New Mexico Program Opened in September

For those of you interested in adopting from Mexico, a new program was opened with Across the World Adoptions in California. Click here to read more about the program, you will be reading the Mexico page on this website.

International Adoption June 2011 Updates

Ukraine

The Ukrainian State Department on Adoptions (SDA) informed the US Embassy this morning that beginning July 11 SDA will no longer have the authority to process adoption cases.  This will likely result in a temporary suspension of adoptions from Ukraine.  The Ministry of Social Policy will take over as the new adoption authority in Ukraine, but does not yet have Cabinet approval to create a staff and begin processing cases.  The Ministry does not yet know when they will be able to resume adoption processing.   The amendments to the Ukrainian Family Code mentioned in the previous adoption alert will also go into effect on July 11.

Vietnam

Intercountry adoption is not possible from Vietnam at this time. Adoption service providers and prospective adoptive parents should not seek or accept new (or potential) adoption referrals from Vietnam until an announcement is posted that the United States Citizenship and Information Service (USCIS) is again processing new I-600 or I-800 petitions for intercountry adoption in Vietnam.

To read more notices and alerts concerning international adoptions click here.

 

 

Ethiopia Update

The U.S. Dept of State, Office of Children’s Issues had released the following Adoption Alert regarding Ethiopia:

______________________________________________________________________________________

Government of Ethiopia Plans Major Slow-Down in Adoption Processing

March 9, 2011

Citing the need to work on quality and focus on more important strategic issues, the Government of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA)  will reduce to a maximum of five the number of adoption cases it processes per day, effective March 10, 2011.  Under Ethiopian adoption procedures, MOWCYA approves every match between prospective adoptive parents and an Ethiopian child before that case can be forwarded for a court hearing.  The U.S. Embassy is working with Ethiopian government officials and adoption agencies to learn more about this change in procedures.  We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Read the rest of the article here

This means that Ethiopia is cutting their adoptions by 90%.

 

Vietnam Adoption Update

I have learned that Vietnam has become party to the Hague Convention. This simply means that things are progressing with Vietnam, but they are still not open for international adoption. They are taking necessary steps to protect their children before opening their adoption program again.

Of course you are all wondering if the United States will be entering into a program with Vietnam. At this time, the US has not even updated their Department of State and Intercountry Adoptions website announcing the news that Vietnam has joined the Hague Convention. To read more about this click here.

CNN Reports on Transracial Adoption

(CNN) — “White people adopt black kids to make themselves feel good… A black child needs black parents to raise it.” “Maybe she adopted one because the blacks in the community wouldn’t step forward and adopt?” “What’s the big deal? If no white person ever adopted a black child, they’d be saying why don’t white people adopt black children.” “Who cares what race they are? A woman got a child, a child got a mother…it’s BEAUTIFUL!!! And yes I am black…if it matters.”

These impassioned comments and thousands more poured in earlier this week when CNN published a story on the stirred-up debate surrounding Sandra Bullock’s recent adoption. A People magazine cover photo of the actress beaming at her newly adopted black infant son, and the discussions that have followed, clearly hit a nerve.

So when it comes to transracial adoptions in this country, where are we?

To read more click here

Thoughts anyone?

Russian Adoption Update

Russia

April 29, 2010

There has been no official suspension in adoptions of Russian orphans by American parents.  However, in some parts of Russia, we are aware that adoptions are being slowed down or delayed.  The United States and Russia held their first round of talks on adoption issues in Moscow on April 29.  The discussions focused on the U.S. and Russian concerns regarding protecting the welfare and rights of children being adopted internationally. The talks were productive and an expert-level working group will travel to Moscow for further discussions on an adoption agreement on May 12, 2010.

Information taken from here.

Ethnic Dolls

With transracial adoption becoming such a common occurence in our world, it could be a good idea to purchase baby dolls of all races for your child, whether your child is adopted or biological. It will help them to become more accepting of themselves and others. It is also a great way to teach your child about other cultures. I have come across a website called Precious Baby Doll Company that creates and sells dolls from America, Guatemala and Russia. The Chinese and African Dolls are coming soon. They are bit pricey at $69.99, but if you can afford it, it will make a great gift for that little girl in your life. I have found some other websites that offer similar dolls, one is China Adopt Shop, their dolls are all Asian, but are priced at a comfortable $25.00 – $26.00. Another site Dolls and Gift for Adopted Children offers African, Asian, Russian and Hispanic dolls. They have a large inventory to choose from as well as price range. Finally a website selling dolls called Language Littles. They are from all over the world and actually speak a little of their native language. Click here to visit their website. Happy Shopping!

Rwanda

I have noticed that Rwanda has gotten a lot of traffic this week, so I thought I would do a highlight on their adoption program. I have found a few agencies that have a Rwanda adoption program, however America World Adoption based out of McLean, VA seems to have the most concise information posted. They cover history on the country and the program, travel information, fees and requirements. I have requested an info packet and hopefully that will give me some better detail about the program. Click here to see their information page for Rwanda. 

I also came across Hands Across The Water adoption agency based in Ann Arbor, MI. Their website states that they have a new pilot program with Rwanda. I do not know how long they have promoted this program as a “pilot program,” but from my experience a new program can be risky, but worth it. Click here to read more about their program and agency.

October International Adoption News

Columbia

As of 10/28/08, Columbia has re-opened their adoption program to the United States. Click below for more information from the US Department of State!

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_4380.html

Ukraine

Notice: Before traveling to meet your child, make sure that all adult household members FBI fingerprints are not expired. FBI clearance is valid for 15 months. Click below for further information regarding fingerprints.

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_4375.html

In April, new laws were established concerning prospective adoptive parents wanting to adopt from Ukraine.

• All prospective adoptive parents must be 21 years of age
• There cannot be more than a 45 year difference between the adoptive parents and child.
• Unmarried foreign citizens cannot adopt from Ukraine. 

Click Below for further information:

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_4223.html

Vietnam

Due to a need to safeguard their adoption system, Vietnam has closed their adoption program with the US. If you received your formal referral (matched with a child) prior to Sept. 1, 2008, your adoption will continue as planned. All waiting families will not receive a referral and their dossier is closed. Click below for more extensive information.

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_4373.html