adoption travel agency

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No one knows heritage journeys better than us: We’re the longest standing adoptee focused homeland journey organization in the world. We’ve helped more than 4,000 adoptees experience their country of birth, in over 20 countries, for over 30 years.

We get adoptees and their families because we are them: We’re adoptee owned and all of our core team members are adoptees and/or experts in the field with a connection to adoption, with over 100 years of combined experience.

We take care of the details: Sit back, relax, and focus on the amazing experiences and emotions while we take care of the details. 

It’s not just a trip, it’s a journey: We design programs that visit the sites and provide opportunities for unique, authentic experiences. Adoptees can choose to connect with people and places important to them.

See what our ties community has to say..., kimberly kennedy, mary ann ring, kecia binko, see what we have to say..., new changes: a letter from our owner on our rebrand, when private travel is right, six reasons why group travel is (usually) the best choice for adoptees and their loved ones.

You can change the life of a child through

Adoption orphan care family support, a world where every child is cherished.

Through adoption and orphan care, CCAI (Cherish Children Adoption International) exists to promote and serve the well-being of abandoned and orphaned children.

Adoption Services

Orphan care, family support.

Orphans Around The World

CCAI has adoption programs in Belize, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Ukraine, and here in the United States.

Waiting child profiles​

There are many children in need of forever families. Meet some of these precious kids currently waiting for adoption!

Have trusted CCAI to help fulfill their family dreams

Have found their forever families

Impacted by the Children Charity Fund efforts and Lily Orphan Care Centers

Have engaged in The Park’s lifelong adoptee and family support programming

Lives Changed

CCAI has dedicated over 30 years to serving the well-being of abandoned/orphaned children, adoptive families, and adoptees.

Our Community

Ccai events.

CCAI’s The Park Adoption Community Center coordinates seasonal travel opportunities for adoptive families and adoptees of all ages. Whether it’s an adoptees-only service trip, a private birth province tour In China, or a first-time-back tour extravaganza, our trips come in all shapes and sizes to help you embark on safe, life-changing, and empowering grand adventures of discovery and connection.

The Park is committed to providing proactive, relevant, and consistent connection opportunities for adoptees of all ages that reinforce, empower, and affirm their individual journeys.

Whether you are looking for new resources to dig into, events to meet new friends, or get-togethers in your local community, The Park is proud to highlight adoptee connection opportunities for all ages and backgrounds. 

Get involved

Charity projects.

Orphan Care – One-on-One Education

Orphan Care One-on-one Education Fund Encouraging and Enriching Orphan Care...

Orphan Care – Lily Orphan Care Centers

Orphan Care Lily Orphan Care Centers Personalized Touch To be...

Orphan Care – Support Ukrainian Orphans

Disaster Relief Support Ukrainian Orphans Protect the Orphans of Ukraine...

Dahiana needs a permanent family

Dahiana is a joyful girl who enjoys nature and outdoor...

Valeria needs an adoptive family

Valeria communicates effectively, enabling her to engage with people of...

Get inspired

Stories of lives changed, ccai: a commitment to orphan care and family support.

CCAI (Cherish Children Adoption International) has dedicated over 30 years to promoting and serving the well-being of abandoned and orphaned children through comprehensive adoption services, hosting programs, orphan care initiatives, and family support through parent training and adoptee programming. Our mission is to find loving families for waiting children and to provide lifelong support to adoptees and adoptive families. With active adoption programs in Belize, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the United States, CCAI is recognized as one of the most passionate, comprehensive international adoption agencies in the world.

Our services include child matching, dossier completion, inter-country communications, legal documentation for both countries involved, travel coordination, finalized adoption services, home study services, and post-placement reports. Our commitment extends to helping families navigate the complex legal and logistical challenges associated with international adoption.

Currently, our active adoption programs include countries such as Belize, Bulgaria, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan. In addition, we provide home study services for any country program or domestically in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Our unwavering passion for finding loving families for waiting children is at the heart of everything we do.

Our active adoption programs include Belize, Bulgaria, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan. In addition, we provide home study services for any country program or domestically in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Our unwavering passion for finding loving families for waiting children is at the heart of everything we do.

Hosting Programs

Our hosting programs provide opportunities for children from various countries to experience life with a potential adoptive family in the United States. These programs allow families to build relationships with children and potentially decide if adoption is the right path for them. Hosting programs also give children a chance to experience life outside of orphanages, which can be a transformative experience.

Parent Training

CCAI offers a series of comprehensive and in-depth online and onsite courses that fully comply with Hague Requirements for international adoption. Developed by experienced social workers with extensive personal and professional backgrounds, our training is designed to provide you with the essential tools for your adoption journey. The courses are presented in an easy-to-understand and logical format to ensure you are well prepared.

CCAI's donor-driven orphan care initiatives primarily focus on China, with some projects in Ukraine and Colombia. Our China Children's Charity services include hosting summer camps for orphans living in institutions, providing life-changing surgeries, sponsoring orphans, and offering one-on-one education services to children with special needs who cannot attend regular school. These efforts have impacted over 100,000 orphans, providing them with the care and opportunities they need to thrive.

CCAI's donor-driven orphan care initiatives primarily focus on China, with some projects in Ukraine and Colombia. Our China Children's Charity services include hosting summer camps for orphans living in institutions, providing life-changing surgeries, sponsoring orphans, and offering one-on-one education services to children with special needs who cannot attend regular school. These efforts have impacted over 100,000 orphans, providing them the care and opportunities they need to thrive.

In Colombia, our projects include donating to housing for young pregnant mothers and remodeling a family reunification center in Bogotá. In Ukraine, our efforts have included donating bedding, TVs, and clothing to orphaned children hiding in underground shelters due to the ongoing war. We also provide winter and summer camp opportunities for orphans in Ukraine, allowing them to leave war-torn areas and enjoy their childhood.

Family Support and Post-Adoption Services

Adoption is a lifelong journey, and CCAI is committed to supporting families long after the adoption process is complete. Our post-adoption services are designed to provide continuous support and resources for adoptive families and adoptees. One of our most popular services is the China Heritage Tours, which allow adoptees from China and their families to visit their birth province and orphanage and learn about China's rich history and culture.

We also offer summer camps and retreats for adult adoptees (Beyond Adopteen), teenage adoptees (Adopteen), and cultural camps for adoptees aged 5-13. These programs provide opportunities for adoptees to connect with others who share similar experiences, reinforcing their sense of identity and belonging.

The Park Adoption Community Center

The Park Adoption Community Center is a hub for proactive, relevant, and consistent connection opportunities for adoptees of all ages. Whether it's an adoptees-only service trip, a private birth province tour, or a first-time-back tour extravaganza, our trips come in all shapes and sizes to help families embark on safe, life-changing, and empowering adventures of discovery and connection.

The Park is committed to providing resources, events, and get-togethers for adoptees and their families. We believe in the importance of community and support, and we strive to create environments where adoptees can thrive and feel empowered in their individual journeys.

Volunteer Opportunities

CCAI offers numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to support our mission. Volunteers can get involved in various aspects of our work, from helping with hosting programs and orphan care initiatives to assisting with post-adoption services and events at The Park Adoption Community Center. Volunteering with CCAI is a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of orphaned and abandoned children and their adoptive families.

