Frequently Asked Questions

Mesay
Home from Ethiopia in 2005

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Waiting Child Adoption - A Video by Love Without Boundaries

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Is the adoption process for WHFC Horizon Kids faster than the conventional process overall?
Yes. The wait for a referral, at least 1 year or more for most countries, is greatly reduced or eliminated because WHFC Horizon Kids have been identified as children who are ready to be placed. However, in most cases, the same legal process and wait for travel for a given country applies to all adoptions from that country, including WHFC Horizon Kids adoptions.

If I am on the waiting list for a particular country and decide to consider WHFC Horizons Kids, will I lose my place on the list?
No. You will retain your place on the list while you consider a waiting child. You are removed from the list only after you are matched with a child.

Is more than one family allowed to view information on the same waiting child?
Yes. The level of interest in a particular child may increase or decrease at any time.

When more than one family has requested a match with the same child, how is the decision made on which family to select?
Any family who meets eligibility requirements – which includes completing our pre-adopt older child and / or special needs classes – can request a match. The primary consideration in the selection process is a family's ability to meet the needs of the child they wish to adopt. For example, if the child has a special need, a family who has professional or personal experience with that particular special need may be selected over another family. Other considerations include how long you have been waiting for a referral, whether your paperwork is ready and how quickly you are able to bring the child home. Once a decision is made, we present our recommendation to child welfare authorities and birth country officials for final approval.

After viewing the file on a specific child, can I decide not to move forward with a match?
Yes. Viewing the file on a waiting child does not commit you to this particular child. We understand that viewing these files may be a process of exploration for families, and recognize that families make decisions based on what is best for them and the child they are considering. We encourage you to discuss your thought process with your WHFC Horizon Kids case manager as you evaluate whether or not to move forward. Our case managers are experienced, highly skilled professionals who are ready to offer counsel and support.

Do I need to meet the program requirements of the child's birth country before I request a match with that child?
Yes. A member of the WHFC Horizon Kids team can review the process with you. Please note that in some cases we may recommend to child welfare officials abroad that a particular family who does not meet typical eligibility requirements (with respect to age, number of children in the home, length of marriage, etc.) be considered for a child who may be more difficult to place. In some cases we may receive a "pre-approval" from these officials, whereby in other cases we may not, and we advise families around any potential risk that their case may be declined.

Is there a different fee schedule for WHFC Horizon Kids?
No. All adoptions from a given country are subject to the same fees. However, subsidies may be available for some families through WHFC, other organizations and Brittany's Hope, a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping place special needs children from around the world (WHFC administers Brittany's Hope grants). Specific information on adoption fees by country and when they are due can be found in our Adoption Services and Programs Guide.

How does WHFC support families who choose to adopt WHFC Horizon Kids?
Our experienced case managers are here to offer counseling and support as you consider whether a WHFC Horizon Kids adoption is right for your family. This includes comprehensive pre-adopt education and guidance on your comfort levels with respect to risk factors and decision making. You will also receive information on other valuable resources, including international adoption clinics and organizations focused on special needs, financial assistance and subsidies. In addition, our post-adopt team of social workers is here to support you during the initial adjustment period after your child arrives home and beyond through personal contact, WHFC post adoption newsletters and educational Webinars.