[awaitingagirl]

So, why when you call them do they tell you that once your docs get there its taking a month to get a referal. Has anyone called them to ask them why there is such a difference? I think I am going to call them tonight. Thats just crazy.

[eastcoast]

Ahhh, here comes the magic of ICAB... Once you turn in your application through an agency, ICAB mandates that all correspondence (email, mail, phone calls) go through the agency.

[awaitingagirl]

well im not with an agency yet and im calling them tonight to find out the deal. I have a feeling that Im going to get ***chy

[CalJen]

There has been discussion in another adoption group about direct contact with ICAB. The consensus is that it is NOT encouraged. While I believe there may be one or two agencies that allow it, most agencies have quite a strict policy about people contacting ICAB. The potential for jeoporadizing or poisoning the process is just too high. From most reports, ICAB works hard with a small staff.

Can I ask how you are "waiting" if you don't have an agency? Was your "failed" adoption a Philippine adoption through an agency? If so, are you going to use the same agency?

[cungar]

Originally Posted by awaitingagirl

So, why when you call them do they tell you that once your docs get there its taking a month to get a referal. Has anyone called them to ask them why there is such a difference? I think I am going to call them tonight. Thats just crazy.

I don't recall hearing ICAB taking a month to do anything, much less give a referral. You actually got this response from someone at ICAB?

[awaitingagirl]

i called them about a week ago and spoke to a social worker. He told me that once my doc's got there it would only take a month to get a referal...yeah well obviously not!

[awaitingagirl]

Cal Jen

No thats with a domestic agency that ive been with for a while. We dont have an agency for the philippines. But we have decided not to go with them, that process is way to long for our taste and they are not very honest over there(icab)

[eastcoast]

It has nothing to do with honesty, it has more to do with lack of communication, a poorly defined process, and not being funded adequately by a corrupt government.

However, everyone I know who has adopted a child from the Philippines has never had a negative experience despite the long wait time.

[magnoliamom]

Awaitingagirl...
What do you mean "failed" match?
and I may have missed something in this discussion...What US agency are you with that sent your dossier to RP?

[magnoliamom]

hmmm...
you must not belong to the adopt-philippines-USA yahoo group. There are many families experiencing/have experienced heartbreaking problems with older child adoptions from Philippines. Interestingly, many other countries will not allow adoption of older RP children, only infants and toddlers. Unfortunately, just because you or someone you know had a lovely experience with icab, doesn't mean that all is well there....

Originally Posted by eastcoast

everyone I know who has adopted a child from the Philippines has never had a negative experience despite the long wait time.

[eastcoast]

Magnolia Mom,

You're right, not everyone has had a positive experience with ICAB. I'm speaking about adopting a relative. Several of my relatives have adopted relatives from the Philippines and they've had overall positive experiences. I realize that not everyone is trying to adopt a relative. It just seems like the most recent posts are about adopting relatives.

Phil

[magnoliamom]

Hi eastcoast,
My apology for misunderstanding your comments refered to Relative adoption vs. ICAB referrals. I'm glad to hear that at least one group is having a good experience, which by my interpretation means "open and honest." Most of the families adopting younger than 5yr old children have enjoyed the same good experience. Not true of older child adoptions.