[JFran]

My husband and I are set to begin the adoption process through Holt Intl in January. We've had to wait about 6 months until to satisfy the 3 year marriage requirement. But Korea was appealing to us because my husband's sister was adopted from Korea and has served as an child escort.

In reading through some old posts, I've noticed talk of delays in referrals for the first 6 months next year. Can anyone fill me in on this? How long on average are you hearing the delays will be? I was told by Holt about 6 months ago that from application to placement would be about 16 months. Is this still an accurate time frame?

[cthy757]

I sent you a PM.

[lynnor]

I'm sure cthy757 answered your question. Basically, any agency timeline estimate is just an estimate. It all depends on medical conditions you are open to and many many unknowns. So the wait could be shorter or longer than quoted.

Korea is changing rules (as far as we've heard). Beginning in 2007 non-special needs children need to wait until they are 5 or 6 months old (heard both versions) before referral. Until now, I've seen children as young as 3 weeks referred. So, the agencies don't really know how this will affect things this year...they just have guesses. Best to ask them directly - esp say at end of January when they have a better picture (and subscribe to email updates from them).

BTW: whole process from initial app to travel call for son (home 2/04) was about 16.5 mo. For daughter (home 3/06) was 17.5 mo.

[teachamy]

I've been told by my social worker that the system is changing in Korea beginning this month. To encourage Domestic Adoption, babies that are "relinquished" by their birthmothers are more or less put on hold to encourage a domestic adoption. So I assume that means only babies 6 mos. or older will be referred. (With the exception, perhaps of Waiting Children?)

I guess I feel personally a little conflicted about this. Selfishly, I was happy to have our son home when he was 6 mos. old and I am sad about adopting another Korean baby because he may be considerably older and we'll miss these most precious months. But if this new system encourages domestic adoption in Korea's culture, it can only be a benefit to the many children who need loving forever families. Although I don't believe the system change in and of itself will change centuries of societal norms, I think times are changing and I am hopeful for the children of Korea!