The Impact of CCAI

Over the past three decades, CCAI has helped fulfill the dreams of over 10,190 families. More than 13,293 children have found their forever families through our adoption programs, and over 100,000 orphans have been impacted by our Children Charity Fund efforts and Lily Orphan Care Centers. Additionally, 7,300 adoptees have engaged in The Park’s lifelong adoptee and family support programming.

CCAI's co-founders, immigrants from China who were motivated by the Chinese government's one-child policy, have a personal connection to the adoption process. They adopted a 10-year-old girl from China, giving them firsthand experience of the challenges and rewards of being adoptive parents. This experience fuels their passion, humility, professionalism, and grace in serving abandoned children and supporting adoptive families.

Misconceptions About Adoption

There are many misconceptions about adoption that CCAI aims to address. One common misconception is that adoption stops once the adoption is finalized. Adoption is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing support and resources. CCAI is committed to providing comprehensive support for adoptive families, ensuring they have the assistance they need long after the adoption process is complete.

CCAI aims to address many misconceptions about adoption. One common misconception is that adoption stops once it is finalized. Adoption is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing support and resources. CCAI is committed to providing comprehensive support for adoptive families, ensuring they have the assistance they need long after the adoption process.

Another misconception is that adoption only involves healthy infants. Today, adoption often means helping vulnerable children between the ages of 4-18 who have experienced trauma and neglect. These children may have developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. Adoption is complex and comes with many challenges, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Families appreciate our life-long love and support from adoption through adulthood!

The Future of CCAI

As CCAI looks to the future, we remain dedicated to our mission of finding loving families for waiting children and providing lifelong support to adoptees and adoptive families. We are constantly exploring new ways to expand our services and reach more children and families in need.

We hope to see our adoption programs in China and Ukraine reopen soon, allowing us to help even more children find their forever families. We are also committed to expanding our orphan care initiatives and post-adoption services, ensuring that all children and families have the support they need to thrive.

CCAI is more than just an adoption agency; we are a community dedicated to the well-being of orphaned and abandoned children, adoptive families, and adoptees. Through our comprehensive adoption services, hosting programs, orphan care initiatives, and post-adoption support, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Whether you are looking to adopt, support orphan care efforts, or engage in post-adoption services, CCAI is here to help. We invite you to join us in our mission to promote and serve the well-being of every abandoned and orphaned child. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for children around the world.

Adoption Program Specialist

GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family.  GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives.  GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAI’s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.   Joined CCAI:  Originally 2014 – 2020, rejoined 2022   Bucket List Item:  To see all Seven Wonders of the World 

Contact Information

[email protected]

(303) 850-9998 ext. 300

Emily Straut

The park administrative assistant.

Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002!  Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”

Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family. 

Bucket List: Visit every province in China!

[email protected]

(303) 221-6688 ext. 170

Ivy Buchanan

The park adoptee program coordinator.

Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.

Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI. 

In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.

Joined CCAI: 2023

Top Bucket List Items:

• A trail ride through “Middle Earth” in New Zealand
• Volunteering for a few weeks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
• Sleeping in a hammock on a beach

[email protected]

(303) 221-6688 ext. 205

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ADOPTION TRAVEL SERVICES

Group travel, individual travel, adoption travel, adoption travel agency.

Adoption travel can be very complicated. Ministry Travel is here to help arrange your adoption travel. 

Discount Adoption Airfare

We have negotiated special missionary discount airfare contracts with many U.S. and International carriers at wholesale rates. We compare multiple mission airfare sources to ensure you receive the lowest airfare possible.

Flexible Ticketing

Along with preferential pricing, our special missionary discount airfare contracts allow us to extend more flexible reservations and ticketing terms to our clients that are not available to the general public. This includes enhanced reservation hold times, closer to departure purchasing, and more favorable open-ended return requirements.

Expert Service

Our knowledgeable and experienced travel specialists have often been where you would like to go. Our team is comprised of experienced mission travelers that are eager to put their first-hand experience and travel industry training to work for you.

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Booking travel for adoption can be complicated.  But it doesn’t HAVE to be!

Babies rarely debut on schedule, and adoptive parents often receive little advance notice before they have to hop on a plane and traverse the world to pick up their newest (and cutest ) family member.

Depending on the country you’re adopting from, you could spend between $30,000 and $50,000 for the adoption process.  That includes things like government fees, adoption agency fees, travel costs, legal fees, etc.  So if there’s ANY way to cut the cost of this procedure, you’ll want to hear about it!

Fortunately, there are ways to cut practically the entire travel aspect of this figure.  I’m talking free flights, hotels, and more by earning miles and points from the best travel credit cards !  Simply unbelievable?  Nah, unbelievably simple.

What You Need to Know When Traveling to Adopt

National Adoption month is November!  And National Adoption Day is November 23, 2019 .

We’re sharing all the tips and tricks you need to book your travel for less.  In some cases practically FREE!  Whether you’re adopting domestically or internationally, you’ll learn:

• When to book your flights and how to get them for free
• How to book free hotels
• How to get free travel insurance
• How to get a good deal on car rentals
• What to pack for your trip

Be Prepared for Last-Minute Changes to Your Itinerary

If you’re traveling for adoption, be prepared for an emotionally draining unpredictable last-minute fiasco or two.  There are plenty of things that can go wrong.

For example:

• You may have received the call that your birth mother is in labor.  But once at the airport, you’re updated that it was simply Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “false labor”.  Many women experience these in the third trimester, and they can fool a soon-to-be mother, especially if this is her first pregnancy.
• A few of my friends have had complications during the birthing process, causing the baby to need hospitalization for a while.  This could delay your return for a considerable amount of time, until your new baby is stable and ready to accompany you to their new home.
• Your baby may have unexpected health conditions unrelated to the birth that may detain them, as well.

Scenarios like this may cause you to either delay your outbound flight or reschedule your trip back home!  Unfortunately, there are no credit card benefits or travel insurance plans you can purchase to guarantee your trip.

The best you might do is purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.  It’s not cheap, but it often covers 75% of your travel cost, which is much better than nothing.  Then, if one of those inevitable changes of schedule pops up, you can cancel your trip (usually must be canceled 48+ hours before you depart).

We’ll discuss a few other things you can do to ensure you don’t lose money on your trip!

Research Your Destination Ahead of Time

Painstakingly research your destination before you go.  For any number of reasons, you could find yourself rushing to the car in the middle of the night, and you don’t want to leave anything until the last minute.  Do you know the best airport to fly into?  Do you know the alternate airports in case there are complications?

Jump down a worst-case-scenario rabbit hole, and research how you’ll solve it.  Think about your limitations.  If you’re flying into Sarajevo, and your flight gets cancelled, are you willing to ask for an alternate flight to Zagreb, 5 hours away?

Find which airlines serve your destination area, and write down information for back-up requests in the event of complications.  You can save miles & points to use for those particular airlines in the event that your plans begin to cave.

Have All Documents and Passports Ready to Go

You should NOT need to second guess your preparedness when heading to the airport.  Safely store ALL the documents you need for yourself and anyone traveling with you as soon as you receive it.  And don’t forget the documents you’ll need to bring the child back with you.

You can read here about the process of obtaining an immigrant visa for your child .

It’s never too soon to purchase things like passports if you don’t already have them.  They expire every 10 years!

Booking Your Flight

When should you book your flight.

It’s a good idea to arrive as early as possible to thwart any unforeseen complications.

