[aprilhwth]

Anyone who has used Cathy Harris / Ukrainian Angels please send me a private message regarding your experience. Things not related to her service is welcome on the forum as we have heard varying stories about adopting a child 4 and under from Ukraine.

[Max'smom]

There are few children in this range, unless you are open to severe SNs.

[sak9645]

Unless you are open to a child 6 or older, and to fairly significant special needs, Ukraine is probably NOT the right country for you.

Also remember that Ukraine technically does not allow you to work with an agency. If you use an agency, it will be mainly to help with paperwork. When you go to the government office in Ukraine to choose children to visit, you are not allowed to bring anyone from the agency.

Sharon

[MenloAve]

I can only say good luck. We came home after four months in country with no child. We also asked for a child under 5. Luckily my husband negotiated only handing over 1/4 of the money upfront before the SDA meeting where they requested all of the money - so at least our savings wasn't gone. But it was an emotional rollercoaster that I wouldn't repeat again for anything. We did spend a great four months in country and did volunteer work at several orphanages (unrelated to the adoption process-sort of) and there are kids. It is just that only the kids with severe issues were being put up for adoption.

I have to say that the 7-10 yo's we spent time with just break your heart as to what they have dealt with in their short life. I was so tempted to adopt one of them and give our son an older brother, but my dh held firm. If you got to adopt an older child my guess is the experience - at least for the process- is better. Then you just have to deal w/ all of the other issues when you get home. No walk in the park at all I'm sure.