Since making our announcement to adopt, we have several people asking SEVERAL questions. Don't get us wrong, we love the interest and support and have done enough research, we could probably teach a class. Anyway, here are 20 quick Q & A's about the adoption process and our experience so far.
1. When did you make the decision to adopt?It's something we've always had interest in and talked about but made the official decision in December.
2. Are you adopting domestically or from another country?Internationally
3. What country?
South Korea
4. What made you decide?There were a few factors: We couldn't find an agency that would give us specifics on length of the process and exactly how much it would cost. Most answers were incredibly large ranges and we just weren't comfortable. Korea seemed right to us.
5. How long will it take?After the Home Study is completed, it can be up to a 12 month wait until we receive the referral of a child. Then it is another 3-6 months before we are approved to travel to pick he/she up.
6. What is a home study?A home study is when the social worker comes to your house to ensure that it is safe and adequate for a child. They also ask TONS of questions about your childhood, parents, marriage, discipline techniques, etc. Our social worker will meet with us twice before writing her report. She then sends the report to our agency who then sends it to the agency in Korea.
7. Do you get to pick the gender?In S. Korea, you can 'prefer' a gender. There are no guarantees however. We did not pick.
8. Will you travel to pick up your child?Yes!!
9. How old will the child be?Most likely between 8-12months
10. Where are you in the process?We have been assigned a Social Worker finished our Home Study
11. Do the children live in orphanges?In most countries, yes; however, in South Korea most live in foster homes
12. What agency are you going through?Dillon International (Tulsa, OK)
13. How much does it cost?Prices vary by country. It all depends on their fee and then the agency's fee. S. Korea will ballpark around $30,000 including travel!!
14. Why does it costs so much?There is A LOT of legal paperwork which requires people to faciliate and ready the documents, travel costs, medical records, Immigration forms, etc... Also, since in Korea most children are raised in Foster families until being adopted, a substantial amount goes to them toward the care of the child.
ok I lied, I could only come up with 14 questions...email if you have more!
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Zinc Rounder with Names and Birthdates
