How long will the adoption process take?
Timeframe's in adoption are difficult to predict and vary from family to family. Timeframe's will be dependent on the program and country you choose, and we can offer no guaranteed placement date. Some of the timing in the process is under your control as an adoptive parent. How motivated & available you are, how quickly you get paperwork back to us and how flexible you are in your request for a child all will impact your timeframe in adoption.

How many adoptions do you do each year per program?
Last year we helped to form 214 families through adoption. Roughly fifty percent through our domestic program and fifty percent from other countries through our international program.

What are the long-term effects of orphanage care?
The general rule of thumb is to expect about a one month delay for every three months a child spends in an orphanage. The majority of these delays are correctable --- with early intervention services kids tend to catch up pretty quickly. We will help link you to resources to help with this.

Why are adoption fees from a non-profit agency so high? Where does the money go for international adoptions?
Fees cover a range of services to all members of the adoption circle. We are thoroughly preparing you as adoptive parents for this experience through counseling and education.

It’s important to realize that there is a wide range of adoption related services we provide here in this country as well as abroad, including financial support for the orphanages (which goes to care for the many children who will never be placed). Your fee covers more than just services for one child.

How can you ensure quality regarding international placements if you don’t actually have a placement program in most countries?
We have chosen to work with respected agencies with proven track-records in each country.  We constantly monitor what’s happening both within those countries, and the agencies we recommend. We will serve as your liaison and advocate throughout the process.

What happens if we reject an international referral?   Do we have to start all over again?
No.  We want you to be excited about the child you’re adopting. We will support you in evaluating a fit to your family as well as communicating to the placement agency should you decide to request another referral. 

Can same gender couples adopt internationally?
No.   We know of no countries active in international adoption that will knowingly place a child with a same-gender couple. Same gender couples will be required to adopt as single parents when they purse an international adoption, and we at The Cradle are not comfortable misrepresenting who you are as a family.   Therefore, you are not currently able to adopt from abroad through The Cradle. We DO, however, encourage you to consider adopting through our domestic adoption programs.

In Russia, the average is five children to every one caretaker. In China, this will vary depending on the region and orphanage. In general, orphanage care consists of one caregiver for every five to six children.

How will you know if the Russian child you are being referred was exposed to alcohol prenatally?
While there are determining physical factors that indicate that a child was significantly exposed to alcohol --- fetal alcohol syndrome --- there is no definitive way to know if there has been some alcohol exposure.

You should expect that most have had at least some exposure  -- it is one of the most common risk factors in adopting from Russia. We have a class that will help you learn more about children exposed to drugs and alcohol in utero. You will also have access to a pediatrician who specializes in evaluating international adoption referrals.