[sofla100]

We are currently planning on adopting from the Ukraine. We are
using an agency (Commonwealth). My question relates to how flexible things will be if we decide to adopt 2 (boy/girl) instead of just 1 (girl). We thought we could just decide this at the adoption center but I notice people talking about having to have
mutliple dossiers and such done, and I also didn't know how strict the gov is with the I-600 (if you only said one to begin with).

I can also ask the agency about this of course, but, I really wanted to know what peoples individual experiences were. I would like to stay flexible, if it means shelling out some more cash in the Ukraine, we could handle this, but, I don't want to get hit with the paperwork monster if I can avoid it.

Would appreciate any experiences with this.

Thanks, Eddie

[sak9645]

...must both indicate that you are approved for the number of children, as well as the general ages of children, that you plan to adopt.


Sharon

[hjdeth]

As the above poster indicated, both your homestudy and INS approval must be for at least the number of children you are requesting. I would recommend having approval for 1 more than you think you might wish to adopt.

Currently, the NAC is asking for a separate authenticated dossier for each child adopted. Also, if you are approved for 1 child, you will only be given a referral for 1 child. In general, the NAC is being very firm about the 1 referral/1 region rule even for those approved for multiple children. About the only exception being made is for siblings.

While it is possible to have your homestudy changed and get INS approval for more children while in Ukraine, it is not a speedy process and could well add several weeks to your process. Not to mention that you could well lose a 2nd child you have fallen in love with by not being able to make a committment immediately to that child. For me, it certainly is not worth the risk when it is a relatively simple thing to have the homestudy and INS changed before you travel. It doesn't cost more up front and can save thousands later.

As for specifying the ages of children you are approved for, it is not necessary. For my first adoption I was approved for 2 children under 5yo, minor correctable health conditions. I adopted a 5.6yo girl with FAE and major developmental delays and a 6.9yo boy with developmental delays. No one batted an eye, they were only interested in the number of children I was approved for, not the ages. Of course, I fell in love with a 3rd child while in Ukraine. When I returned for my 2nd adoption trip, I was approved for 2 children of any age, any medical condition.

Best wishes,