Being ready for adoption from a long distance could mean your travel plans change on a dime.  Especially if you intend to be there for the birth!

We all know how loosely pregnancy due dates are assigned.  You may well have booked a flight days or weeks before your birth mother is expecting, but there’s still no guarantee that you won’t miss the action.

So deciding the best time to book your flight is tricky.  Last-minute airfare can be financially crippling, so it’s tempting to book as far out as possible.  Or perhaps spring for a flexible fare that can be canceled.

But those flexible fares are unreasonable.  For example, looking at a flight from my home airport to Bulgaria, the cheapest flight costs ~$1,600 , while the flexible option costs ~$4,100!

Many airlines charge astronomical change fees if you need to modify your flight.  For example, American Airlines charges up to $750 to change an international flight, and $200 to change a domestic flight.  That’s hard to stomach, but it’s also usually a heck of a lot less than paying for a refundable fare.

You’ll have to do the math and see what makes the most sense for you.

Some adoptions websites suggest calling the airline to see if they’ll give you a discount for an adoption situation.  The worst they can say is “no”, after all!

Award Flights to the Rescue

Link:    Best Airline Credit Cards

Obviously, your best shot at saving Big Money is to book an award flight .  You can reach just about anywhere on the planet for pennies on the dollar if you plan ahead.

Instead of paying thousands of dollars for that American Airlines flight to Bulgaria, you can instead open a card like the  CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® , meet its  minimum spending  requirement, and fly there for almost FREE.

The CitiBusiness American Airlines Platinum Select currently has a 70,000 mile welcome bonus after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 4 months of account opening.  And it only costs 60,000 American Airlines miles for a round-trip flight to Europe!

Here are some of our other favorite cards for earning rewards towards flights:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
• American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card  – No Annual Fee!
• Chase British Airways Visa Signature Card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum and CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Another thing to note is that award tickets often cost less when you’re modifying or canceling them.  For example, American Airlines will let you change the dates of an award ticket for FREE as long as your origin and destination remain the same (though they do have a $75 charge if you modify your flight within 21 days of departure).  That is ASTOUNDINGLY better than the $750 change fee for a paid ticket.

You can check out our guide for  things to know about airline cancellation fees before you book your ticket .

Note:    If you’re flying domestically, holding an airline credit card can eliminate checked bag fees, which can cost $30 each direction!   For example, if you have the CitiBusiness American Airlines Platinum Select, you and up to 4 travel companions on the same domestic reservation will get the first checked bag free.

Look No Further Than Southwest for Domestic Adoption

If you’re adopting within the US, you need to book flights with Southwest.  They have unbelievably generous change and cancellation policies, which you’ll likely make good use of!

If you need to change a Southwest flight you reserved with either points or money, you can modify it for zero fees .  And if you need to cancel, the points or money you spent on the flight will be deposited into your Southwest account for future use even on the cheapest tickets (and with more expensive refundable tickets you’ll get your money back).

So you can book your flight super early without worrying you’ll lose money.  And your birth mother can have as many false alarms as she wants!  You can keep changing your itinerary, no problem.

Here’s more about Southwest’s refundable fares .  And you can rack up lots of Southwest points with any of these cards:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Utilize Credit Card Rewards to Offset Costs

Link:    Best Travel Insurance Credit Cards

Another bonus to using credit cards for your travel is their generous travel insurance benefits.

Some of the   best travel credit cards  have built-in protection for trip delay and cancellation, and lost or delayed luggage.   It can help if you have a sudden illness or injury, or if another unforeseen circumstance pops up at the last minute.

These perks can  save you money  when you book your trip, too.  Because you won’t have to fret about paying extra for certain types of travel insurance.

Our favorite cards for travel insurance are:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve

Coverage varies depending on the card, so be sure to look at each card’s terms and conditions closely.  For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has trip and baggage delay coverage that starts after only  6  hours!  That’s incredible.

Is It Better to Drive?

This clearly depends on the location of your child.

if you’re adopting within the US, there are plenty of pros to driving.  Especially if you’re adopting an infant!

Driving is likely more cost effective.  You won’t pay exorbitantly for last-minute tickets, and you won’t have to modify your airfare.

Plus, if you drive you won’t worry about subjecting your young child to the unpleasantness of air travel (like cabin pressurization).  But it’s not always possible.  If your birth mother goes into labor and you’re 3,000 miles away, you probably should board a plane.

Most airlines allow you to fly with your newborn when they’re even 1 week old!  Though some airlines may require a doctor’s note .  Best to ask for one just in case!

Booking Your Accommodation

There are plenty of practical tips to keep in mind when you’re reserving lodging.  To save money, the more amenities of home you can find, the better.

For example, if you can book a hotel with a kitchen and on-site laundry facilities, your savings can add up quickly!

Choose a Reputable Hotel

This is NOT an aspect of your trip that you should be willing to gamble with in the name of savings.  You’re going to an unfamiliar place, and your faculties should be spent on all the other complicated details of adoption.  Your hotel should be a safe haven to regain your bearings.

I wouldn’t recommend booking a shady motel to cut the costs of your trip.  Your child will likely be spending time here before your happy family returns home.  Safety and comfort first!  There are other ways to save.

You can check sites like TripAdvisor to find a solid hotel in the area.

Should You Book a Refundable Room?

Crazy things can happen at any stage of your trip.  If you’re not checking into the hotel, there’s a chance your plans can fall through.  My friends and I once lost ~$1,500 on a non-refundable room in Dubai when our plans were disrupted hours before takeoff .

Some hotels charge a nominal upcharge for a refundable room, and others widen the gap detrimentally.  But if you reserve a hotel night with points , your room will almost always be refundable, unless you cancel at very short notice.  Check the cancellation policy of the hotel before you commit.

Consider Airbnb for Long Stays

Airbnb lets folks rent out their home to travelers, either a single room or the whole house.

Staying in someone’s home might feel a little strange , and even scary!  But many of us at Million Mile Secrets, including me, do it regularly.

If you’re planning an extended stay (or even if you’re not), Airbnb could be your best bet.  You’ll get a LOT more real estate for often much less than a hotel.  And if you’re staying for a longer period, the the hosts often discount your stay.  I’ve seen discounts as steep as 50%!

Have a Backup Plan in Case You Need to Extend Your Stay

Look around for other reputable hotels in the area to be ready in case you need to stay longer than you planned.  If you have enough hotel points, it could be worth reserving extra nights at another hotel just in case.  You’ll be able to cancel for free if you don’t need them!

Earn Hotel Points for Your Trip

Link:    Best Hotel Credit Cards

If you’re trying to stockpile hotel points for the big event, there are TONS of credit cards you can open to achieve your goal.  Here are some of our favorites:

• Easiest to Use for Hotel Stays:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  (also works for Airbnb stays!)
• Most Valuable Welcome Bonus for Hotel Stays:   Ink Business Preferred Card
• Best Hotel Credit Card With No Annual Fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Best Hotel Credit Card for Value and Comfort: World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Best Hotel Credit Card for Casual Hotel Stays:   Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card
• Best Hotel Credit Card for Big Spenders:   Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
• Best Hotel Credit Card for Road Warriors:  IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

You can find Marriott, IHG, and Hilton hotels just about everywhere.  So if you’re headed to a small town or anywhere relatively off the beaten path, your best bet will likely be one of those hotel chains.

