Alternatives for international adoption

[chrissirose]

Hi there,
We have considered adopting a child from overseas but we've just found out that Australia doesn't have an agreement with her country and we can't apply to adopt her.

She is an older child (7) and we would like to bring her here to give her a family, an education and a chance at a better life. We have full approval in her country, it's in Australia we seem to have hit a major snag.

I know there's a way somehow, we just have to find it. Maybe a long term student visa and apply to adopt her once she's here?

Can anyone offer any advice at all?

Thanks

[Chocaholic]

Can you contact Legal Aid and ask for some advice? Or contact the a legal organisation (I think there is a National one, something that they need to be registered to practice) and talk to an adoption specialist. Sorry, as you can tell, I am not a solicitor.

They should be able to help you navigate the legal mumbo jumbo. It may cost you some money but at least you would be getting the best advice (hopefully!)

[HotI]

What State are you in? The Victorian DHS website has links to all the State/Territory adoption organisations.

[chrissirose]

Thank you for the responses.

We're in Queensland. I tried navigating the government websites and departments and emailed them but I received a firm 'sorry, we have no agreement with that country, try a country that we do have a partnership with'.

This child actually knows us and we just need to organise the best way to bring her here.

[HotI]

As Australia does not do private adoption, you might be stuck with attempting to adopt (if no program already in place that you can be assesed etc).

Immigration- are there any categories that she fits in order to immigrate here? Any family members here? What supports does she have in home country? Does she need medical treatment? There is an 'Australian visa wizard' thingy on Department of Immigration & Citizenship where you can search for appropriate visas.

that's all i can think of for now,

take care,

Kate

[chrissirose]

Thanks Kate,
I really appreciate your response.

After alot more research it looks as though an international student visa may be the best way for us to go. It's very expensive but it seems to be the only option.

She has no family (here or there) and she doesn't have any medical conditions. To go through the adoption process here, even though she is a known child and everything is organised in her country, it will still take 5-7yrs.

I'm very new to all this and finding things out as I go. I'm so surprised at how difficult it is, doesn't make any sense to me.