International Adoption Agencies?

Zanymermaid

Does anyone know of any international adoption agencies that would be open to a prospective adoptive parent who suffers from depression? Please let me know. Thanks.

redhead1214

I would first research what countries specifically allow PAPs that are diagnosed with depression. From there, I would research agencies by joining message boards specifically for that country (i.e. for Russia- and I am using that country as an example b/c I adopted from there- there is FRUA, a wonderful resource to research agencies)

 

To find out what countries you might have luck with, try Rainbowkids.com or this Yahoo Group specifically for researching agencies:

https://groups.yahoo.com/group/Adoption_Agency_Research/ 

On there, you could join (free) and ask if anyone can answer your questions regarding countries that have restrictions.

 Good luck! 

noonecarewhoiam

Both adoptivefamilies.com and creatingafamily.org have charts with country requirements.

Choose your agency, then choose a country. Make sure whatever agency you choose has a second (or even third) country in which you're interested, lest your #1 choice faces an unexpected change in requirements or shutdown.

Once you've narrowed your choices, you can check check with the Yahoo group. Personally, I found it of limited assistance, as the agencies I used (all large agencies with long track records) has no or little feedback.

boymamaco

Thank you for asking this question. We are going through this right now. We want to adopt from Ethiopia, but are having a hard time finding an agency. I'm basically calling each of them and asking how they will handle it. AND how they will handle it if we get denied (ie. agency costs.) As well I will want references of previous placements where one spouse was taking anti-depressants.

I was told to look at Bulgaria by one agency. She also said that China and Russia were not options at all. 

I'd be interested to share notes with you on what you find, what we find, etc. I will PM you if that's OK.

 

lotus88

We used Living Hope Adoption Agency. They have China, Honduras, and Taiwan. My mom is in a wheelchair due to polio and my sister's adoption was regular, not special needs. China has since applied more stringent requirements for their applicants.  However, our agency always says that people should enquire because it can vary on a case by case basis, particularly with the "special needs" kids.  At least with China, the special needs can include some serious stuff and pretty simple stuff (crossed eyes, cleft lip). Others have listed some pretty interesting websites that would've been good for us to have. Our experience was wonderful though.