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Renting a Car at Your Destination

Link:    How to Save on Car Rentals

When you’re renting a car, you’ll want to make sure you’re paying attention to the extra fees and “services” you might be charged for.  These fees can easily exceed the price of the rental if you’re not careful!  Plus, the fees vary depending on the company and even the state or country in which you’re renting.

But if you do a little research, have the right insurance in place, and know the rules, you’ll be in a position where the rental car companies will have a tougher time taking advantage of you!

Don’t Overpay With Rental Car Insurance

Link:    Best Credit Cards for Car Rentals

The collision damage waivers that rental car companies offer can cost ~$20 per day!  That can be more than you’re paying for the actual rental.  But these are easily avoidable!

If you’re booking a car for 31 days or less, there are plenty of credit cards that will cover your rental so you don’t have to pay the rental agency’s insurance fee.  Our favorites are:

• Chase United Explorer Card

Just remember, this primary rental car insurance only covers damage due to collision or theft to your vehicle,  NOT  the liability for damage to other vehicles , property, or for injuries.  For most folks this isn’t an issue, because your personal liability auto insurance is likely to cover your rental car.  But you should double check to make sure!

Use AutoSlash

AutoSlash  is an amazing service that will track the price of your rental car reservation and email you if the price drops!  AutoSlash only works for non-refundable rates, though.

Packing Tips

Here are some suggestions for what to pack for your big trip!  This does NOT include your important travel, adoption, and identification documents, because those are already packed!!

For Your Caregivers/Birth Mother

You’ll want to put at ease the folks who are releasing the child into your care.  Jen Goldman from  American Adoptions suggests you present them with things like:

• A photo albums to fill during the hospital stay
• A small gift or keepsake

You want them to know how capable and loving and 100% enamored you are with your child.  Show them your appreciation and love, and leave them with nothing to worry about!

For Your Child

This will vary depending on the stage in which you’re adopting.  But for newborns, consider bringing:

• Hygiene – Diapers, sensitive skin baby wipes, baby shampoo, rash cream, lotion (the hospital may provide these)
• Food – Bottle and nipples, and same formula used by the hospital if possible
• Diaper bag – Burp cloths, blankets, pajamas, pacifier
• Infant car seat (the hospital won’t let you take your baby without one)

Keep in mind the weather of both your destination and your origin, as you’ll need clothes for both.

Tim Elder from Infant Adoption Guide gives a reminder that most airlines allow you to bring a diaper bag with you on the airplane in addition to your carry-on luggage.  This tip alone may very well save you a checked bag fee each way!

Creating a Family offers some helpful points for traveling with children past infancy:

• Have protein-rich food wherever you go, along with water and juice boxes in your backpack or diaper bag.  Pack lollipops to help clear ears during take offs and landings.  It’s hard, although not impossible, to cry while licking
• Toys lose their WOW value once the children have played with them a while.  Save some toys for the plane.  Put the toys away when you’re in the airport so the child will have less opportunity to bore of them.  Bring more toys than you think you’ll need

This also will vary based on the length of your stay.

• Basic clothing to mix
• Hygiene – shampoo, body wash, deodorant, mouthwash, waterless hand-wash, toothbrush, etc.
• Phone with charger and appropriate converter
• Travel baby bed
• Dress clothes for court (if your adoption requires a court appearance)
• Camera with batteries and charger
• Travel journal to document the experience

Tim Elder also recommends you pack less and make necessary purchases at your destination:

If your baby bag is full after you finish packing – ask yourself, “Do we really need to travel with all this stuff or can we pick up what we need when we get there?”

It’s not a money-saving tactic per se, but it will be much less of a hassle during your commute, particularly if you’re navigating airports.  You’ll have more hands to focus on your child.

A camera and journal are of utmost importance.  You’ll want to remember this trip forever!  So be diligent in writing down what happens while you’re there.

Take lots of photos and videos.  Write down any important information about your new baby that the caregivers relay to you.  Simple actions like this will also help to reassure the birth mother and anyone else present.

Note:    It’s a good idea to bring those travel, adoption, and identification documents to the hospital, as they’ll likely not allow you to visit your baby without them.

As a general parenting guide, Jen from American Adoptions  also suggests buying  What to Expect the First Year  by Arlene Eisenberg.  If you’re a first-time parent, you’ll get answers you might be too embarrassed to ask.  It’s a good resource to bring along.

Adopting Across State Lines?  Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re adopting from another state, you’ll need to wait until  Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) clears.  According to Adoptive Families , ICPC is:

[A] law that is invoked whenever a baby or child is adopted between two different states, and it ensures that the adoption is legal in each of the states involved.

It’s possible this process will take WEEKS.  Author Elizabeth Swire Falker points out that some states have slow ICPC offices.  She recommends checking with your adoption professional to find out how long you’ll need to reside out of state.

Besides the ICPC clearance, Elizabeth says:

Each state has its policy on what is an appropriate period of time to give a birth parent to consider or reconsider their decision to make an adoption plan.  Some states provide a very short window of time for a birth parent to both consent to the adoption and to revoke that consent.  Others feel that birth parents should be given a longer time, to ensure that they have made the right decision.

It’s possible to go back home during this waiting period, but Adoptive Families cautions that your adoption professional will need to “file a document stating that you are accepting a ‘legal risk’ placement, meaning that you understand that the birth parent could still choose to parent.”

Bottom Line

National Adoption Day is November 23!   If you’re traveling to adopt, miles and points earned from the  best travel credit cards can reduce (or almost eliminate) the travel expenses involved.

Having a stash of airline miles and hotel points on hand for last-minute travel when you’re adopting can take a lot of stress and expense away.  Being prepared in advance is key!

Have you traveled for adoption?  We’d love to hear your tips and advice in the comments!

Joseph Hostetler

Joseph Hostetler is a full-time writer for Million Mile Secrets, covering miles and points tips and tricks, as well as helpful travel-related news and deals. He has also authored and edited for The Points Guy.

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International Adoption: Visiting Our Adoptee’s Country

On your international adoption journey, there are two calls that will change your life. The first is the call informing you that you have a potential match. And the second, perhaps the absolute best call, is the one to inform you it is time to meet your child. For months, if not years, you have been diligently gathering and filing paperwork, certifying, and apostilling documents, all leading up to the moment when you will welcome the newest member of your family. The call to finally book your tickets and get on that plane is at once exciting and daunting. Knowing what to expect, and where to begin, can be instrumental in helping you prepare. Two international adoptions from two different countries later, here is what I have learned.

Adoption Travel is not Like Other Travel

One of the things that drew me and my husband to international adoption was that it is international. We both have a love of different cultures and had previously traveled quite extensively across East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. We were no strangers to adventure. For our honeymoon, we spent three weeks backpacking across Ecuador, part of our trip using mountain bikes to reach remote villages nestled alongside dazzling volcanoes. How hard could it be to figure out China? We dove in, fully confident we could book everything ourselves and travel independently. 

