May 2009 Adoption Program Update
May 21, 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
Working with families nationwide!
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, you can call 1.800.677.2367, attend a free monthly information meeting, or schedule a free in-person or phone consultation.
China Adoption Program & China Waiting Children Adoption Program
Adoptive families are needed for our 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 arrived home with their children in April. 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 continues to be very active with referrals and families traveling. In April, 15 AAI families brought home children from Ethiopia! Families open to infant boys, children age 48 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
Interested families are urged to apply! 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 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.
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, but children with special needs are also available. Currently, the Nepal government-mandated quota for adoptive family files from AAI has been filled. If you are interested in being added to our waiting list 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. 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 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 children over the age of three are especially encouraged to apply.
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 and know that there are also many other children waiting.
Hosts of Hope Program
We have one group of children from Russia who have been matched with host families and will be visiting the U.S. in July of 2009. A second group of children from Ukraine is expected to visit the U.S. in August. Michigan families interested in hosting a child from Ukraine in August are urged to apply!
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 on this program and to download an application.
DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTION
Adoption Associates, Inc. has placed 22 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 domestic infant and international adoption information meeting at one of our offices. Visit our information meeting web page for dates, times, and locations.
In our African-American program, we currently have a need for families who are open to an infant of full African-American heritage. Please call 616.667.0677, request a free adoption information packet, or attend a free adoption information meeting to learn more about this program.
