[Anita]

Poland -

It is at this point I will STRONGLY disagree with the timeframe options in Poland.

If you are involved in a Polish adoption now, how long have you been waiting? What was happening in Poland, is different than what is happening in Poland.

Under 1 year is not the reality for most of us adopting from Poland now. That is unless you want three or more children, or children over the age of six.

Yes, there are some who are lucky enough to finish under a year, but there are more of us on the other side at this point.

Good luck to all involved in the Polish adoption process.

This thread was started in the fall of last year.

[SueP]

I have to agree with what Anita has written. I haven't waited as long as she has but I entered the Polish adoption process right at the time things were changing in Poland. My dossier went to Poland in March 2003. I was offered a referral in September but the little girl had a number of health and emotional issues. I am currently looking for a little girl in the 5 - 7 age range. That is up from my original request and although my agency has decided to intervene on 9 families behalf, including me, I just don't think it will happen in Poland. Most of the 9 families are waiting for a solo child. I am of Polish background and provided documentation that both grandfathers came from Poland.

I'm beginning to suspect that working with an agency in Poland that doesn't have as many clients might be a good idea. Those people I know who have received younger children or a child in a short amount of time, have used St. Mary's or Island Coast. I still think that the service provided by my agency is the best but it is just a numbers game - looking after 10 dossiers as opposed to 50.

My paperwork expires in August of this year and I'll probably change it to do concurrent requests in a couple of countries. Most likely China - it isn't as hard to get a little girl there.

If you are just starting out in the process, I would recommend working with a couple of countries if possible. Belarus, Ukraine and parts of Russia also have Slavik children and many also have children of direct Polish descent. You may find that it is easier to get a young solo child from one of these other countries quicker.

[waiting4tweety]

Please tell me if what you wrote is true.
Is it difficult to adopt a Polish child if you don't speak the language? I have Polish heritage, but my husband does not.
We have just begun the adoption process.
I would really appreciate your input. Thanks so very much

[SueP]

Hi,
What I've read on the internet indicates that if you have Polish heritage, that can work for you in pursuing Polish adoption. Most people trying to adopt from Poland don't speak fluent Polish but are provided with tapes of important phrases and encouraged to get other tapes to learn Polish. I've taken courses through the local community college as well. I still don't speak Polish very well. As with many countries, speaking the language of the people shows respect for them. Depending on the age of the child you plan on adopting, being able to understand and speak Polish could be very important.
In my message, I was stressing that it is currently easier to get sibling groups as opposed to a single child or 2 children. Adopting from Poland also takes longer than other countries. But I know of two couples who will be returning to Poland in June for their 2nd trip to bring their children home. So it is possible.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Sue