Looking back, we could not have been more wrong. Thankfully when we shared our plans with our adoption agency, they pointed us in the right direction and connected us with an adoption travel specialist. Here’s the thing, adoption travel is not like other travel. Even if you are accustomed to doing things on your own, when booking your international adoption trip take advantage of the experts offered to you by your adoption agency. Do some research and find out what perks might be available to you. Can you upgrade your flight? Many international adoptions take place literally half a world away and even if you aren’t able to upgrade on your way over, it is definitely worth it to upgrade on your way back when you will have a new child with you. If you can upgrade to the executive level at a hotel and have access to an ongoing buffet, do it. Many airlines and hotels will permit members to donate their points to you, so ask around and use whatever you can find. Hire a driver if you can so you will have access to transportation whenever you need it. Anything you can think of that will make your journey easier. Though my husband and I prefer to stay off the beaten path when we travel and to experience a country like the locals, for both our adoptions we booked hotels in the more touristy part of the city where we knew the hotel staff would be able to communicate with us in English, we could safely walk around, and room service was readily available.

If you have not done so already, join one of the incredibly supportive international adoption groups on Facebook. There are groups for China, India, South Korea, and Columbia, to name a few. Here you can connect with other adoptive families who have either recently traveled or are about to travel to meet their child. Hotels, neighborhoods, and restaurants change all the time and these groups will be more than happy to share any updates or recommendations they may have.

Packing Will Become an Olympic Sport

For a couple that was used to backpacking, packing for an international adoption trip seemed like we had to include everything but the kitchen sink. Depending on where your child is residing, you may need to pack for two different climates. You will also need to bring clothes and toys for the child, medicine, and some snacks. But here’s the thing. On both our adoption trips (to China and India) we had access to huge department stores where we could procure almost anything. In fact, it was wonderful to be able to buy our children’s favorite snacks and formula so we could bring them back to the United States with us. We were also aware that the plastic and bottles may taste different so we bought utensils and bottles in-country to bring back home. Complete packing lists and recommendations will be provided by your adoption agency or can be found on any one of the above-mentioned Facebook groups, along with their recommendations of what to leave at home.

Meeting Your Child May Take a Few Days or Weeks

Depending on where your child is living, it may take a few days to travel. I will never forget my son asking if we had finally arrived in India after two plane rides (for a total of 21 hours), one bus ride, and a nine-hour car ride. One pro tip, though you may not have as much leave time from your job as you would like, arriving at least one day early in your child’s country of origin can be a lifesaver. Jet lag can be brutal and even the best of us can be downright loopy after 20 to 30 plus hours of travel! 

When the time comes to meet your child, your adoption agency will likely have guided you through what to expect. Some countries may require more than one trip (such as South Korea) and you will not leave with your child until the second trip. In other countries, you may meet your child one day and then leave with them the other. This was the case when we adopted our daughter from India, and I will admit that we were not prepared for this. You may meet your child at a government official’s office, or you may meet your child at their orphanage. And sometimes you will not know where you will meet your child until you arrive in the country. Like all things in the international adoption travel process, you should be prepared to remain as flexible as possible and to follow the customs and guidance of your guides in-country.

In some cases, you may meet your child at a government official’s office but still have the chance to tour your child’s orphanage. If you are able, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the chance to see where your child spent the first months or years of their life. When we adopted our son from China, we were not given the opportunity to meet our son’s caregivers. But in India, we spent a full two days at our daughter’s orphanage. We met her friends at the orphanage, we saw where she ate and slept, her favorite toys, and watched how she liked to play. We also had the unique ability to watch our daughter’s caretaker interact with her so we could see how our daughter liked to be held, fed, and most importantly comforted. And though such a visit might not always be possible, the more information you can gain the better. Many adoption agencies will work with you to develop a list of questions to ask your child’s caretaker, and your guide can translate this for you. Whether you are just in a government official’s office or are able to visit your child’s orphanage, or even their foster family, take as many pictures as you can. Each photo will serve as a contribution to your child’s life book and will become instrumental in the telling of how your child’s first months or years.

You Will Have Lots of Downtime

Once your child is placed with you, you will journey to the United States consulate (unless your child resides in the same place as the consulate). It is important to remember that even though you will still be in the same country, the sights, sounds, smells and even the language of the city where the consulate is located may be vastly different from the city or town where your child resided. In the consulate city, you will need to complete medical appointments then report to the consulate to essentially finish the I-800 process. Once the I-800 process is complete, the consulate will issue your child’s visa, and you may return home. This whole process typically takes about a week and may last even longer if you travel during a state holiday.  

For both our adoptions, we took advantage of the time between the consulate appointment and the issuing of our child’s visa to explore our child’s country. Be adventurous and try new foods (though always drink bottled water and never eat any fresh fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them). If your child loves dumplings, try dumplings. If your child eats daal by the bowlful, try some lentils. Explore the culture. We visited temples, we walked through markets, we wandered through beautiful botanical gardens, and observed daily life. 

Buy pieces of art for your home so you can begin to incorporate your child’s birth culture into your own. Find memoirs for your child. I recall one family we traveled with bought a present for each birthday until their daughter turned 18 because each year they wanted her to have something that would remind her of where she was born on her birthday. Another friend of mine bought silks in varying sizes so her son would be fully donned for the next few Chinese New Years they would celebrate as a family.

It May be Different Than You Expect

All of that said, during your first few weeks together as a family, it is important to take your cues from your child. In our first adoption, we struggled. Our son was inconsolable and hit by so much grief that we had no idea how to comfort him. Days blurred together and we hardly left the room. We were grateful for room service and for the comforts of our hotel. Outings consisted of walks up and down the hallway, and when my son grew bolder, a trip to the lobby. I worried about what our lives would look like back home. Would we ever be able to leave our house? Would my son ever stop screaming and clinging to my husband for dear life? But an important mantra to remember is, “Your time in-country is not real.” It is not a reflection of what life will look like at home—at all. While the first few days, weeks, even months may be hard, it will get better. For us, a change in scenery made all the difference, and when we arrived in Guangzhou (where the U.S. consulate in China resides) things improved enough for us to get outside and experience some of what the city had to offer. But if we had to have remained in our hotel in Guangzhou for the duration of our trip, that would have been okay too.

Your First Trip Will Not be Your Last

This brings me to my last tip. No matter what happens in-country, your first trip to your child’s country of origin will not be your last. When you adopt a child internationally, you gain a whole country. Culture and identity are intertwined, and for the internationally adopted child, they not only have lost their birth parents, but they have also lost their country. As international adoptive parents, it is up to us to preserve this for them. Finding ways to help your child connect with their culture is part of the job of an international adoptive parent and one major way to do this is with a heritage tour . A heritage tour is a visit to the child’s birth country where the child and their adoptive family explore the cultural aspects of the child’s birth country. It can be an exceedingly beneficial way for a child to connect with their cultural identity, and as an added bonus, many heritage tours welcome numerous adoptive families so children may share their experiences with their fellow adoptees.

Think Positively!

vI hope that the information above has helped you with your international adoption in some way. As you prepare for this new and wonderful journey remember to be positive. International adoption can be a little tricky but sure does pay off. Enjoy it as much as you can so that you and your child can share fond memories for years to come. 

Jennifer S. Jones is a writer, performer, storyteller, and arts educator. She holds an MFA (Playwriting) from NYU Tisch. She has written numerous plays including the internationally renowned, award-winning Appearance of Life. Her amazing transracial transcultural family was created through adoption from China and India. She is passionate about the adoption community and talks about the ins and outs, ups and downs, joys and “is this really us?!” whenever she can. She writes about her experiences at www.letterstojack.com .

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Intercountry adoptions are governed by three sets of laws: U.S. federal law, the laws of the child's country of residence, and the laws of your U.S. state of residence.

