Various things
At least one agency is expecting that we may start seeing referrals closer together than we’ve been seeing them. I have three people telling me this, but only one tells me their agency.
The European agency that is most always right has told someone with a 7/20 LID that they will have to wait at least another 3 months for their referral.
I have several emails where people are told that China is now asking questions about a much bigger percentage of dossiers than ever before. The general feeling that most get is that China is now being a lot pickier.
I’m still getting questions about the latest news on the CCAA site that’s still in Chinese. Someone has already posted a machine translation somewhere in the comments so I didn’t feel the need to repost it - it’s the text of some speeches and doesn’t tell us anything about the wait or any new guidelines.
Someone posted elsewhere that in Australia you can not adopt from China unless your BMI is under 30. I have no way of verifying this - can some of you from Australia let us know if this is the case? And if so, is this the case for all countries that you can adopt from, or just if you are adopting from China?
UPDATE: I’ve heard from some Australian people. Apparently if you have a BMI of over 30 you need to have a doctor in your corner saying that you are fit to adopt, but you aren’t just turned down. So, it looks like that was erroneous information - thanks so much for helping us straighten that out!
May 31st, 2006 at 1:55 pm
hey! Maybe I am psychic and my dream will become true! Anyway RQ, did any of those people mention how much closer together they were speculating for the referrals to arrive?
May 31st, 2006 at 1:55 pm
In response to an email I sent our very reputable agency earlier this week, this is what I was told.
- “We have not had any families turned down from the China program because of weight. To our knowledge, no weight restriction has ever existed in the requirements of the CCAA.”
- “Families with a history of cancer must be clear for 5 years from the time of diagnosis before they can submit their file to China”.
- “Families with a history of alcoholism must have reached 5 years sobriety.”
- “If both applicants are over 56 years of age, they are ineligible to adopt.”
This agency is very open in their communication with their clients. They deal with facts, as they know them, and do not wish to in any way feed mere rumours.
They have informed their clients to prepare for an 18 month wait from LID to referral.
They have indicated they do not believe the International Adoption program will shut down.
They have mentioned a special emphasis will likely be placed on the Special Needs program.
This agency is licensed for a number of countries, and as I am now using them for our fourth adoption, and my sister has used them twice, I can assure you they are very reputable and trustworthy.
May 31st, 2006 at 2:03 pm
anybody know roughly what percentage of China adoptions go to the States? and I’m guessing it’s an annual thing I doubt anyone would have the monthly numbers.
May 31st, 2006 at 2:09 pm
I believe the point is that even though weight restrictions have not in the past been imposed, does not mean they won’t in the future. What is in the past really doesn’t seem to matter as we are in unchartered teritory per say. At the end of the day we are at their mercy. They can be pickier and there is nothing we can really do about it. We are kidding ourselves to think they give a hoot what we think.
The image of less babies available to adopt, and strict guidelines to ensure the “best interest” will trump unhappy potential parents any day. They are in the driver’s seat, and it stinks!!!!
May 31st, 2006 at 2:20 pm
I’m just wondering how fair it really is to just simply impose a weight limit? What I mean is, what if I am 4 feet tall and weigh 250, does that mean I am more healthy than someone who is 6 feet tall and weighs 300??? doesn’t seem logical to me at all! There is a huge difference between being 5 feet and 300 lbs vs 6 feet and 300 lbs! KWIM?!
May 31st, 2006 at 2:34 pm
The postings are fast and furious today and I just had a chance to (try to) catch up. Saw one earlier today (not this thread but another one from today) that CCAA is going to send out the next set of referrals the second week of June. Has anyone heard anything to substantiate this? Hope springs eternal.
For boots and all the others having fun with the Sunshine songs, here are a few more I get: “you are the sunshine of my life,” “sunshine of your love,” “walking on sunshine,” “ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone” and “it’s a sunshine day” (made famous by The Brady Bunch, as those of us in our early to mid 40’s know!).
BTW — DH just got off the phone with our SW, who is the best. She made no promises, but did say to wait until the end of August b/4 having a major freak-out and see what happens. She thinks that things may (very big may) speed up a tad (enough for us to squeak by w/o renewing, maybe). Not much, by something to pass along.
Sunshine
LID 7/26/05
I-171H exp 12/24/06
May 31st, 2006 at 2:44 pm
I just gotta say this abouth the weight thing..I am not thin, not obese, but “pleasantly overweight” What I want to tell EVERYONE with an opinion about weight and health is that I work for Cardiothoracic surgeons(10 of them), and we do CABG’s(Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting)on thin people EVERY DAY! Can being overweight cause some health issues? Of course. But just because you are thin does mean that you are “fit”. FYI-we also operate on vegans….I agree with RQ, I hope that people realize what they are saying and try to teach our children that people should be judged on character, not appearance. Here’s hoping for mid June referrals, and many days included! Off to have chocolate(Dark, it’s good for me:)
May 31st, 2006 at 2:44 pm
“Does not mean that you are thin” sorry
May 31st, 2006 at 2:45 pm
Hi momto4hopefully,
Yes, China can and will implement any changes they deem necessary, and past rules and regulations will not necessarily play into those. My point in outlining what our agency is saying is this:
Everything out there right now is mere speculation - simply rumoured. I’ve expressed what our agency knows as fact. I am reluctant to believe that one agency “knows” more than another, or has the inside scoop with CCAA, so to speak. Therefore, I will trust the information given us by our agency is accurate (at least for the time being).
