Welcome to the Adoption Journey! INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION

Bethany Christian Services unites more children and families through adoption than any other agency in the United States. Bethany was established in 1944 and has more than 80 offices in over 30 states. Bethany’s intercountry adoption program began in Bethany Christian Services

Decades of Experience Accreditation by: The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption ECFA COA Programs on five Continents Comprehensive Information, Guidance and Support Professional Staff Why Bethany?

Bethany Christian Services manifests the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services. Mission Statement

Our Children Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups Children of All Ages Children Who Have Mild to Severe Needs: physical, emotional, and behavioral Children Who Have Been in Foster Care or Orphanages Since Infancy Great Care Is Taken to Match Children to Adoptive Families All Known Conditions Are Disclosed

AFRICA Ethiopia Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups 3 Months - 15 Years Old Orphanages Days of Travel

Ethiopia A F R I C A

ASIA ChinaHong Kong PhilippinesSouth KoreaTaiwan

China Hong Kong Philippines South Korea Taiwan ASIA

Individual Children Waiting Children 9 Months -15 Years Old Orphanages and Foster Care Days of Travel China

Waiting Children Only 6 Months - 15 Years Old Orphanages, Foster Care, and Group Homes Days of Travel Hong Kong

Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups Years Old Orphanages and Foster Care Days of Travel The Philippines

Philippines

Infants: 6 months - 18 months Waiting Children: 6 months - 5 years old Primarily Foster Care Days of Travel South Korea

Taiwan Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups Infants - 14 Years Old Orphanages and Foster Care 4 – 7 Days of Travel

Taiwan

EASTERN EUROPE BulgariaLithuania RussiaUkraine

Bulgaria Lithuania Russia Ukraine EASTERN EUROPE

Bulgaria Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups 12 Months - 15 Years Old Orphanages 2 Trips Required First Trip: Days Second Trip: Days

Bulgaria

Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups Years Old Foster Care and Orphanages 2 Trips Required First Trip: 10 Days Second Trip: Days Lithuania

Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups 18 Months - 15 Years Old Orphanages 2 Trips Required First Trip: 7 Days Second Trip: Days Russia

Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups Years Old Orphanages Weeks of Travel Ukraine

LATIN AMERICA Colombia Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups 9 Months - 15 Years Old Orphanages and Foster Care Weeks of Travel

Colombia LATIN AMERICA

Colombia

CARIBBEAN Haiti Individual Children Waiting Children Sibling Groups Infants - 6 Years Old Occasionally Older Orphanages 2 Trips Required Days of Travel Each

Haiti CARIBBEAN

Haiti

1.Information Meeting 2.Pre-application 3.Formal Application and Contract 4.Home Study 5.Immigration Process 6.Dossier 7.Referral 8.Travel 9.Post-Placement Process 10.Citizenship Step-by-Step Process

Bonding and Attachment Adjustment Grief and Loss Adoption Topics Unpredictable Process, Changes by Countries Limited Information About the Child and Birthparents Transcultural Issues Health Concerns

Local Bethany Staff Local Medical and Therapeutic Resources Support Groups Bethany’s Adoption Forums The Bethany Bookstore Adoption Resources

Costs Related to Intercountry Adoption Mailing, translations, overseas salaries, foster care, orphanage care, embassy fees, Bethany fees, court fees, travel, etc. Tax Credits: Federal and State Bethany’s Loan Programs Creative Financing Grants Adoption Finances

Complete the Free Online Preliminary Application For More Information: Ask Your Local Adoption Specialist Visit Order Books from Bethany’s Bookstore Talk to Other Adoptive Families The Next Step 10/09