Bulgarian Adoption During Covid
Adopting 3 YO Son in 25 Months
Meet one of our families who complted their adoption in about 25 months who came home with their handsome 3 year old son from Bulgaria.
Walking Out of the Orphanage!
This Family’s Bulgarian Adoption Timeline
| Finish Home Study | 3 Months |
| Get CIS Approval | 1.5 Months Later |
| Inscribed in Bulgarian Registrar | 2 Months Later |
| Receive Referral for a 3 Year Old Boy | 10 Months Later |
| Covid Delays | 3 Months (Mid March – Mid June) |
| First Trip (Skype) | 1.5 Months Later |
| Second Trip | 4 Months Later |
| Total: | 25 Months |
See Other Parents' Timelines
We have a few other families who are happy to share their stories and their timelines. To see how long it took them to adopt, please see:
Bonding in Bulgaria
Adoption Timeline During Covid
This family began their adoption process with Poland, but decided to switch to Bulgaria.
It took them 25 months to adopt their 3 year old son!
That is an incredible timeline for any adoption, and especially for an adoption of a young child (3 year old). Their story is a true blessing and should serve as inspiration to future adoptive parents!
We’ll take you through their timeline below to show you how it worked out, and educate future parents about the steps in the process.
How Were They Able To Do It So Quickly?
In short, compliments to Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice.
The Bulgarian Central Authority with approval from the US Embassy in Sofia has allowed Skype visits, and taken away Quarantine requirements with proof of Negative Covid Test.
None of our clients were delayed as they were given the option to meet their children online. And when they traveled, as long as they showed necessary negative tests, none of them were asked to quarantine.
Bulgaria is back to its normal procedures at this time, and our clients are making 2 physical trips.
See This Family’s Steps
Step 1 – Contract
The first step of becoming a client is signing a contract with our agency. This initiated their process and we set out to help them meet eligibility requirements for a Bulgarian adoption.
Step 2 – I800A
3 months after signing their contract to adopt from Bulgaria, the family submitted their I800-A Application. Before you get to that point you have to complete your home study. Once your home study is approved by your Accredited Adoption Agency, you will send it to USCIS for their approval. This is a key dossier document used in the foreign country for your eligibility as an adoptive parent. This family’s home study was done by Adoptions from the Heart and they did an excellent job!
Step 3 – CIS Approval
Step 4 – Bulgarian Registrar
Step 5 – Referral
Step 6 – Skype
2 months later, the Bulgarian CA allowed the family to meet their child through Skype, instead of requiring them to travel during this uncertain time (Covid). The family was very appreciative of this gesture by the Bulgarian government and the US Embassy in Sofia. The family received a schedule during which time Skype sessions would take place each day, similar to the schedule they would have had if they had gone to Bulgaria to meet the child in person. This action by Bulgaria allowed adoptions to continue moving and is consistent with the goal of the Hague Convention to pursue the best interest of the child – which is to be with a family instead of the orphanage.
Step 7 – Back Home!
Per God’s grace, this family was able to finalize their adoption and come back home with their 3 year old son in 25 months. Portions of their adoption was delayed because of Covid delays and closures.
Post Adoption Report:
All adoptions require post adoption reports. Ideally, the social worker who did your home study comes back to check on you and see who your family is bonding.
A report, about 2 – 3 pages typically, is written and send back to Bulgaria. For Bulgaria, the post adoption reports required are at 2 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. We love sharing pictures of our “St. Mary’s kids” from their post adoption reports. Here is a few. Enjoy!
Update: 6 Months After Coming Home!
How Can I Afford to Adopt?
With our agency, which we believe is unique, the cost of the adoption becomes due on your own timetable, not ours. We call this a “floating fee structure”.
We also offer 37 month financing which lets you make a fixed monthly payment for 37 months. Some of our parents love this option because it lets them spend less money before they can qualify for grants.
Getting the adoption tax credit also helps parents with the cost of international adoption.
What Are Orphanages Like?
See this blog with 3 separate adoptive parents share their thoughts on what the orphanage is like?
See Lori’s Interview from 2017.
Succes Stories
Learning about the process by seeing how different families went through each step can be a good learning experience for future adoptive parents. We've shared several stories, each with real timelines, and steps, as they happened in real life to real families.
Christian and Sandra's Story
Finished adoption in 27 months.
Monica and Manny's Story
Finished adoption in 25 months
Jeremy and Jessica's Story
Finished adoption in 20 months
Stacy and Sam's Story
Finished adoption in 18.5 months
Lori's Story
Finished adoption in 18 Months
Ana' Story
Finished adoption in 20 months.
Paul and April's Story
Finished adoption in 28 months
Mike and Megan's Story
Finished adoption in 30 months
Daniel and Alexandra's Story
Finished adoption in 36 months
Continue Your Research
We are humbled to have over 22 years of experience with Bulgarian, Polish and Serbian international adoption. We also help parents adopt children with special needs such as Down Syndrome. Continue to learn about the process and your options by checking the links below. If you have any questions, we offer a FREE, No-Obligation Consult. The consult is a great place to start your research.
Text us or call us with any questions. 704 527 7673.
Learn More About Home Study Process
When Should I Start The Home Study?
Difference Between Home Study and Adoption Agency?
Why Do I Need an Accredited Agency?