Our agency met with CCAA officials here in our country in April, and again just last week in Beijing. The above are the “facts” as they know them.
Does this mean changes are not in the offing? Not necessarily. But until I hear from my very reputable agency that they have been notified by CCAA of definitive changes to the program, I will do my best to remind myself that everything else is mere speculation. I think we can all agree that stressing over “possibilities” isn’t very helpful.
We know that timelines have lengthened. We know that some have been turned down because of their weight - but are still unclear as to whether or not there were extenuating circumstances.
I, for one, am counting on receiving another precious child. I don’t know when (LID Dec 12/05) , wish it would be sooner rather than later, but am going to keep my heart settled on the fact that it will happen. :-))))
May 31st, 2006 at 2:45 pm
healthy! I meant “thin doesn’t mean healthy” Geez! where’s my chocolate????????
May 31st, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Speaking as a thin person here, I totally agree! I am definitely NOT FIT so I’m sure there are a ton of heavier people out there WAY healthier than me, I don’t think the weight thing is fair at all!!!!!!!!!!!
May 31st, 2006 at 3:00 pm
I am keeping my fingers crossed for referrals in early June–that is the best rumor I’ve heard yet—-hooooooooooo-freaking—yeah!!!!!!!!!! We are June 20 and TIRED of waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 31st, 2006 at 3:13 pm
OK, I am soooo sorry for my last post. Re-read first sentence of RQ’s post here. The fur is flying and I am just not reading carefully/thoroughly (and, in between, I am trying to get “some” work done!). Anyway, just wanted to acknowledge my bonehead post b/c I know we’re all busy and truly don’t want to waste anyone’s time.
Peace out.
May 31st, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Hi!
This is my first time posting here…although I have been reading for a month or so. We have not even signed on with an agency yet. :P Although we already have chosen a China only one. I am not sure what size it would be considered…my guess is medium. Adopting from China is something that my DH and I have talked about doing since before we got married 10 years ago. We have since had 2 biological children. And have decided that now is a good time for us to proceed with our
May 31st, 2006 at 3:37 pm
luv2craft, the best of luck. The sooner the better, keep your ears and eyes open at all times. Oh yes, RQ is the best. Peace out along with Sunshine. lid-8-8
May 31st, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Doh! got trigger happy witht he enter!
Now is a good time with us to pursue our “calling” of adopting a girl from China. We were waiting to officially start the progress in the fall when we think we will have all the cash to go DTC. We don’t want to have borrow $$ or dip into our savings to do this. When we decide on something, I like to learn as much as I can about it. Which lead me to the APC list and following RQ. Of course, now I believe I should have stuck woth the old “ignorance is bliss” saying! LOL! Now I feel sick to my stomache!
Am I too fat to be a parent?!
Does that mistake my DH made 10 years ago make him a bad parent?!
Should we wait and see what happens? Or should we take equity out of home to rush to be DTC before December?! In case the IA in China shuts down.
The joy I felt about starting this process quickly turned to panic and worry. I know that there are other place to adopt from, but we feel that China is where our heart is. We are already emotionally invested in adopting from China. BUt as we do have a family and home…etc…we can’t afford to spend the money on something that may never happen.
Anyhow, I called my future agency today and asked these specific questions. They want to direct these questions to the director of the agency and will call me back tomorrow. However, they were really understanding and not condensending about my fears.
She did state that she doubts my weight (mid 200’s) will be an issue because my Dr. will vouch that I am otherwise healthy. And my DH is thin and healthy. She also, did not think that China would close down the IA program….but as I mentioned they are a China only agency so I am sure they HOPE the program stays open!
Does everyone go through all these worries when starting out? Or is just because of the current issues?
Well thanks for letting me vent!
May 31st, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Oh yes, I also want to thank RQ for all that she does to keep this going. I also want to thank all the posters for your thoughful insights on the topics.
:)
L2C
May 31st, 2006 at 4:17 pm
luv2craft,
If I were you, I would at least talk to an agency which DOES do other countries other than China. Looking at other countries does not mean you have to give up on China. But you need to know your options.
And don’t make your decision of when to adopt based on rumors. I know the feeling. Part of me wants to start on my dossier right now, but I know it isn’t the right time for me to do it.
Good luck
May 31st, 2006 at 4:40 pm
DebbieY Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 1:55 pm
“Families with a history of cancer must be clear for 5 years from the time of diagnosis before they can submit their file to Chinaâ€.
