The adoption questions

April 2, 2008
It is so funny, I lay in bed and think of all the things I need to write about but when I sit at a computer – my mind goes blank. :)
I know one thing people always want to know about adoption is the process and how much it will cost. Taken from our agency’s website http://www.imagineadoption.ca, here is the process.

1. Call or email your request for a Imagine Adoption information package.
2. Complete the Application Form included within our information package or Download the form online.
3. A Imagine Adoption representative will contact you to review your Application in more detail.
4. A Home Study is conducted by an Approved Adoption Practitioner The Home Study process is a series of interviews (4 - 5 sessions) with the approved Adoption Practitioner. The Home Study Report, together with all Assessments, Reference Letters, Police Checks, Employment Letters, Medical Reports, etc. are forwarded to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services for approval.
5. Once approval is granted by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, your file is sent off to your country of choice where a child will be matched with your family.
6. During this time you apply to Immigration Canada to sponsor an unnamed child.
7. Once a child has been selected, you will receive a Proposal on the child.
8. When you accept the proposed child the legal work begins.
9. You will then prepare to travel to meet and bond with your new child, at which time the adoption is finalized in the foreign country.During your time in the foreign country, we recommend that you learn about the child's culture and country, so that as they grow you are able to teach them about their heritage.
10. Once you return home, Imagine Adoption will assist you and your family in connecting with a local support group of families similar to yours who have experienced the joy of international adoption.
NOTE: The process from Application to Finalization could take approximately 9 - 18 months. Although, like all international adoption programs, time lines can vary. There can be unexplained delays which will be out of our control.However, we can assure you that the wait will be worthwhile.

As for costs, it varies depending on where you are but for us costs incurred already:
$950 – homestudy
$100 – security clearances

Costs to come:
$6000 – Agency fee
$ 6000 (US) – Ethiopian Fee
$15000 – travel costs (approx)