Adoption process if found pregnant

Posted by expat2006 (475 days ago)

Hi,
We lodged our papers for adotion but now I am pregnant. We still want to go ahead, but don't know where we stand. Must we reveal to the social services about my pregnancy? We fear our case will be cancelled and the monies we have paid forfieted. We were told that it takes typically 2 years before a child is available for adotion and we would like to continue with the procedure. In the meanwhile, we have been blessed with a child of our own. That doesn't stop us in our intent, but fear that it will stop the process (as we find the social services dept quite bureaucratic and not really abiding by adoptive parents' wish, but going by the book so to say) Would anyone know the requirements for a couple with their own child? Has anyone had a child of their own and gone ahead to adopt another? Can you tell us your experiences as a parent and as an applicant?

Too many questions.

(I am based in Singapore)

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Posted by sunniefaith (475 days ago)

As far as I remember from our interviews and workshop sessions, we were told that after we're being matched with a child, the mother should be be pregnant for 6 mths or until the court order is over. But I'm curious what money have you paid? As far as I know with the Social Welfare Department in Hong Kong, no money is paid until the court order is over. This is unless you're talking about the money you have spent on the medical exam and the police clearance.

We're now at the 'waiting to be matched' stage. We were told that we could be in the matching pool in Aug or Sept but we told our case worker that we want to be in the matching pool only after Oct as we're in the midst of our summer hols.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by expat2006 (475 days ago)

Hi sunniefaith,
We are in the process of inter-country adoption and were asked to make payments for home study report, which amounts to thousands of dollars.

I believe you are conducting a HK-based adotion.

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by sunniefaith (474 days ago)

Yes, you're right. We're adopting from the Social and Welfare Department in HK. Maybe you could ask them if you could postpone the process or something along that line. Might be a good idea to speak to your case worker or social worker

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by -sa (473 days ago)

expat 2006, in my opinion you should tell the social services that you are pregnant. You will only loose money (may be they will charge you only for the work done ad return the rest) but not their goodwill. If they find out during home study (which is done by local HK staff for Intl adoptions as well) that you did not reveal your pregnancy- it will only leave a bad taste in their experience; specially, since you don't know what their policy is once they find out- you could be left with both your money and goodwill forfeited.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by missdj (470 days ago)

We adopted in HK last year and there was another couple who had just been matched and during the visiting the baby stage, the lady found out she was pregnant. Cancelled the process (had to). and then 5 weeks later had a miscarriage.
I would wait till you are farther along in your pregnancy

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by namaste (469 days ago)

I remember that in the orientation session, they said that you could not get pregnant during the process. I think the above post about sums it up. The matching process can happen very quickly - I know of two couples who were matched with baby boys within 4 months of starting the paperwork.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mad_mich1 (411 days ago)

during my adoption process, after matching with a baby boy, i fell pregnant, so after 3 months, we've told the case worker, in HK adoption Law (which was pass down by the British) says that the social welfare will take back the child. After we told the case worker, we've ask to meet with the director, as well as writing a letter to how we will care for our adopted son, what procedure we will take to be sure that he's care for...etc. our friends have kindly written letters to help us as well, but we did go through some tearful nights, the government have extended the process and monitor how we are with our adopted son, i completely understand the painful process, but they're only wanting what is best for the child. anyway, we are now blessed with a beautiful, happy and loving 16 months old son and a 5 months old baby brother. good luck and don't give up. many children need TLC, if you're able to offer that, i'm sure things will happen for you and your partner. be warn, it's a lot of hard work with 2 kids from zero, but the joy will melt your heart like butter.

(I am based in Hong Kong)