How Long Does It Take to Adopt From China?

That depends on who you ask! The standard timeframe from start to finish is about 12 months. Unfortunately for us, China adoptions are experiencing a slow down right now. In January 2006 we were told it would take 8-9 months, then in March we were told 10-11 months and by the time we had our paperwork logged into China's offices (CCAA), were were told anywhere from 12-15 months.

We're crossing our fingers and doing the polka hoping that we will be in China, looking at our darling Emma for the very first time in June 2007. This wait time can speed up as quickly as it can slow down, but only time will tell!

Why the slow down you ask? Several reasons...

*Supply and demand (harsh phrasing, but true)
*China is allowing their countrymen to adopt within China and the same office (CCAA) that handles our adoptions (US) is also handling domestic adoptions.
*China is starting to see the effects of the 1 child policy and have launched a campaign that girls are important too.

The Chinese government is offering monetary stipends to families who keep newborn girls. In Chinese culture, males take care of the aging parents and girls aren't seen as capable of this, so since there is a 1 child policy, they want the first born to be male. Sad, but true!