[pugsooie]

We just adopted a child through Foster Care. She is absolutely beautiful. Well we have decided to start planning baby #2 and do not want to proceed with Foster Care any longer as it is an emotional nightmare. Well, I never thought International Adoptions were for me. However, I was looking through photolistings today...which I sometimes do to pass the time...and came across a baby named #33. She is absolutely GORGEOUS!! And literally could be my childs bio sister they look sooo much alike. I emailed the workers and they said that she is still available. If I wanted to proceed where would I even start?? I have a current homestudy from our recent adoption, but does that work for I.A's? And we have drained ourselves from all of our fertility treatments and now we are both in school and going to be moving out of state this year. I don't know if this would be a good move or not, but something in me said I just HAVE to check into this child when I saw her. Now she is all I can think about. Maybe it is just the wishful mother in me....or maybe it is destiny.
Can someone help on the cheapest ways to go and the easiest?
Thanks bunches.
Brooklyn

[pugsooie]

I forgot to mention that this child is 6 months old and she is in Russia.

[kretzklan]

Hello -
I'm glad that you are looking for resources. First, and I don't want to give the bad news first - but, be a little weary of photolistings. They really are not supposed to happen for Russian adoption. I'm guessing this was an agency photolisting - I would check into their accrediation and NGO status. Also, most children in Russia are not available at such a young age...just proceed with caution.
As for the other questions: I believe you can do an addendum to your HS to OK you for international adoption. If she is listed with a certain agency, you'll probably have to use that agency, due to the referal system and how it works. Check into the agency fees. For an infant adoption with the two trips, you are looking at at least $18,000. There aren't a lot of ways to save much money other than where you stay in country and finding great airfare deals.
Good luck!

[Ktates]

I would agree with all that Kretz said - especially the warning on the photolisting - many agencies that use them have been guilty of the bait and switch tactic so you may want to ask for pms on the agency...The photolistings are also supposed to be illegal for Russian adoptions (though some agencies once you sign on you can see their waiting children - which would have special needs) ..also like Kretz said - most children can't be referred til they are 9 months because they have to be made available to Russians first - and they have to stay on the database for 9 months and most times the kids aren't put on the database right away - so proceed with caution but I hope you have a happy ending!

[SingleMama2B]

Hi and Welcome "Pugsooie".... Congrats on bringing your daughter home!

I second what Kretz and Ktates said..... There isn't alot of ways to save or cut down on the costs... Not only do you have the adoption fee, you will have paperwork (our government) fees, air travel (sometimes very costly when NOT given alot of notice to travel), hotel stays, food, incountry travel/drivers/tranlators, etc. I adopted my "older daughter" (adoption fee slightly less expensive than a baby), and did everything Ala-cart to save money... If I saved anything, it wasn't alot. From beginning to end (2 trips, total of 18 days in country, gifts, food, everything that DD needed, air tix, US Gov't costs, VISA, etc.) was approx. $31,000!!!

It sounds like you have alot going on with school, moving, and your daughter.... No matter what you do.... you need to find out about the agency, NGO registered?, When did thier accrediation run out? Have they sent in their paperwork for Re-accrediation yet? How many IA (Russian Adoptions) did they COMPLETE last year? You should at least 3 references from the past 18 months or so. It is soooooo important to feel VERY comfortable with the agency that you choose. It is NOT just your Money, but your EMOTIONs....

I wish you all the best, and hope that you future is a happy one!!!

[crispex]

As others have mentioned, there really aren't many (if any) ways to cut costs with IA from Russia.

Keep in mind that you can also adopt through the Foster Care System without actually fostering the child. At least in Kentucky you can. Of course, the foster parent actually has first "dibs" on a child who's parents have been TPR.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

[TweetyMom04]

I echo everything said here.

Some children that are adopted are not taken off the Database and pics removed for some time afterwards.

Additionally, you may want to check out 2 "sticky's" at the top of the Forum. 1 - Agency listing and 2 - Q's to ask Agencies. You may find others listed from this forum that have used the agency you called and you can PM them to find out more about the Agency.

Good Luck

[adoptiveparentblogger]

I second waht everyone is saying..no cheap or easy ways with Russia. I would be leery of photo listings,I know how they can tug at your heart. I wish you the best of luck on your journey, adoption is a wonderful way to build your family.

[pugsooie]

Thanks everyone for your responses. You really did help with my decision to move on with our plans of finishing school first. I will be done in May anyways, but I think we will start planning our 2nd child after that.

They did respond to me saying that she was still available and gave me some more information, but I didn't proceed with the conversation. Maybe one day I will adopt from a foreign land as my daughter is fair skin, hair and eyes, and honestly that is hard to find here. After foster parenting for 3 years she is the only one we got of her kind. Oh and yes, we can adopt through the state without fostering, but it takes a long long time to do it and the kids are usually over 3 years old when you get them. Not that that is a bad thing, but I am 26 and we would like to get a newborn this next time.

Thanks again.
Brooklyn Russell