Since I wrote my post on So What Are You Wondering About, I have received some great questions. Today's featured post is a long one, with many questions embedded in it. I will give you the post, and then try to break down the questions one by one.

I am wondering why so many posts state to choose an agency that is connected to a lot of different regions (Baby Houses?) than I can not find a list of which agencies are in what regions in Kazakhstan. I want to know how you can switch adoption countries depending on who gives the soonest or best match referal? I want to know who has a list of all the baby houses in a country. Yes I fell in love with kids on a photolist and yes I know they could be adopted by now. A sibling boy 5 and sister 3. But could'nt I send out their picture to the baby houses and ask about them? Then deceide to choose the agency they are with? How old is considered an older child adoption? Babies are less than two, toddlers 2-4? Who keeps track of the " most requested " age or gender or sibling group? Is the waiting list longer for the 3-5 age range dependent on the agency? Who keeps track of the agencies that refer the healthiest children? Would'nt www.orpahandr.com know which agency refers the healthiest kids? Where could I find out? My heart wants to find my kids. Thank you.

So many issues in there! Let's break this down question by question.

I am wondering why so many posts state to choose an agency that is connected to a lot of different regions (Baby Houses?) than I can not find a list of which agencies are in what regions in Kazakhstan.

It is true: there is not a comprehensive list of agencies that work in each region. The only way to find out what agency works in each region is to look at the agency's website or call them. The reason people suggest to choose an agency that works in several regions is 1) because they will have more children available, and 2) occasionally a region may shut down to international adoption (investigations) and if an agency doesn't work in another region, you will have no options.

I want to know how you can switch adoption countries depending on who gives the soonest or best match referal?

If you pick an agency that only works in Kazakhstan, your options are limited. Conversely, if you choose an agency that works in several countries, you might be able to switch programs. Usually there is alot of cost associated with switching countries unless the country program you are in shuts down altogether and the agency allows you to switch at no cost. Even then, different countries have different dossier requirements and you will likely have to re-do your dossier which can be costly. Better to assume you are going to follow through when you sign up for a particular country program.

Yes I fell in love with kids on a photolist and yes I know they could be adopted by now. A sibling boy 5 and sister 3. But could'nt I send out their picture to the baby houses and ask about them? Then deceide to choose the agency they are with?

I am a little confused. Didn't the photolist say which agency? What photolist was it? Remember, Kazakhstan absolutely does not honor referrals or pre-selections. Kazakhstan hates photolistings. I suppose you could hire someone over there to try to find them. Try the birthparent yahoo group; there is discussion on there about a man you can hire for birthparent searches, and he might be able to help. But wasn't there some sort of information with the listing on the agency? I doubt that sending their picture to the baby house would work. Baby house directors could lose their job helping a family pre-select a child, although they do it with coordinators sometimes. I am just at a loss that there was no identifying agency info on the listing; I have never heard of that.

This is getting long....going to run it over into a new post....