The time it takes to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to the United States varies widely. Generally, the process may take anywhere from one to four years, though in some cases, it may take longer. The length of time depends on a number of factors, including the country of origin's laws and procedures, the adoption service provider's process, the U.S. immigration process, and the specific circumstances regarding the case. See our  country information  Sheets that provide information on the adoption processes in over 175 countries.

Adoption service providers are to disclose all expected costs associated with your adoption before you sign an adoption services contract with them. This is required of all providers for intercountry adoptions under the Intercountry Adoption Act and the Universal Accreditation Act . See  Working with an Adoption Service Provider  for more information.

Hague Adoption Convention The United States is part of an important treaty on intercountry adoption called the  Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption  ( Hague Adoption Convention ). The treaty governs adoptions between the United States and other Convention countries . The process of adopting a child from a Convention country (Convention process) differs in several key ways from adopting a child from a country not party to the Convention (Orphan process). See our  Who May be Adopted  page for more information about the Convention and Orphan adoption process.

Support for U.S. Families During the Intercountry Adoption Process Adopting a child from abroad takes patience and determination. Not only is the intercountry adoption process complex, but unexpected complications may arise. Because the process may take years, finding emotional support during this time can be helpful. You may also find it beneficial to consult with other parents or support groups about issues and concerns associated with intercountry adoption.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

• Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons
• Child Welfare Information Gateway
• Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption
• ICHILD (for families interested in adopting from India)
• Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network
• North American Council on Adoptable Children

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The top 10 secrets of successful adoption travel, adoption travel doesn't have to be totally stressful. af readers share their tips for helping the trip go smoothly..

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Virtually all adoptive parents travel to meet their new child, to a nearby city, to another state, or to a distant country.

The adoption trip is a defining moment in a family’s life, the event that brings parent and child together at last. This event usually takes place in unfamiliar surroundings, which makes it all the more memorable — and stressful.

Adoptive Families asked veteran adoptive parents, those who have made the journey and lived to tell the tale, for their best travel advice, suggestions that go beyond packing lists and sightseeing recommendations. They came up with a collection of ideas that are wise — and sometimes surprising.

10. Get in shape, and stay that way.

If you are traveling for your first child and you are not adopting a newborn, you may be surprised to learn how hard it is to carry a 15-20 pound baby. More than one new adoptive parent has wound up in the doctor’s office with muscle strain.

Kari Blackburn adopted her son in St. Petersburg, Russia, and she was glad she prepared. “Our son was almost 18 pounds when we adopted him at nine months. I had been lifting weights and that helped.” She adds, “What I didn’t anticipate was lower back pain. My dad suggested that I buy a back support belt such as warehouse employees wear. I hardly notice that I’m wearing it, and the back pain is gone. Now Christian is over 26 pounds and loves to be picked up, held, and carried around.”

9. Choose your traveling companion wisely.

If you are not traveling with a spouse, you should consider bringing a friend or relative to help. Be sure to choose someone whose temperament, health, and enthusiasm are suited for this important and demanding job.

Mary Nell Ryan traveled with her four-and-a-half-year-old daughter to adopt a second daughter; her sister-in-law, Rhonda Wallingford, came along to help. Ryan says, “Your travel partner should be able to fill lots of different roles: babysitter for the older child or for the new child, videographer, pack mule, psychologist (for the new parent), and personal secretary, to make sure the brain-dead mommy remembers all the papers and passports and extra diapers and stuff that are necessary each time you leave the hotel room.”

8. Be prepared before you get “the call.”

John and Lucy Baldi traveled to Texas to adopt baby Melissa. “Make a list of all those things you will need to take, as you might do when going on vacation, but add to that list any special documents and baby items you will need,” says John Baldi.

“Have as many of them as possible already packed and ready to go at least a month before your due date.” He adds, “Even though you may feel superstitious, have your baby’s room ready, so that when you return home from a successful adoption you can spend your time adoring your new baby, rather than assembling the crib, arranging furniture, and running to the stores.”

7. If you’re staying a while, make yourself at home.

Some states and countries require parents to make several trips or stay for long periods of time to complete an adoption. Antonia Chappell and her husband have made several trips to Guatemala in the process of adopting their baby son, and she suggests looking for ways to reduce expenses.

“Many hotels offer discounts to adoptive families. Ask your agency if they have a special rate with any hotels,” she says. “There are often fully furnished apartments available to rent on a short-term basis for much less than the cost of a hotel room. We rented a three-bedroom apartment in a very nice, secure complex.”

You can also use your social contacts from home to make your stay more friendly. Timothy D. Swanson is an adoptive parent of daughters from Chile and Paraguay and president of Federal Travel, an agency specializing in adoption travel.

He suggests, “If you are a member of a service club, such as Rotary International, attend the local chapter’s meetings. The members will be willing to help you in any way they can. When we were in Santiago, Chile, I regularly went to the Rotary Club de Providencia’s weekly meeting. From the friendships we made, we were invited to the club’s Christmas party and to a member’s home for dinner. This kind of interchange widens your horizons and helps you to feel more at home.”

6. Research your destination ahead of time.

Timothy Swanson says, “Invariably your birth mother goes into labor at 2:00 a.m. and you need to be there now. To get the cheapest available airfare with the fewest problems, you need to do your homework. Your travel professional can help you find out what airlines fly into the destination airport and when they depart.”

“Determine how long it will take you to drive from your home to the airport and where you need to park when you get there. If you are using alternate means of transportation, ensure that it is available on short notice. Find out about rental car rates and the location of the hospital or adoption agency, so you can decide what hotel you want to stay in. Having all of this information in advance will help reduce your anxiety level when the call comes.”

5. Give your older child affection and appreciation.

If you take your older child with you, pack an ample supply of activities and treats. Even more important, reassure the big sibling that you still have time for her and that you appreciate her help with the new child. Mary Nell Ryan says, “Make time for ‘special times’ with just the older child — swimming or shopping or whatever.”

Ryan also suggests giving your child some choices. “Really involve the older child in the choices and process of the new baby. Have her pick out clothes for the baby to wear. Let her pick out some special souvenirs for herself and special gifts for the people back home. It will help her remember the amazing journey and give her additional ‘control’ over a pretty uncontrolled situation.”

4. Reassure the child left at home.

For a child who is accustomed to seeing you every day, a long absence can be upsetting. Young children may have difficulty understanding the passage of time. Shoshana Dornblaser and her husband left their four-year-old daughter with her grandmother when they traveled to adopt her little sister.

“My daughter and I made a paper chain with a link for each day Mommy and Daddy would be gone,” says Dornblaser. “Each link was labeled with a date. Every morning she would tear off the link for that day. This helped her get a feel for how much longer it would be before we returned.”

In addition to frequent phone calls, leaving behind a daily reminder of your love helps. When Sandy Rappeport left her older daughter behind for a 21-day trip to adopt her younger daughter, “We set up a ‘Mommy’s treasure box,’ and I put one little present in the box for each day (coloring books, crayons, a yo-yo, etc.). She loved opening something every day. She also marked each day on the calendar. In addition, I tape-recorded myself reading her favorite stories, which she sometimes listened to at night.”

3. Buy it when you see it, and get it home safely.

Though shopping may be the last thing on a tired new parent’s mind, whether you travel to New Mexico or a more exotic destination abroad, bringing home something to remember the trip by usually proves irresistible.

