./Dec. so, Korea's doors are absolutely not closed, just slowing down for a bit. We missed our p/w from being sent out by 2 days, however, I have to believe that everything happens for a reason. If you have any more questions, e-mail me, I'd b more than happy to respond! Good luck on your journey!
Jenn

[Kaluca]

Jenn,

Thanks for your response. I am sorry that your HS is delayed in being sent to Korea. I agree that everything happens for a reason, and that the delay will end up resulting in a match with exactly the baby that was meant to be yours! Good luck!