We are able to process adoptions for families with parents between ages 25-55. If the husband is over 55, and the wife is younger, Cambodia will accept the family. Single women ages 40-50 are accepted also.
Once a family has chosen A New Arrival as the agency to oversee their adoption in Cambodia, the family needs to complete a contract and send the agency fee to our office..
When the contract and fee is received, Lori Jones Cambodia Program coordinator, will begin helping the family complete one original and three copies of their dossier. A New Arrival will immediately send the family an BICS (formerly INS) application. This will be the application to the United States government for your child to come to the United States. The family completes this application and each family member over age 18 living in the home gets fingerprinted, and this is all returned to the BCIS in your state.
It is at this time that the family needs to contact a licensed social worker in your area and begin the process of a home study and compiling documents such as birth and marriage certificates. Lori will give you a list of required papers.
Once your family has completed and mailed the dossier requirements to Lori and has received an I-171 H, favorable status from the BCIS (the result of the above mentioned application), you also forward that to us. It is at this time the facilitator in Cambodia begins finding the appropriate child for your family which is usually a quick process. Once a child referral is accepted the parents must sign a child acceptance letter, send the in-country fee, and then anticipate traveling in 8-12 weeks!
Lori is committed to remaining close with your family and updating you at all times on the status of your adoption as the waiting can be can be the toughest part of the process. As soon as the agent in Cambodia notifies Lori that your adoption is finalized and your embassy appointment is set, we will notify you immediately so you can make your travel arrangements. Once you receive your itinerary Lori will make hotel reservations for you at the Sunway Hotel, where you are welcome to enjoy the camaraderie of other adoptive families. Plan on 4 business days in country. Chances are you may be done sooner but it is much easier to get done earlier then to have to rearrange your flight schedule which could result in escalated costs. Lori will be sending you a packet of information for travel. Our agent in Cambodia will be faxed your travel plans and will arrange for your pick-up at the airport. You will be provided with a driver who speaks English. Be prepared to go straight to the orphanage to receive your New Arrival! Hotel arrangements will be made at the Sunway Hotel in Phnom Phenh, Cambodia. Look here for a sneak preview of this hotel.
For costs, click here. Click to see photos of the country . You may begin your adoption or ask questions by emailing A New Arrival at any time!
As with all international adoptions, the medical exam the child receives before adoption sometimes misses a diagnosis. Occasionally a child comes to the United States with an undiagnosed condition such as umbilical hernia etc. Parents should be sure their medical insurance will adequately cover unexpected conditions and that they are prepared for this. Children also sometimes have varying degrees of attachment issues and/or developmental delays due to the sad conditions they were in prior to the adoption. Prospective parents are urged to study these subjects and be aware of how to deal with them should their child show signs of one or both.
