[EC3]

Hello-
My husband and I have experienced years of infertility (IVF and the works) and now have our heart set on adoption.
Initally we wanted China, even with the long referall times.
However, we are both 28 and would have to wait 2 years before we could even begin b/c of the 30 yr age requirement (sigh...)
So now I am beginning research on Vietnam. I would love any feedback...positive/negative thoughts on the Vietnam program. Also, how long, from start to finish, would you imagine it would take to adopt a baby girl from Vietnam?
Thank you in advance for your time! This is the most important decision of our lives, so any info will be appreciated!

[myworldisdmb]

I would start contacting different agencies and see what they say for time frames. Our agency is saying 9 months from the time our dossier is submitted to the time of travel-BUT they are also telling people that things may move much quicker. Nothing is really for sure yet as it is such a new program. If you are willing to put up with a few bumps in the road (because of the new program) I'd say go for it! We've been very pleased with the way things are working out so far and hope that the Vietnam program continues to work smoothly!

[duaneamyjo]

I think that if you are looking at waiting for a referral of a healthy infant girl you may be looking at 18 months to 2 years from initial application to travel. We accepted a 2 year old from our agency's waiting child list (special needs). She is actually healthy but is considered special needs because her mom was HIV+. So our total time will be 11 months from application to travel. Our dossier is in Vietnam now and we will travel approx. in August. Accepting a special needs child (which can range from no actual health problems to severe issues and range in age but are mostly over a year old) will cut out the 9-12 month referral wait time.
But most importantly of all you should follow your heart to your child no matter how long the wait!

[DreamingAzure]

Amy, Wow..that is a VERY long wait for a healthy infant girl...first I have heard of that...I'm hoping it's just your agency...

I'm still hearing an average completion time of 6-9 months total start to finish, and that is with the referrals of healthy infants under 9 months old(girls do seem to take a little longer) and SN and WC seem to be happening in 1/2 of that ...every week we get more and more info coming in

EC3- Your best bet is to call the licensed agencies and hear it straight from the horse's mouth as they say

Best of Luck!!!!!

[sebrinaw]

Hi there: My husband and I were in the same situation as you. We both just turned 29 and we were waiting to turn 30 to adopt from China, but then Vietnam starte dmoving again and we decided to switch over. We went with an agency that does both China and Vietnam that way if Vietnam doesn't work out then we can switch back to China. Our agency is 6-9 months for a referral (although a healthy infant girl may take longer), and then 4-8 weeks to travel. We are going to look into a special needs child as well.

Warmly,
Sebrina

[Mindy82]

I'll start by saying i'm from Quebec, Canada, so things are obviously different, but our agency, who just received it's new accreditation, is quoting 9 mths also...

[sebrinaw]

Hi there: I am in Canada also (Ontario) so our info may be different.
Sebrina

[duaneamyjo]

EC3, I tried to PM you back about our agency but your message box is full and would not accept my PM. I agree that you should check with licensed agencies first and find out what they are saying! I know that things can change as the process gets going so they may not give you any definite answers until families have gone through it all. A note from our agencies program director today said that the first 3 families to travel with our agency just got back yesterday and more will return home next week. They have another group leaving for VN on May 1st. All these families have chosen waiting children. I hope everyone will be getting referrals faster but that is not what I am hearing. Just trying to keep it realistic.

[Sampaguita]

Hi! My husband and I are now considering Viet Nam after learning that China is rejecting wheelchair parents. We are still waiting for confirmation that we should not bother applying to China...but I'm pretty sure of what the answer will be. I'm also getting my final bfn from my 4th unsuccessful IVF cycle today so I kind of know how you feel, EC3.

Would those of you in the US mind PMing me with the agency you are using?

I have many Vietnamese friends and actually live a block from a mostly Vietnamese community so this is actually a bit of a bright spot.

Thanks!
-Sam

[teachermom]

I have been receiving info packets from the 14 agencies now approved. I have also spoke to several on the phone additionally. The time frame estimates that I've heard given is anywhere from 6-12 months.

I have not heard anything about 18 mo- 2 years. If that as the case, I personally would be looking into a different country's program.

I spoke with an agency just yesterday, who has an employee that was directly involved with the proceedings. He said that a positive is that both sides are VERY eager to make things work.

Many agencies that I've spoke with have had one group of parents already travel or getting ready to travel. Some are getting ready for a second group to travel.

Your best bet is to ask a lot of questions and ultimately choose an agency very carefully.

Good luck on your adoption journey. It is amazing!!!

[V Mom]

I am in the same boat you are. I have always wanted to adopt from China but at only 28 I could not wait years longer to have a baby (my husband robbed the cradle and is 7 years older than me so he meets the age restriction). So we decided to start now and adopt a boy from Vietnam and then turn around asap and get a little sister from China! I am in the early, early steps of the adoption process, we just submited our application to the International Adoption Agency. We have been waiting so long for me to finish school, then turn 30, and everything else that I can't believe I now have to wait 2 weeks to see if they accept our application. Am I going to survive the long waits if this one is making me want to scream (and yes I am staying busy, but... I can't stop thinking about the adoption, I am so excited)?

[Mindy82]

Just so you know, I believe that you can start the China process 6 mths before you are 30...

[mebe24]

Hi,
I am also only 28. I have just submitted my completed dossier and my agency is saying 4 to 6 months for a referral of a healthy infant girl, however since the program can have some bumps because it is so new this timefram is not set in stone. I do really belive though that my agency will have me an infant girl within the next year. If anyone wants to know what agency I am useing just PM me.

Sherri in Alabama