Childrens Hope International?

[Blsed4Life]

Just wondering if anyone has used Children's Hope International. DH and I have decided that we are now ready to pursue this option, as we want a family, and we need to move forward to make that happen.

We are looking at adopting from China? Any info that you can provide would be great?

Any suggestions on Agencies that do Chineese adoptions? I have packets and packets of info, a bit overwhelming, but we are ready to move forward now.

Any beginner advice on how to find the right agency is GREATLY Appreciated. Thanks.

[Lynda-PA]

We have adopted and are adopting from RUssia, so I can't help too much with agencies that work in China, but have you read the suggestions that are pinned at the top of the bb? I think you'll find some good general helpful hints there.

For me, I made out a spread sheet to compare agencies when I was choosing. across the top of the page I put the agency names and down the side, details about each one. Like cost, projected time frames, age ranges they believe they can refer you to, travel expectations, humanitarian work in the country, how quick they were at responding to initial requests for info and follow up questions, and comments from references, etc. This has been a helpful strategy for me with lots of this "how do I pick" situations! I just did this a few weeks ago with choosing our dd's preschool for next fall, and looks like we'll be doing it all over again if my dh gets relocated

Best wishes with this part of your journey! Ask as many questions as you need of each agency. You'll find that as you gather your information, you'll somehow get a gut feeling of who you should work with.
All the Best,
Lynda

[Pat in St Louis]

I've met several CHI families who were very happy,
I attended a couple of their info meetings in 2002 where newly arrived families talk about their experiences. We heard from their China, Guatemala, and Vietnam programs.

When we were leaning toward China and/or Vietnam, they were on our short list.

We ended up choosing Guatemala, though, and their program in Guat had some criteria we didn't meet, so they were out of the running at that point.

I hope you post your question on several boards to get some more concrete & current feedback.

Best of luck on both the IVF & IA! I think it'd be great to bring 2 children into your family - one from each route!

Pat

[MAYANQT]

I don't have advice on agencies, I just wanted to say congrats on your decision to move forward. You are beginning a wonderful journey. I hope you keep us posted !

Angie

[capeach]

We were using CCAI before we learned about our daughter. We were VERY happy with them!

[foelschg]

I don't have any advice -- just wanted to say good luck with your journey.

Gail

[babycrazy]

We just started on our China adoption and I must say.....I wasn't thrilled with much of the info I got from most of the Agencies we contacted. We narrowed our search down to 2 in the end, and it was really hard deciding.

In the end, we chose Great Wall China Adoptions in Texas. ( they have regional offices in several states)

They send you a very detailed packet and DVD. You should check them out. They ONLY work with China. All the families we have talked with say this agency is known for thier "Hand-holding" which is what we want. They have a full service dossier preparation plan and they make ALL your arrangments for traveling. Thier families say they do everything for you both here and in China.

Good Luck!
BabyCrazy

[BC-Tracik]

We used CHI to bring DD home from Guatemala, before they made changes to their Guate program then closed it all together. They are very hands on and supportive and I loved our regional contact, he was fabulous. We would have used them for #2 if they would have still been working actively in Guate.

I have a friend who brought their DD home from China last year who used them. She thought they were great, her only complaint about them was her travel group was really big compared to other's she meet there and her guide in country kept wanting to take them shopping instead of to Cultural things... though she did find out several families only wanted to go shopping and had told him this so that might have been part of the problem.

[Blsed4Life]

Thank you so much for you input. DH and I are going to attend an CHI seminar this Sunday, they do have a local office where I live, so that is a start. Very nervous about all of this, we know it's something we want to do, and just don't know where to start. Thanks, this info is a big start.

[ItaliaGirl]

Hi and congrats on your decision to adopt!
Like Traci and Tim, we used CHI for our first adoption with Bennett. I can not say enough great things about them- truly.
They are top notch and so reputable. For us they, held our hand, and were their every step of the way. I never hesitated calling them and they constantly kept us in the loop.
I just received a newsletter from them about all the China families that came home. Seems as that process is so streamlined.
They really have that program completely smooth. If you need any more info, please feel free to ask!

Good Luck!
Amy