As we all know, international adoption in most countries is forever changing! The biggest changes from when we started to now – the guidelines are becoming stricter – family size, family status (divorce, single) are taken in to consideration, even DUI convictions from college are excluding families from adopting.

I went on the two agency sites and read the following guidelines:

Maximum age for adoptive parents is between 50 and 55 – depending on what agency you are using.

One agency doesn’t state any special requirement for single parent homes, while the other states that they are allowed to adopt one child of either gender.

Both say two trips – while one offers an escort service – in lieu of the parents returning – the other agency says both parents must return. The first trip is approximately 3 weeks and second trip from 1 to 2 weeks. Six (6) weeks is still the total estimated in country stay if you choose to stay the entire process. In 2004, we had spent 7 weeks in Kazakhstan. I know of one region that I hear post court time is currently being waived and adoptions are happening in 30 days!

HIV testing will happen for all adopted children and will add 1-2 days on to the end of the trip. My question is – if the child has HIV – what happens? It says it will happen before a VISA appointment. I had blogged previously about the HIV scandal in Shymkent http://kazakhstan.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/hiv-scandal

Family size varies by region – excluding large families from adopting. Even stating that no more than 3 school aged children in the home. (One agency had this listed, while the other did not.)

No more than two (2) divorces per adoptive parent.

Both parents must be US Citizens (this is not saying that other countries can’t adopt) – just saying if you are adopting in the USA – both parents must be US Citizens.

Annual Post Placement Reports – until the child turns 18 years of age.

One agency says a family cannot specify a Caucasian child – since it is an Asian country you are adopting from.

FBI clearance must be free of any arrests – regardless of the age of the offense.

Children are generally 6-9 months of age and up.

Hope this gives a quick overview of the current "requirements" - I truly encourage you to speak with 2-3 agencies prior to making a final decision and see what works best for your family and your current situation. Also remember to log on to the various groups and inquire about the agency - prior to making a final decision. And just remember if they just tell you what you want to hear - but you educate yourself and learn differently - that should send a red flag up.

Most importantly - best wishes on your journey to your child. :)