[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”38750″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”name-title-spacing-tighter” css=”.vc_custom_1489000061444{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”max-width-1200″]
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ADOPTION
When considering adopting an older child (age two and up), which countries are best?
Bulgaria, China, Philippines, Colombia and the Oregon Waiting Child Program (Oregon residents only) are the best options for adopting an older waiting child.
Can we contact current or past AGCI families?
Yes! One of the best ways to learn about working with AGCI is to contact our families. These families offer adoption wisdom and travel experiences that help prospective adoptive families. Please contact an inquiry coordinator, to connect with AGCI adoptive families.
What distinguishes AGCI from other agencies?
AGCI’s commitment to communication with families sets us apart. We will partner with you throughout the entire adoption process. Although exciting, this process can also be difficult. AGCI is committed to providing the necessary guidance to help you adopt a child. You will not go through this alone. You will experience our constant support during the referral and travel process
AGCI also realizes that in this technology-driven world it means so much to talk to a person. For this reason, our first choice is to verbally communicate with families, with email as a second option. Voice communication is the best way for our staff to get to know prospective adoptive families.
We strongly encourage you to ask questions of our staff and the families who have worked with AGCI. Our mission is firmly planted in our calling: to help children find their forever families. We work hard toward this end and recognize that, although there will always be orphans to help, we can make a difference one life at a time. We love talking to families about our mission and work, so please contact us with questions.
What if my family lives outside of the states where AGCI has offices (Oregon, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Washington)?
Even if you do not live in one of these states, you can still adopt a child through AGCI. In fact, this is the situation for most AGCI families. You will work with a local home study agency, complete a home study, and send it to AGCI for review. The same social worker can also do the post-placement reports for your family. If you have any questions, please call our office. We are happy to send you a list of referrals for current and past adoptive families who live in your state.
Can non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens adopt through AGCI?
Unfortunately, due to immigration laws, families need to have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen to receive approval from CIS/NBC. United States citizens living in other countries are welcome to adopt through AGCI when they move back to the States.
What’s the length of time to complete an adoption?
The timeline for adopting varies depending on the country of adoption. Also a family’s openness regarding the desired age, gender and health status of a child significantly impacts the time frame of the adoption process.
What happens if I become pregnant?
We ask that families not pursue pregnancy or fertility treatments while in the adoption process. AGCI believes it is very important to allow children time to adjust after joining a family, whether by birth or adoption. For this reason, if a family becomes pregnant during the adoption process, AGCI will place the adoption process on hold for a period of up to 12 months.
If a family becomes pregnant during a longer adoption process, AGCI will evaluate the timing of the birth of the child versus the estimated time frame for the adopted child to come home. As long as there is at least 12 months in between the birth and adopted child coming home, while keeping birth order intact, AGCI may allow the family to proceed with their adoption.
A family’s adoption file could be closed or a family could transfer to another AGCI program if the timing of the pregnancy/birth would not allow the 12-month separation between birth of the child and adopted child entering the home. In the unfortunate event of a miscarriage, applicants should notify AGCI staff according to their adoption services agreement, and the adoption process will resume as soon as it is appropriate.
Can I place my adoption on hold?
Situations may arise when a family is unable to proceed with their adoption process and need additional time before continuing (loss of job, etc.). Families should notify AGCI staff immediately, per the adoption service agreement, should a situation arise and request that their adoption be placed on hold. An adoption hold may be utilized one time per adoption for a period of up to 12 months. If an adoption hold is approved, and a family plans to use a full 12 month hold, AGCI requests that the family initiate a new home study or update reflecting the new situation (new job, baby, etc.) and complete expiring documents by the 12th month. This ensures the family is again able to actively participate in the adoption program. Eligibility requirements must be met in order to resume the adoption process or the adoption file could be closed.
What additional information is available?
Our Inquiry team and Adoption Specialists are always happy to provide additional information about All God’s Children International adoption programs. Available information includes the number of children eligible for adoption who are currently waiting for a placement referral; the number of applicants we receive each year; the number of adoption placements we have made; and the number and percentage of those placements that have disrupted or dissolved. We seek to be fully transparent about the adoption process, so you can make a well-informed choice.
Can I first find the child I’d like to adopt and then work with the agency assigned to that child?
This approach often doesn’t work out for families. Not all children waiting for adoptive families have online profiles, so you are only able to view a very limited number of children in need of a family when you just browse online. Many children with more minor medical conditions never appear on an agency’s website and often children can only be matched with a family who has their dossier logged in. Your options for a child match will be broader and your process timeframe faster if you select an agency and begin your home study and dossier paperwork before identifying a child you wish to adopt. Also, families with a completed home study that approves them for a certain child profile (age, gender, special needs) are given preference by adoption agencies.
SPONSORSHIP
What does Education Sponsorship provide?
Education Sponsorship ensures that your sponsored child is able to attend school, remain within their family’s care, receive healthy meals to fuel their studies, and save for their future education!
What does Care Sponsorship provide?
Care Sponsorship helps ensure that an orphan has the healthy food, medical care, education, and 24/7 loving care they need to grow up happy and healthy!
Can I sponsor more than one child?
Yes! You can sponsor as many children as you like!
I have budgeted more than $35 a month for sponsorship. Can I put additional sponsorship funds towards my sponsored child?
Yes! There is a huge need for sponsorship in our Orphan Care Sponsorship program. By allocating more sponsorship funds towards your sponsored child, you’re allowing us to further advocate for more children![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
