January 2009 Adoption Program Update
January 20, 2009
For families just beginning the adoption process, we know that choosing an adoption program can be difficult. This update is a reflection of what is currently happening in all of our programs. Due to the nature of adoption, this information may change at any time, but we hope that this will help you to determine which program is best for you as you begin the adoption process.
International Adoption
Interested in international adoption? AAI is an accredited, primary provider (according to Hague convention standards) with programs in seven countries, working with adoptive families nationwide. To learn more about any of our international programs, call 1.800.677.2367. You can also learn more by attending one of our free monthly information meetings or by scheduling a free in-person or phone consultation.
China Adoption Program & China Waiting Children Adoption Program
The process time for the China Waiting Children program is approximately five to six months from being matched with a child to bringing your child home. We have several agency-assigned Waiting Children from our recent China camp who are not linked to families as well as access to a listing of shared-agency referrals. Interested families are encouraged to apply! Paperwork-ready families are able to select from either agency-assigned or shared-agency referral listings.
The regular China adoption program is still moving slowly and is currently at 36 months from dossier submission to referral.
Ethiopia Adoption Program
Our Ethiopia program continues to be active with several children arriving home already in 2009! Families open to infant boys, children age thirty-six months and older, or preschool-age and older sibling groups are especially encouraged to apply at this time.
Haiti Adoption Program
AAI is currently seeking adoptive families for children of all ages as well as sibling groups from Haiti! Families pursuing adoption from Haiti are typically matched with a child as soon as they have an approved home study. The adoption process takes approximately two years to complete, however, adoptive families may visit their child(ren) as often as they like throughout the adoption process. Haiti is a country of great need, and there are children of all ages waiting for their forever families. The Haiti adoption program is also one of the least expensive international programs. Interested families are encouraged to submit an International Preliminary Adoption Application and Haiti Addendum to determine their eligibility.
View the Waiting Children photolisting and know that there are also many other children available!
Kazakhstan Adoption Program
Congratulations to AAI’s first family to adopt through the Kazakhstan program who arrived home in December with a baby boy!
Our Kazakhstan program continues to be active with dossier approvals and families traveling or preparing to travel. Potential children from Kazakhstan can be as young as 12 months or younger and are Eurasian, Asian, or Caucasian in appearance. Married couples and single applicants are accepted for this program, although there are some eligibility requirements related to age, medical history, and prior criminal histories.
Nepal Adoption Program
AAI’s Nepal program is fully accredited by the Nepalese government. Children from Nepal are Asian or Indian in appearance. Most of the children available through this program are considered to be healthy. Preschool-age children are most readily available.
Russia Adoption Program & Russia Waiting Children Adoption Program
Our Russia program continues to be very active with seven children arriving home in November and eight children arriving home in December. We have an additional 25 court hearings scheduled in the first two months of 2009 and continue to have approximately 12 families traveling per month!
AAI is accredited by the Russian government and we have been working in Russia since 1994. Families interested in this program are encouraged to apply or contact us for more information. Adoptive families are especially needed for children ages thirty-six months and older.
The Waiting Children program continues to have a lot of interest and several children have been linked to families. Children of all ages with special medical needs and children over the age of three with no medical issues or concerns are available through the Russia Waiting Children program. View our Eastern Europe photolisting.
Ukraine Adoption Program & Ukraine Waiting Children Adoption Program
We continue to have a lot of interest in the Ukraine program, and have approximately 15 families in various stages of the adoption process. Ukraine is the least expensive Eastern European adoption program, and is unique in the fact that there is no referral process—families select a child from a database of children who are available for adoption. Families who are open to preschool- and school-aged children are especially encouraged to apply.
The Waiting Children program continues to have a lot of interest and several children have been linked to families. Children of all ages with special medical needs and children over the age of six with no medical issues or concerns are available through the Ukraine Waiting Children program. View our Eastern Europe photolisting.
Hosts of Hope Program
Host families are needed for AAI’s summer 2009 Russia and Ukraine Hosts of Hope programs! Children participating in the host programs are typically four to fourteen years old (depending on the country) and stay in the U.S. for approximately ten days in host family homes. Visit HostsOfHope.com for more information or to download a preliminary application.
Domestic Infant Adoption Program
AAI’s domestic adoption program placed nine infants in November and three infants in December. Michigan families who are interested in the domestic infant program are encouraged to attend a free adoption information meeting. Visit our web page for dates, times, and locations of upcoming information meetings.
After a temporary suspension of the acceptance of non-Michigan families for domestic adoption, AAI will once again be accepting domestic applications from non-Michigan families on February 1, 2009. These families should check back with AAI in late January for updated applications and documents.
