Adoption in Australia or the UK?

[essie]

Dear all,

I hope you don't mind me asking for some advice on the whole adoption process.

I have just had my 8th unsuccessful IVF attempt and me and hubbie are now seriously thinking about the alternatives. We've got in the back of our minds that 10 attempts of IVF is the absolute maximum that my body (and mind!) can take, so we need to start preparing ourselves for the whole adoption process.

I've only seriously started looking into it this week and my head is bursting with all the information overload.

For one, I'm concerned that the whole adoption process seems to take forever in Australia with hardly any local adoptions and intercountry adoptions taking years.

One thing that I haven't really looked into, but wondered if anyone knew any more about it and if it is possible.. Is that I am a British Citizen that has lived in Australia now for over 5 years. Hubbie is an Australian. Would we be able to take advantage of the UK adoption process?? It seems to take a lot less time in the UK, there are tons more inter country options rather than the measly 14 or so countries in AU. Would anyone know anything about it?

Also, should also mention that I am early 30's. Hubbie is 38 next month, so also aware that if this whole process takes 4 -5 years, my hubbie will be considered too old for some countries.

This whole thing seems to be so stressful. After the whole IVF stress, not sure if we can handle the stress of adoption.

So, after the babble above, just wondered if anyone can give me some advice as to where to start??

Thanks,

[Sunshine Coast Doula]

Hi,
I am no expert but I have looked into UK Adoption and I sure you have to be a permanent resident of the UK to adopt through them. Is relocating there for the adoption process an option for you?
From everything that I have read it is a lot quicker to adopt in the UK than in Aus, and even quicker if you adopt a child from the UK.
I am also no expert on Aus Citizenship laws but the child should be entitled to Aus Citizenship as your husband is Australian.
Have you considered Surrogacy as an option?
I hope you get lots more advice from people who have been through the Aus adoption process. :fingerscrossed:
Good Luck
SCD:babydust2:

[sophie11]

Hi Essie,
Adoption in Australia IS getting harder and thats so sad. In 1999 when I adopted out my baby there was only 30 babies in Victoria that were being given up for adoption.

I began my process through Anglicare and was them transfered after the baby was born to Catholic Familes as I was told there were more families wanting babies?

I would definatly speak to social workers from both places about your chances.

I also know that Catholic families has Prospective Adoptive Parents information days, I used to speak at these as a birth mother. Some find open adoption is not for them, others are more excited about the journey ahead.

Sure you can be waiting a while, but you may also be a lucky one that is chosen quickly. The lovely couple that adopeted the baby I had even went on to adopt another little boy 2 years later, so ANYTHING is possible!!

Best of luck and LOTS of baby dust on your IVF cycles!! You never know :):hugs:

Feel free to email me with any questains about adoption, I am happy to help :)