January 2010 Adoption Program Update
January 18, 2010
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
Working with families nationwide!
Adoption Associates, Inc. is an accredited, primary provider (according to Hague convention standards) working with adoptive families nationwide. To learn more about any of the international programs listed below, call 1.800.677.2367, attend a free monthly information meeting, or schedule a free in-person or phone consultation.
China & China Waiting Children Adoption Programs
Our China Waiting Children program continues to be very active with 54 families linked to children in 2009! Families who are interested in this program are urged to contact us. Children available through the Waiting Children program are typically twelve months and older and their medical needs can range from minor, correctable issues to more moderate to severe medical issues.The process time is currently approximately six to eight months from being matched with a child to bringing your child home.
The process time for the regular China program is lengthening and is currently approximately over four years from dossier submission to referral. Please contact AAI for the most current time frames.
Ethiopia Adoption Program
Our Ethiopia adoption program welcomed home 68 children in 2009! Families open to infant boys, children age forty-eight months and older, preschool-age and older sibling groups, or children with special medical needs are especially encouraged to apply at this time.
Kazakhstan Adoption Program
Adoption from Kazakhstan has gained a lot of interest because of the overall stability of the program and the opportunities that families have to experience the culture of this country during the adoption process. Potential children from Kazakhstan can be as young as twelve 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. Interested families are urged to apply or contact us for more information!
Russia & Russia Waiting Children Adoption Programs
In 2009, AAI placed 62 children through the Russia and Russia Waiting Children programs! The Russia program continues to be active with referrals, court hearings, and families traveling. Families interested in this program are encouraged to apply or contact us to learn more! AAI is accredited by the Russian government and we have been working in Russia since 1994.
Our Russia Waiting Children program also continues to be active with families that have signed up and are linked with children—but even more families are needed for this program! Children of all ages with special medical needs and children over the age of three with no medical issues or concerns are available through this program. View our Eastern Europe photolisting and know that there are also many other children waiting. Families who sign up for the Waiting Children programs can either be matched with a child from the photolisting or have a child referred to them after application.
Ukraine Waiting Children Adoption Program
We placed nine children through the Ukraine and Ukraine Waiting Children programs in 2009. Congratulations to these families!
We continue to have a lot of interest in the Ukraine Waiting Children program. Several families have been matched to children and are in various stages of the adoption process, however, even more families are needed! Children of all ages with special medical needs and children over the age of six with no medical issues or concerns are available through this program. View our Eastern Europe photolisting and know that there are also many other children waiting.
Hosts of Hope Program
Our next Hosts of Hope program is being planned for summer of 2010. 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. Adoption Associates, Inc. hosting programs in 2007, 2008, and 2009 resulted in nearly 90% of the participating children later being placed into permanent homes.
Visit HostsOfHope.com for more information on this program and to download an application to become a host family.
DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTION
With over 70 placements in 2009, now is a great time to apply to our domestic infant program! We currently have only 40-50 families on our waiting list for domestic infants. The most urgent need is for families who are open to an infant of full African-American heritage, however, families who are open to a child of any race are encouraged to apply at this time. Please call 616.667.0677, request a free adoption information packet, or attend a free adoption information meeting to learn more.
