[nhook]

My DH had planned to possibly adopt one more older child from Russia, however our bio clocks are tickin and we are thinking about domestic adoption. I haven't been really following Russia closely, but it seems like they are not accrediting agencies recently. Is there a possibility that they may close down and/or change the rules and the cost???

[DoreenG]

Our adoption was handled as private citizens. While agencies aren't accredited, that doesn't mean all adoptions have been halted.

We started in Sept 2006, court was Feb 2007. We adopted an older child. They can and do happen, even with this accreditation stuff going on.

[becky26]

We considered domestic adoption last year. My main reason was that I was still craving for that newborn experience. I called my agency director to get some information on domestic adoptions. But once we started talking, I felt so drawn to go back to Russia again. DH and I had truly enjoyed our trip to Russia when adopting our boy. In the end, we decided to go back to Russia and we ended up with a beautiful daughter (11 months at adoption). I am aware of the uncertainties of Russian adoptions. But domestic adoptions can be unpredictable as well. I was more at ease because I knew that our agency also works with adoptions from China. You can start with your home study and see how the accreditations are coming along. Good luck with your decision! Every child, regardless of where he/she lives, deserves a loving family!

[misshawna]

We have considered domestic adoption, but it seems just as scary as going through the whole process with Russia. I would like to look into going through DHS, but my dh isn't ready to think about that yet. I am just praying that if God wants us to adopt again, he will lead us in the right direction and open the right doors, just like he did when we adopted Jaxon 2 years ago.

Shawna

[takingtheplunge]

I have always wanted to ask, what to the initials DH, DHS IA, AD, mean on this board? I think AD means "adopted daughter" because some will post "my AD was 2 years . . ."

Anyway, to your question, privacy is very important to us which is why "private domestic" adoption was ruled out. I see that most agencies have couples post their profile on the internet, and that just is not for me. Besides, there is uncertainty with it as while: 30% of Birth Moms change their minds.

However, with accreditations at a stand still, we decided to concurrently try the foster/adopt program with our county. It's virtually free; it just takes time. So, we will wait to see which provides us our family first. FYI: don't tell the agencies you are doing this. They don't like it.

[misshawna]

DHS means Department of Human Services in Oklahoma. It is the agency that handles foster care and adoption.

DH means Darling Husband on this board. DS, DD, etc. would mean Darling son, Darling daughter and so on. It is a kind of "code" on this board and others, I believe.

Just wanted to answer your question.

Shawna

[kazmumtobe]

Yes we are right now - our ages (40, 41) might work against us - agencies are all saying no it won't....

We want that newborn experience too plus a sibling for our little angel....

We will see...I know we won't be doing IA - we are done with that....so I hope things work out that we decide to go the DA route.

[sarah_h]

FYI, the first Russian reaccreditations have come through, and they do not have expiration dates. It's possible that the rockiest times for IA in Russia (at least for a while) are behind us.

[crispex]

My wife and I are hoping to adopt again, but I pretty much refuse to go international again (unless my daughter's younger brother goes up for adoption in Russia). Our process took so long and was so expensive that I just can't justify going that route again.

My wife and I did decide to become foster parents in a foster to adopt capacity. Basically if the child we are fostering becomes available to adopt, we will be given first chance at it. Our first placement (in January) was only 2 days old. I picked her up right from the hospital. Here it is more than 5 months later and it looks like she will become available to adopt because the parents are not doing what they need to do.

On top of raising this child, DHS pays a monthly stipend (in KY it is about $20/day) to help cover costs associated with the child. Even once adopted the state will continue to pay that stipend until she turns 19 yrs old as long as we continue to submit our monthly statements even if we move out of state!

So yes my wife and I are considering adoption. We hope to continue fostering throughout the years as it also provides a service to the local community and helps out children and families that are in need.