The above is not a correct statement of CCAA’s position. For our first adoption (beginning 2003) I was diagnosed with noninvasive breast cancer just after we started our paperchase. I had surgery and then continued with the process, fully disclosing my cancer, also with a doctor’s letter, and we adopted without one question from CCAA. I was aware at the time that the 5 years was an agency imposed restriction and not CCAA and I still believe that it is agency imposed….but of course things could change.
May 31st, 2006 at 4:49 pm
cmbj - you are correct that this was not CCAA’s position three years ago. The question is what is their position right now. The guidelines are changing and people are being denied for things that wouldn’t have made them bat an eye three years ago.
May 31st, 2006 at 7:07 pm
Hi cmbj,
I believe my agency was notified of this “cancer” rule within the past year or so. It is my understanding that this is now a CCAA rule, not an agency one.
I’m so glad things worked out for you :-)
May 31st, 2006 at 7:30 pm
DebbieY and RQ:
My agency still advises that the CCAA does not currently have a stated time period for which someone must be cancer free. They will rely on the doctor’s opinion about the future health of the individual. We are waiting on our second referral and our dossier has completed reviewe without question.
I’m not saying that there are not given circumstances where the CCAA will impose a 5 or other year wait, but that’s not always the case and so global statements can be misleading. And yes, the CCAA may very well impose such a requirement and I can only hope that if they do it won’t be retroactive and I feel for anyone such a rule does affect.
May 31st, 2006 at 7:52 pm
Hi Again cmbj,
I’m just stating what my agency says they’ve been told by CCAA.
I’m aware there are some agencies who do not wish to tell prospective clients that certain policies originate with them, thereby “hiding” behind the CCAA - claiming some agency rules to be CCAA rules. I’m certain our agency does not do that. They are extremely upfront and honest, so I most certainly don’t believe they’ve done so here.
Nevertheless, you’ve contacted your agency and they have assured you that CCAA has no such hard and fast rule at present. In light of that, I am very, very hopeful for you that your desire to adopt again will be fulfulled, and I look forward to hearing you’ve been matched :-)
May 31st, 2006 at 8:10 pm
Thanks DebbieY. Hope you and everyone else gets matched sooner than we are expecting. It will happen!
May 31st, 2006 at 10:00 pm
On the cancer wait periods, we were told by our large China-only agency that there are different wait periods required for different kinds of cancer. That was last August when we first sent in our application. I had a very non-threatening thyroid tumor which was removed in May 2005, just 3 months before. We received pre-approval from China based on our doctor’s positive letter. So there is some flexibility in the wait periods, based on individual circumstances.
However, our agency did also ask us to sign a ‘medical risk waiver’ acknowledging that China could change their requirements at any time and that pre-approval is not binding. So we’re anxiously waiting to be in the review room! Which will be a while since we’re LID February ‘06.
Just thought this could be helpful. Has anyone else had any experiences with China and thyroid issues?
Thanks!
June 1st, 2006 at 12:42 am
Just to clarify the Australian system a little further…each state in Australia has its own criteria (including weight criteria). In Queensland you cannot have a BMI of >30 without having to undergo medical testing inclding liver function tests, cholesterol tests and glucose tests. If there is an abnormality with any of these investigations then you have to fight very hard (often for YEARS) before you are allowed to even be assessed for adoption. Your doctor’s opinion does not matter that much - it is the opinion of the medical panel convened by the state government that decides whether you are fit and healthy enough to proceed with the adoption assessment process.
I have been through this process, as have many of my adoption friends. It’s not fun!
So, it’s not just a case of having a doctor “on your side” in some parts of Australia, although I cannot speak for all the states.
Chinamama
June 1st, 2006 at 6:01 am
RQ, can someone please clarify whether the 30+ BMI cut-off is a requirement of a particular state in Australia or if it is actually a new CCAA requirement?
BTW [and not to open the whole weight issue again] the BMI can be quite an unreliable way to measure health.
My niece is a Nationals Competition level athlete in surfski,rowing and biking [this girl is SCULPTED and scarily fit] but her BMI is over 30 because of her very high ratio of muscle and low percentage of fat.
Having said that though, of course CCAA can impose whatever restrictions it wants. I am just really hoping they won’t be inflexible when those of us affected by these new restrictions have their dr’s medical clearance.
June 1st, 2006 at 6:59 am
seachange - as Chinamama said, this is an Australian rule that apparently varies somewhat by states within Australia.
Chinamama - thanks for further clarifying this for us.
June 1st, 2006 at 11:22 am
TJLand,
I think what you have said is right on. My cancer was noninvasive and my doctor’s letter basically said that I was cured without using that word. I am very grateful that CCAA paid attention to that letter. Clearly there are many cancers that a 5 year wait is significant for the future health of the individual, but just a global rule requiring a 5 year wait for any type of cancer I certainly hope is never imposed.