A few queries re adoption in NSW

[ellie66]

Hi,
My DH and I, and to some extent our 5 year old IVF son have been through many many IVF treatments, including a few donor egg IVF's with no luck. We still have a couple of frosties but the outcome isn't looking good. We have had adoption at the back of our minds for quite some time, but wanted to exhaust our own chances of conceiving first. If we were to adopt, we would probably look into a child 2+ so our two children would be closer in age.
Just wondering if anyone has, or is going through the process of adoption from NSW and may be able to give us an idea of costs and waiting times? I know it's a broad spectrum, as countries differ, but a general idea would be great.
I noticed while reading a couple of threads, that there is a long waiting list for China, but does anyone know about other countries, say Thailand? Also, if we were looking at adopting a child 2+ would the wait be shorter? Lastly, (for now :)) do they prioritise those who don't have children over those who do? Oh, one more :D, I'm 41 (too close to 42 :thumbsdown:) and my DH is 37, is there an age limit?
We have many questions, but I would rather have answers from someone who has been there than from the adoption agencies.
Any help would be appreciated.
:flowerz: Ellie

[Stack]

You can find alot of information on international adoptions by typing it into google. I know that alot of countries have a 40 year cut off point. However, while Germany prefers you to be under 40 they don't have an age cut off point from what i've read so maybe thats a good option?

Adopting within Australia itself is extraordinarily difficult. DH is adopted and his parents waited 14 years until he was available. International adoption waiting lists are significantly shorter due to the fact that abortion rates in other countries are much much lower than that of Australia and adoption is a preferred method The ukraine doesn't appear to have age cut off points either adoptukraine.com states that you must be 15 years older than the baby your trying to adopt.

Hope this is helpful and I hope everything works out for you.

[janstu]

If you are in NSW I would suggest you start the process now:) You can ring DoCS Adoption and they will send you out a form to fill in regestering your interest you will also have to send in a cheque money order for $40.00 if my memory serves me correct:yes:They will then send you a pack which will tell you the next process - this will include a fair bit of paperwork, Medicals for your Doctor to fill out, your financials etc. Then once you have that all finalised you will be invited to take part in an Adoption seminar for prospective parents. You will also be around this stage assigned a home evaluation officer who will come into your home and start your home study - this can be a little intimidating and some of the questions are a little out their but you have to play their game if you want to proceed. This can up to 6 months depending on who you get:oThen once all of this is finished, you will become what they call paper ready - it is sometimes better to leave the country of origin up to DoCS as you can then be submitted to a few countries I think:confused: The whole process can take a couple of years - I know one family who are into their 5th year waiting for African countries that is after they were paper ready. Some countries do not have cut offs, and others are happy as long as one parent is under 40:) If you are wanting an older child this will play in your favour. I know it sounds daunting, but at the end of the day you will have a precious angel to love:valentine: As the old saying goes, all good things come to those who wait!! I hope this helps and that me information is up to date. You can also just ring DoCS Adoption and speak to someone.

[janstu]

Sorry that some of my info was incorrect:) as I said, we went thru the process a couple of years ago now so things have changed which is good to see:D