Adoption Programs

CHINA Contact Linda Lin or Joy Mazzolla: china@whfc.org

COLOMBIA Contact Edna Cruz: colombia@whfc.org

ETHIOPIA Contact Almaz Asresahin or Kristen Mallory: ethiopia@whfc.org

GUATEMALA Contact Edna Cruz or Tara Lucchetti: guatemala@whfc.org

INDIA Contact Homai Schmidt or Eileen Minnucci: india@whfc.org

KAZAKHSTAN Contact Debbie Mansfield: kazakhstan@whfc.org

KOREA Contact Betsey Barrett or Eileen Minnucci: korea@whfc.org

PHILIPPINES Contact Mary Lou Eshelman: philippines@whfc.org

RUSSIA Contact Vica Nikitina, Eugenia Bevz, or Masha Korsunsky: russia@whfc.org

RUSSIA/UKRAINE SUMMER HOST PROGRAM Contact Eugenia Bevz ebevz@whfc.org

UKRAINE Contact Masha Korsunsky: ukraine@whfc.org

USA Contact Cathy Duggan: usa@whfc.org

KOREA - Parent Age Criteria Updated

Effective immediately, families applying to the Korea program may be up to age 43 (e.g. have not reached their 44th birthday) at the time of complete application to the program. Please remember that a complete application to the Korea program involves a processed home study with all of the necessary supplements as well as immigration approval (I600A or Favorable Determination). This program is open to families residing in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Florida. For families residing in New Jersey, WHFC offers a parent-initiated liaison program through another U.S. agency.

Program Highlights

• Young infants are available
• Detailed medical and developmental information
• Escorting is available

Upcoming Program Introduction Meetings
Open to prospective and registered clients who have not yet selected a program. Learn about program-specific information including the children, the adoption and referral process, fees, and staff support.

• Waltham, MA - January 25
• Bedford, NH - February 15

Family Stories
The Message Board, by Fay C. Pendleton
One mother shares the story of her Korea families support group, before, during, and post-adoption.

For more information on this program, contact Betsey Barrett or Eileen Minnucci: korea@whfc.org.

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GUATEMALA - Referral Time Reduced

The wait for a referral has just been reduced to 3-4 months. Travel after referral is 4-8 months. To adopt a child from Guatemala, couples or singles must be between the ages of 25-50. More flexible age requirements for the adoption of older children.

Program Highlights

• Young infants are available
• Children are in foster care
• Travel is brief, 2-3 days

For more information on this program, contact Debbie Mansfield or Tara Lucchetti at guatemala@whfc.org.

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What's New - View Our Online Presentation "Adopting From Ethiopia"

This 12-minute presentation offers insights into the country, its people and culture, as well as the process of adoption. Learn about the children available for adoption. Hear from our families and staff about their experiences in this culturally rich, visually stimulating country.

View the presentation.

Watch our website for announcements of upcoming online presentations on China, Guatemala, and Kazakhstan.

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Waiting Children

Featured Waiting Children

India sibling group - These adorable sisters are waiting for their forever family. The eldest sister (DOB 03/13/1994) is described as a friendly child who interacts easily with others. The middle sister (DOB 03/13/2001) is described as a soft spoken and attentive child. The youngest sister (DOB 10/13/2002) is described as intelligent and active. All three girls are receiving treatment for TB but are otherwise developing well both mentally and physically. They speak Hindi and are learning English.

For more information about these children, contact Eileen Minnucci, eminnucci@whfc.org.

NEW - Website Resource Offers Profiles of Waiting Children

Access to information on the current list of waiting children is as easy as registering and creating a password. Visitors will be able to see profiles on many children and sibling groups, and will receive ongoing announcements of children as they are added. We currently have more than 80 waiting children from different regions of the world who are in need of a family. Register today!

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Russia/Ukraine Summer Host Program - Application Deadline January 20th

Open Your Home to an Orphan This Summer

For families living in CT, MA, NH or RI
Our Summer Host Program offers families an opportunity to first host an older child (age 8-14) from a Russian or Ukrainian orphanage over a three-week period during July/August and second, to consider moving ahead with the adoption of this child. This is a wonderful chance for older children living in institutions to experience American family life and to have a fun, memorable summer vacation. For details, contact Eugenia Bevz, ebevz@whfc.org.

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Event News

Save the Date!

China and Korea Culture Camps - Early spring 2006
Our annual camps include cultural performances, a cultural luncheon and age-appropriate workshops for children (ages five and older), teens (Korea only) and parents. Watch our website for details on dates and registration.

Annual Gala Auction - April 28, 2006
Each year, this event raises critical support for our ever-growing Humanitarian Aid program. Through this program, WHFC provides food, clothing, medicine, corrective surgery, educational support, orphanage repair and other direct aid to orphaned and abandoned children around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with other supporters who share your desire to help children.

First Annual WHFC Multicultural Festival a Success!
WHFC families celebrated National Adoption Month this November at our first annual Multicultural Family Festival. Over 1,000 people participated in activities including visiting our country-specific booths, passport stamp collection, the parade of flags from over 30 nations, sampling appetizers, shopping for cultural gifts and watching six different performance from around the world. Visit our site for photos or to comment on the event.

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