korea program??

hi girls!
i've been lurking on here for awhile, and just decided to post! i live in NJ, and DH and i have been married just over a year.
i have a genetic condition called turners syndrome, which means i have undeveloped ovaries and can't have my own children. DH has known about this since the day we met pretty much, and is totally fine with the idea of adopting in a couple years when we're ready ( gotta enjoy newlywed life a little more!)
ANYWAY- so i've started to do some early research just to figure out where we would want to adopt from, etc. and it sounds like the korea program is great! it sounds almost too good to be true- very young babies, relatively short " wait time", you can start the process before your 30,and no traveling.... is anyone or has anyone adopted from korea?? is it really this good???
again, i'm still in the VERY beginning of all this, but was just curious to hear some personal experiences.... thanks!!

Re: korea program??

Hi! Welcome to the boards! I'm happy you posted! As you may have read from my previous posts, I am adopting from Korea through New Beginnings in Mineola, NY. So far, I've been very pleased with the program. I'm expecting to receive a referral this month or next. If you have any specific questions about the program, I'd be more than happy to assist you in any way I can. Jennifer (ttsmom) is also adopting her second child from Korea through New Beginnings and Suzan is adopting her second Korean child through Love the Children I believe. Her first baby is from New Beginnings. Best of luck to you! I hope the adoption process runs very smoothly for you!

Re: korea program??

hi susan!
thank you for your reply!! basically, as i said we're not looking to start the process for another maybe 2 years... but i figured its not too early to start gathering info
its great to hear that several families are adopting their second children from korea... something must have gone right the first time as i said, i was just surprised to see how great everything sounded with it- the babies seem to be so young when they come home, and there is no traveling involved.
i looked at the new beginnings website, and i was happy to see that they work with NJ families, too. so i will be able to go through them when its time. how has your experience with them been so far? how would i begin it? just get in contact with them? go to an information session?
thanks again for the warm welcome! i wish you all the luck with your adoption process!!! keep me updated!!

Re: korea program??

You have your options. You can go to an information session or just ask for an initial applicaiton oniline (which is what I did.) They basically walk you through the whole process. If you decide to go through New Beginnings, you will have two options. One is to go through Spence Chapin in Korea which is the more expensive route - but quicker. The other is to go through Eastern, which is also a great program. In both Korean agencies, babies are placed with foster families (not orphanages) and receive excellent medical care. You have the option of going to Korea which is great so you can experience your child's birthcountry first-hand, or you can have your child escorted to the airport. You're doing the right thing by researching years in advance. It wouldn't hurt to get literature from several agencies and to meet with several to decide which agency meets your needs the best. If you have any specific questions about New Beginnings, please feel free to send me an FM. Best of luck to you!

Re: korea program??

I know my agency has a Korea program
www.whfc.org

Good Luck with your research.

Re: korea program??

Any other agencys that offer Korea porgrams that anybody knows of?

Re: korea program??

I'm assuming you live in NY. The following agencies are affiliated with Eastern or SWS in Korea (except WHFC which uses Holt) and all serve the NY area:

1. American's for Int'i Aid & Adoption
2. Love the Children
3. Parsons Child and Family Center
4. Spence-Chapin Services
5. Wide Horizons for Children (Holt)
6. New Beginnings
7. Family & Children's Agency

I suggest visiting www.adoptkorea.com for information on adopting from Korea. Right now, as far as I know, SWS has the fastest referrral rates and Holt has the slowest.

Message edited 7/12/2006 9:12:59 PM.

Re: korea program??

Basically the girls have given you great info. I myself am BLESSED with two sons from Korea. I used two different agencies. New Beginnings with my 1st son & Love the Children with my 2nd. I would also suggest attending an adoption picnic through an agency close to you. You will have a wealth of resources. You will see tons of families with children from many different countries who will be very happy to talk to you you and answer lots of questions.