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Agencies

I was shocked that the placement agency I had selected suddenly shut down their India program. Journeys of the Heart seemed to have a decent track record, unlike many of the agencies. They will not return the money I paid even though they have done nothing! This obstacle meant that I was more discouraged. Many agencies out there promise alot and have no idea how to handle things in the increasingly centralized process that India is using. Most of the agencies do not have any Indian staff and don't have anyone on the ground in India to keep things moving. They charge alot of money and I know too many people who are still waiting without any signs of a referral. India's CARA is keeping a tight grip on new registrations, keeping the list more or less closed to any new families, so that it appears unlikely that new families will get referrals any time soon, even if you can get registered. There are some families coming home with their children. Many wait longer than ever. And the p...

Stalled

Since my return from India, a little over 2 years ago, I have been trying to get myself to a place where I am ready to start the 2d adoption process. However, given the increasingly difficult timelines others are experiencing and the ever-more-challenging rules and mystery of the Indian process, I remain ambivalent about whether I should indeed proceed. The 1st time was really the worst experience of my life and not something I feel ready to face again. Last time I was alone and it was hard enough, this time Sofi would also be forced to suffer, so I don't think it is in her best interests at this time. Instead, I decided I would explore adoption locally as there are soo many wonderful children in need of a family like ours. I am now in the process of being approved as a foster parent, which is the procedure for adopting children whose parents' rights have been terminated. The process is transparent and I feel much more comfortable embarking on this next journey. Sofi is keen to...

India week at school...

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4th birthday photo...

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somewhat recent photo...

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    with Naani, on our way to London for a visit.

Further developments...

As the rules in India keep changing, agencies are shutting down their India programs. I had selected Journeys of the Heart as my placement agency - check paid and everything - but now they have closed down their India program. Appartenly, their India point person has moved to another agency. The uncertainty lingers on. Meanwhile,  I am working on getting my paperwork done, so that I can have my social worker visits start and end. It's taking alot longer than anticipated. Sofi is waiting eagerly for her sister Tara to come from India.

Sharing your personal story of adoption

An adoptee can share their story of adoption. But it is wise to only share the story with people who have earned the right to hear it. In reality, it is hard to know when that is. And how much to reveal. Ultimately, it's your child's story.