Questions and Advice regarding ADOPTION

Hi Everyone,

After burning my fingers a bit with a previous post where I did research and posted on a query with regards to overseas adoptions that seemed to be eronous, I would just like to point out the following:

*I have NO experience with international adoptions whatsoever and will not comment/advice regarding this at all in future to protect myself and you

*I am no expert on local (South African) adoptions BUT I have researched and studied and interviewed and researched again for many years on the topic. My husband and I have also very recently adopted our beautiful son, so our experience with the system is still 'fresh'.

So, although I don't have any formal 'qualifications' to show you I can assure you that my information on SA adoptions are as accurate and up to date as it possibly can be. Still you have to check and re-check ANY information/advice given to you on ANY forum or website. It will be irresponsible to take another forum member's words as the true gospel and not investigate it properly.

I am still available to answer any questions you may have with regards to local adoptions, especially the adoption of a white newborn in South Africa. For the rest I have access to many adoption resources to answer your questions should I not be able to help from my own experience, but as I've said, no international adoption questions please.

I am passionate about adoption and that's why I frequent and comment on this forum. My husband and I were totally lost when we started the process as there really isn't a lot of information 'out there' for prospective adoptive parents (except if you pay R410 to have an initial consultation with a private social worker!) and I only want to help people like us.

So, I'm trying to save you R410, but I'm in no way saying that I'm an adoption specialist (although I feel like I have a Phd in adoption after the past 7 years)!

Good luck to everyone on their journey, may God be with you.

Warm regards

HI Hannah

Don't worry about getting the international stuff wrong if there is little on domestic adoptions there is less on international ones. We appreciate anyone's coments right or wrong.

I would love to adopt my DH is still comming to terms with the idea. But also our bouys aren't even 1 yet so I have 3 years to wait perhaps we should start now if it took you seven to get there

So I am starting to try and learn what I can about the process and the options adn Costs which I first learn't about from you.

I think between you and anotherone we will have all the info good and bad at our finger tips.

Thanks Ker! I would suggest you start ASAP - even just to get the initial screening done. Just make sure your SW/Adoption agency know that you're not Christian, would hate for you to spend money only to find out you don't qualify!

Thanks any advice as to who to go to?

Mmmmm, you not being a Christian is a challenge, I'll be honest. It doesn't help for you to waste your time with organisations that insist on their applicants being Christians. Give me some time, I'll get back to you asap. x

Why is Kerry not being a christian a problem with the agencies?

Hannah, why do you say "start the process sooner rather than later"? DH and i are looking at either a white/coloured child, just because the race difference is not so much as white/black is. (i think)

Dont worry about not giving the wrong info - i found both of them insightful!

Kerry, I may be mistaken on this, but I'm sure Procare will work with non-Christian couples. I know they work with Muslim couples, so I don't think religious beliefs are an issue with them.

Thanks - yup I think I must talk to someone. As I see from B-Bat they may not even consider me as I can get pregnant with IVF I am just not sure how healthy that would be. And what is wrong with adopting.

A friend adopted a coloured boy and he is gorgeous so I may go that route maybe then it is not so hard not being CHristian.

The short answer is because most of the agencies are Christian based e.g. The Catholic Women's League, Abba Adoptions, CWL and a lot of private SW's - I know for a fact that the 6 SW's in Gauteng we approached over the years a) basically insisted that their adoptive couples are married b) want the couples to either be Jewish or Christian. Sad but true.

Tracy, I recommend that you start the process because the wait CAN be long unfortunately. Yes, there are couples out there that got a baby within 3 months but there are also couples out there who are still waiting after 5 to 7 years......