Ruth Williams Hennessy, who adopted her son in Vietnam, says, “These really are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.” If you see something you like — well-made jewelry, crafts that are especially representative of your child’s original home, unusual artwork — don’t count on finding it at a better price or a different location.

To bring your treasures home safely, take an empty duffel bag or buy an inexpensive suitcase at your destination and pack new purchases in it. Barb Ohland also suggests taking along a cardboard poster tube, available from office and art supply stores.

She says, “While you are there, you can purchase local art, and have a safe way to get it home. I bought some beautiful original paintings in Vietnam when we adopted my son. They are now treasured family items. I packed all my things in a soft-sided duffel bag, and my art tube fit inside nicely.”

2. Don’t rely on your memory.

After the stress of being in a strange place and caring for a new child, you may not remember the details of the journey, and still photos won’t capture the sounds, smells, and feelings you’ll experience. Take the time to keep a record of your trip.

Elisa Criden says, “While waiting for Lily, I kept a journal and brought it with me. I tried to write every day. When they took Lily’s footprint in red ink, they stamped her foot on the back cover of my journal. I love that little footprint!”

Ruth Williams Hennessy found a dual purpose for e-mail: “We e-mailed almost every day, and those e-mails became the bulk of our ‘journal’ of the trip. What I will do differently next time is print a copy of each of those e-mails and tape ticket stubs, receipts, etc., to each page as we go along.”

And Keyena McKenzie suggests, “Bring a hand-held tape recorder to record an audio journal: street sounds, taxi music, your observations of the scenes around you, and of course, the first coos, babbles, words, and so on.”

1. Take along your sense of wonder.

If you can face surprises and keep your composure, you’ll have a more enjoyable trip and be a better parent. Think of adoption travel as an adventure, much like the reality show Survivor. Ruth Williams Hennessy stresses the importance of a having “a sense of humor, ability to adjust to new situations, and interest in the culture around

And even if things go wrong — you miss your connecting flight, you wind up with an unpleasant gastrointestinal bug, your baby throws up on his last clean outfit when you still have four hours of flying to go — you can console yourself with one thought: this trip will make a great story someday.

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Do you see your baby in a different family setting? Please contact Gift of Life Adoptions at 1-800-216-Life for many other hopeful families not on our website.

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We are at almost two years since we brought Bryan home. Thank you for your caring support and assistance in growing our family! Lots of love!

I’m a birth mom and I placed my child up for adoption through this wonderful agency. Every step of the way they were/are wonderful. I still get check ups from my worker to see how I am doing. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to handle my child’s adoption process with.

Thank You for your support at such a hard time in my life. I still am sad and even cry some every once in a while. But I know I made the right decision.

Useful Information and Recent Adoption News

How to Select an Adoption Agency That Truly Supports You

What to Expect When You’re Placing Your Baby for Adoption

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Choosing adoption for your baby is a deeply personal decision that deserves careful consideration. Adoption can provide your child with a stable and loving environment that you may currently be unable to provide. It offers them opportunities for growth, education, and a bright future.

Adoption also allows you to select the adoptive parents, ensuring your baby will be raised by individuals who are ready and excited to embrace parenthood. You can establish an open adoption plan which offers you the opportunity  to maintain a connection with your child and be involved in their life as they grow. This can provide reassurance that you'll always have a place in your child's future.

Adoption can also provide you with emotional and practical support during a challenging time. Adoption agencies offer counseling and resources to help you navigate this process, ensuring you're making a decision that aligns with your values and aspirations. Remember, choosing adoption demonstrates your profound love for your child; you're making a courageous choice that prioritizes their well-being and opportunities.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of your child is paramount when considering adoption. Reputable adoption agencies rigorously screen and evaluate potential adoptive families to ensure they can provide a safe and nurturing environment for your baby.

Adoptive families undergo thorough background checks, home visits, and interviews to assess their suitability. These checks include criminal history, financial stability, and references. This process aims to verify their ability to provide a secure and loving home for your child.

Furthermore, you have the opportunity to be involved in selecting the adoptive family. Adoption agencies often provide profiles of potential parents, allowing you to learn about their backgrounds, values, and aspirations. This empowers you to choose a family that aligns with your vision for your child's upbringing.

Many adoptive families also participate in education and training to prepare for parenthood through adoption. This commitment indicates their dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for your child's growth.

In open adoptions, you can establish ongoing communication with the adoptive family, allowing you to maintain a connection and monitor your child's well-being. This transparency provides additional reassurance about the environment your child will be raised in.

Ultimately, adoption agencies prioritize the safety and happiness of the child, and their thorough evaluation processes help ensure that the chosen adoptive family can provide a secure and loving home.

Absolutely. You have the opportunity to choose the adoptive family for your baby. Many adoption agencies recognize the importance of allowing birth parents to have a say in selecting the family that will provide a loving and nurturing home for their child.

Adoption agencies often provide profiles of prospective adoptive families, which include details about their backgrounds, values, lifestyles, and aspirations. These profiles give you insights into the families and help you make an informed decision about who will raise your child.

This choice empowers you to find a family that aligns with your vision for your child's upbringing. You can consider factors such as the family's values, beliefs, parenting style, and the environment they can offer your baby. This process ensures that your child will be placed in a home where they will receive the care and love you desire for them.

Additionally, some adoption agencies offer opportunities for communication and meetings with the prospective adoptive family before finalizing any decisions. This allows you to establish a connection and build trust, providing you with peace of mind about the future well-being of your child.

Choosing the adoptive family for your baby is a significant decision that solidifies your commitment to your child's future. Your agency will work closely with you to understand your preferences and help you find the right family for your child's journey ahead.

Yes, in many cases, you have the opportunity to meet the adoptive family. Adoption agencies recognize the importance of this step and often facilitate meetings between birth parents and prospective adoptive parents.

Meeting the adoptive family allows you to get to know them on a personal level, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. It also provides you with the chance to ask questions, share your hopes and expectations for your child's future, and gain a better understanding of the family's values and parenting style.

These meetings can take various forms, from in-person meetings to video calls or even exchanges of letters and emails. The goal is to establish a connection that helps build trust and provides you with a clear picture of the family's commitment to raising your child in a loving and supportive environment.

Remember, the level of contact you have with the adoptive family can vary based on your preferences. Some birth parents choose ongoing contact through open adoption arrangements, while others opt for more limited communication. It's important to communicate your desires to the adoption agency so they can work with you and the adoptive family to create a plan that aligns with everyone's needs and comfort levels.

Absolutely. Many adoption agencies recognize the importance of maintaining a connection and ensuring you're informed about your baby's well-being after the birth. Open adoption arrangements, which are becoming increasingly common, allow you to stay connected with your child as they grow.

Through open adoption, you and the adoptive family can establish a plan for ongoing communication. This can include letters, emails, phone calls, video chats, and even in-person visits, depending on the preferences of both parties. This arrangement allows you to witness your child's milestones, growth, and development firsthand.

Moreover, open adoption can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your child is thriving in a safe and nurturing environment. It helps answer questions that may arise over the years and allows you to maintain a meaningful relationship with your child.

If you prefer a more private arrangement, semi-open or mediated communication can also be established. In such cases, the adoption agency can act as an intermediary, sharing information about your child's well-being while respecting your privacy.

It's important to discuss your preferences and desires regarding post-adoption communication with your adoption agency. They will work with you and the adoptive family to establish a plan that ensures your comfort and your child's best interests. Your involvement can be as much or as little as you're comfortable with, allowing you to find the balance that feels right for you and your child.

