Just starting with S-C / SWS

[Kateyb2]

Hi there! My husband and I are just starting our home study with Spence Chapin / SWS and wondering if anyone has any recent news of experience with these agencies and current wait times. We're still hearing 14-15 mos. for referral and then 5 mos. for travel call. But hearing we may have to wait longer for travel call these days. I'm less concerned with the time it takes overall and more concerned about stress of receiving a referral and then having to wait so long seeing our child grow up from afar. Would love to hear recent experiences.

Also, was considering SN but DH is nervous (first child!) and I'm wondering if we'll extend our wait times if we select non SN?

[wethegrl]

Hi,
Welcome! I am also relatively knew to the process! Which country are you planning on adopting from? That has a huge impact on the wait time...

[elfkin]

Well, which country???? Korea? Join us on the Korea forum! Yes, if you choose a non waiting child, your wait is typically much longer. All of my children are SN's. Mild-significant. There is a wide range of sn's. Don't be afraid! No one is perfect, and if we as we are today, were in an adoption program, we'd ALL be SN's if you think about it?! Who hasn't had a surgery, a scar, itchy skin, born early, etc? Some of the needs can be very minor, and often NSN's kids come home with an undiagnosed SN or develop one later, like asthma, or the need for glasses, speech delay, etc... Good luck, and ask your agency questions to help you feel more comfortable with the SN's program, because some sn's are really no big deal. And yes, it's VERY difficult to see your child grow up so far away. The China program is MUCH faster, if that is an option/culture you can support/meet eligibility, etc....