[Nalanik]

How should I begin the process of adopting children from S.A.? Is there a limit to the * of children per home? How much does it cost? Is any of the plane rides etc... subsidized? I am thankful for any help. Also, how long is the process?

[KarynB]

Hello! I noticed there are no replys to your post, but it was sent back in May. Are you still looking for answers, or have you found them already? I am more than willing to give you any info I have, so let me know if you are still looking!
Karyn

[Nalanik]

I submitted the question earlier this month, but still no answer. We are also looking into adopting US children, do you know if ther is any stipulation to the number or anything will help.Help

[KarynB]

I can do my best to answer as much as I can - are you in the US or Canada? Our adoption was in Canada - so the expense part may be a little different, but I would estimate that including travel costs the whole adoption cost around $12000 Canadian (which makes it alot less in US dollars) The rand is at about 12-1 US, so your money goes far once you are in SA and paying for fees in rands. It took us 9 months from start to finish, and that includes a 1.5 month strike our Provincial Ministry went on that delayed everything. However, we did not have to wait for a referral as we already knew our son (we had worked in an orphanage in SA) so that may take a little longer. After doing a lot of digging we found out that Northwest airlines has a subsidized rate for people doing international adoptions - they call it their "special delivery rate", but it is only for US citizens. As far as # of children allowed, I don't believe there is a restriction, there is so much need, but I'm not 100% positive on that one. The adoption agent we used was Mission of Tears, which would be your first step, getting an agent, they operate in the US and Canada. My best piece of advice would just be "don't give up". SA is relatively new to International adoptions so you will come across alot of people who will say it can't be done, rest assured that it can and will, as long as you persevere. Good luck! Please let me know if you have any other questions! I'm more than happy to share what we learned!
Karyn

[Nalanik]

I am in the US so things may be different. You only brought 1 child back right? I was thinking of 5. Ages 3 or younger as to help with the language barrier. Did you have to get a homestudy?

[KarynB]

5!!! Wow, that's pretty ambitious. All at the same time or over the course of a few years? Our son spoke English very well, it's pretty common for the kids to speak their native language and English, and yes, we did have to get a homestudy. That's done by a social worker who is usually referred to you by your agent. He or she will give you a list of social workers quailified to do homestudies in your area and then you just pick one. Are you in the process now or just looking into it?

[nicoleanders]

Hi, My husband and I just returned from SA about a month ago. We used the African Adoption Alliance. You can find them online! They were wonderful!!! If you have any questions just let me know.
English is the main language in SA.

Nicole