March 2009 Adoption Program Update
March 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? Adoption Associates, Inc. is an accredited, primary provider (according to Hague convention standards) with adoption programs in six 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
Adoptive families are needed for the China Waiting Children program! Children available through this program are typically twelve months and older and their medical needs can range from minor, correctable issues to more moderate medical issues. If you are interested in this program, please contact us! The process time is currently approximately five to six months from being matched with a child to bringing your child home.
Several families in our regular China Adoption program received referrals at the beginning of March. The process time for this program is currently approximately 36 months from dossier submission to referral and will likely get longer. Please contact AAI for the most current time frames.
Ethiopia Adoption Program
Our Ethiopia program is very active with referrals and families traveling to bring their children home. Families open to infant boys, children age thirty-six 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
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. Currently, the Nepal government-mandated quota for adoptive family files from AAI has been filled, however, if you are interested in the adoption of a child over the age of seven or a child with special medical needs, please call for more information.
Russia Adoption Program & Russia Waiting Children Adoption Program
The Russia program also continues to be very active with referrals, court hearings, and families traveling. 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.
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 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.
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 Ukraine Waiting Children program. View our Eastern Europe photolisting.
Hosts of Hope Program
Michigan host families are urgently needed for AAI’s summer 2009 Russia and Ukraine hosting programs! The host family application deadline for participating in these programs is May 10, 2009.
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 and 2008 resulted in nearly 95% of the participating children later being placed into permanent homes.
Visit HostsOfHope.com for more information and to download an application. Information on children participating in the programs can be found by visiting our Hosts of Hope photolisting.
Domestic Infant Adoption Program
Adoption Associates, Inc. has placed eleven babies so far in 2009. Congratulations to these families! Michigan families who are interested in the domestic infant program are encouraged to attend a free adoption information meeting at one of our offices. Visit our web page for dates, times, and locations. We continue to have a need for African-American and interracial couples for this program. Visit our web page for details.
