Bulgarian Adoption During Covid
Adopting 3 YO Son in 25 Months
Meet one of our families who complted their adoption in about 25 months. They came home in Dec, 2020 with their handsome 3 year old son from Bulgaria, despite Covid delays.
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 After Covid Re-Opening |
| 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 – Dec 2020!
Adoption Timeline During Covid
This family began their adoption process with Poland, but decided to switch to Bulgaria. They signed their contract for a Bulgarian adoption with our agency in October of 2018.
Now, around 2 years later, despite the world being closed due to Covid delays, they are home with 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), in the middle of Covid closures and delays. 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 – Oct, 2018 – Contract
Step 2 – Jan, 2019 – 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 – March, 2019 – CIS Approval
Step 4 – May 2019 – Bulgarian Registrar
Step 5 – March, 2020 – Referral
Step 6 – March to August 2020 – Covid Delay
Step 7- August 2020 – Skype
Step 8 – December 2020 – Back Home!
Per God’s grace, this family was able to finalize their adoption in the middle of Covid. They came back home with their 4 year old son in December, 2020.
Their entire Bulgarian adoption for their 4 year old son, therefore, took only 25 months, with the world being closed for about 6 months in the middle of it because of Covid.
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.
Update: 6 Months After Coming Home!
Post Adoption Report:
Though we firmly believe that preparation and support are key to success, as believers we are able to witness time and time again how Christ Jesus puts together families in an absolutely perfect way the same way were adopted into His family!
Quotes from the Post Adoption Report:
“Dr. “A” describes his overall health as good and that the family providing appropriate care currently”
“His parents describe him as being very energetic, loving, and passionate child who is resilient and gets over disappointments quickly”
“A” eats well and is continuing to try new foods. He eats a wide variety of foods”
“His favorite programs are Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. His favorite movies are Madagascar and Despicable Me.”
“His gross motor skills seem to be within normal limits, and he can ride a scooter, drive an electric car, and play on the swings. His fine motor skills also seem to be developmentally appropriate as he can stack blocks, put together puzzles and uses a fork to feed himself”.
“”A” has bonded with his mother and father. He seeks out his parents when sad, hurt, or uncomfortable. He is affectionate and sits in his parents’ laps. He gives kisses and gives hugs easily to his parents”.
“Currently, one of his favorite activities is to play soccer and kick a ball with his father”.
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 21 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?