Adoption agency in Florida & Tennessee

The following lists are some, but not all, of the cities & towns we serve in FL & TN

St. Petersburg

Tarpon Springs

Pinellas Park

Carrollwood

Wesley Chapel

Temple Terrace

Lake Magdalene

Citrus Park

Gainesville

Daytona Beach

Port St. Lucie

Brooksville 

Dade City 

Deltona 

Altamonte Springs

Ocala 

Winter Haven 

Melbourne 

Oviedo 

Winter Garden

Avon Park 

Punta Gorda 

Sanibel 

Bonita Springs 

Fort Lauderdale

Pembroke Pines

Naples 

Port Charlotte 

Coral Springs

Miami Gardens

Pompano Beach

West Palm Beach

Miami Beach

Deerfield Beach

Boynton Beach

Delray Beach

Coconut Creek

 East & Middle TN:

Sevierville

Lenoir City

Maryville 

Chattanooga

Greeneville

Rogersville

Johnson City

Elizabethton

Jonesborough

Piney Flats

Jefferson City

Pigeon Forge

Mount Juliet

Hendersonville

Goodlettsville

Murfreesboro

Nolensville

Clarksville

Spring Hill

Ashland City

Thompson’s Station

McMinnville

Chapel Hill

Destiny Adoption Services

 Destiny Adoption is a private child placing agency serving Florida and Tennessee.  For more information, please contact us. 

St. Pete Office

Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, INC 4120 5th Ave N. Suite #7 St. Petersburg, FL 33713 (727) 202-8966

Knoxville Office

Destiny Adoption & Consulting Services, Inc. 7715 Oak Ridge Hwy, Suite F Knoxville, TN 37931 (865)444-3847

Nashville Office

Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, inc. Nashville TN 1606 Porter Road #400 Nashville, TN 37206 (615)206-7552

 Florida Lic# 100079601

Tennessee Lic# 22051 Child Abuse Prevention Agency Lic# 22050

© Copyright 2023 | Destiny Adoption Services all rights reserved

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FTC Warns Adoption Intermediaries Against Misleading Parents

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Federal Trade Commission staff sent letters to 31 adoption intermediaries warning them against misleading consumers with respect to placement rates and placement times, suppressing negative reviews, or engaging in other unfair or deceptive practices that can harm prospective adoptive parents and birth parents.

Adoption intermediaries are individuals or entities that act as middlemen between prospective adoptive parents and birth parents in private adoptions in exchange for a fee, often in the tens of thousands of dollars. These entities, sometimes called adoption advertisers, facilitators, consultants, matchmakers, or brokers are not licensed adoption agencies. As such, it is essential that they are truthful and not deceptive about who they are and what they can do for prospective clients, staff noted in the letters.

“Trying to adopt a child or place a child for adoption can be one of the most difficult and emotionally stressful experiences a parent can ever go through. It is essential that adoption intermediaries are truthful and not deceptive about the services they provide, how long the process may take, and how often they are able to facilitate a successful adoption,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “In addition, adoption intermediaries should never try to block truthful negative reviews or use contracts with language that would do so.”

The letters announced today  detail the staff’s concerns that adoption intermediaries may be violating the FTC Act, through deceptive or misleading advertising, and the Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA), which prohibits companies from preventing consumers from providing honest negative reviews of products and services.

The letters provide specific examples of conduct that could be considered deceptive or misleading, including an adoption intermediary representing in paid Google advertisements that it is an “adoption agency,” which may leave consumers with the false impression that it is a licensed, child-placing adoption agency.

FTC staff also warned that adoption intermediaries may be making claims that omit important information to consumers—for example, advertising that an “open” adoption arrangement is an option without disclosing that they may not be legally enforceable depending on state law. Staff also expressed concerns about intermediaries’ marketing of high placement rates and short placement times, reminding them that all claims must be accurate and representative of what prospective adoptive parents typically achieve.

Finally, the letters state that Commission staff has identified some adoptions intermediaries that may be preventing consumers from giving honest reviews about the services they received. Such conduct is illegal under the CRFA, which prohibits companies from including standardized contract provisions that threaten or penalize people for posting honest reviews. Adoption intermediaries found to have violated the CRFA may face civil penalties of more than $50,000 per violation.

The letters are informational and the FTC is not publicly releasing the names of the recipients. The FTC urges each adoption intermediary to review its advertising practices to ensure that it is not engaging in deceptive or misleading conduct, in violation of the FTC Act. Staff also recommends that adoption intermediaries review their contracts and agreements to ensure they are not violating the CRFA. The letters instruct recipients to cease any potentially unlawful conduct, adding that the agency will continue to monitor the market and take follow-up action as warranted.

As part of the FTC’s effort to fully inform the public about the obligations of adoption intermediaries, and to put businesses on notice of their compliance requirements under the FTC Act and the CRFA, the Commission has issued supporting  consumer and  business education information.

The lead staff attorneys on this matter are Naomi Takagi and Joyce Dela Peña in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

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What are adoption intermediaries telling you?

If you search online for “adoption agencies near me,” you might see a lot of ads for adoption intermediaries, which might give you the impression that these businesses are state licensed, full-service adoption agencies. But are they?

Today, 31 adoption intermediaries — for-profit businesses claiming to match adoptive parents with birth parents in private adoptions for a hefty fee — got letters from the FTC. These businesses may be breaking the law if they say they’re a licensed adoption agency when they aren’t, make promises they can’t keep, or try to prevent people from posting honest reviews.

If you’re interested in private adoption:

Do your research.  Adoption can be a complicated process to navigate. Know that unlicensed adoption intermediaries — sometimes called advertisers, facilitators, or brokers — are not licensed adoption agencies. That means they’re not supervised by their state or bound by its educational, social work, or legal training requirements. If you’re looking for a licensed adoption agency, contact your  state department of health and human services for a list.

Consult a lawyer or your state’s adoption resources. Adoption laws vary widely by state, including the amount of time birth parents have to change their mind and how the law handles agreements for open or closed adoptions. Also, even if an adoption provider is licensed in one state, it may not be allowed to work with birth parents or place children in other states.

Check out who you plan to work with.  Choosing an adoption provider is a significant decision. Understand what services they do and don’t offer and what their fees cover. Review online complaints, ask for recent references, and check with your attorney general’s office for information about any legal actions.

Spot an unfair or deceptive business practice? Report it to the FTC at  ReportFraud.ftc.gov .

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I really appreciate these consumer messages. Thank you very much.

Thank you, finally, someone is doing something about this issue!!!

So how can the law punish these fake people then

Where can we find a copy of the notices sent to these adoption agencies?

In reply to Where can we find a copy of… by Jen

Follow this link to see a copy of the Warning Letters sent to adoption intermediaries: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/warning-letters/86250 .

This mis very important information with all the scammers out there.

Thank you very much for your informative website!!

Good evening Consumer Alert,

This is excellent information. Prospect Parents looking for an Adoption Agency will be Reluctant to ask for References, their License to Operate. They are Vulnerable. They are not Comfortable asking for these Very Important Information Proof. How do we help them to feel this Comfort Zone? By doing their Homework, Research them prior to entering an Adoption Agency. That's how we do it.

Thank you, Magdalen

Very glad this is happening - it is overdue and much needed. Everyone is a victim when agencies are unethical.