Discuss Review
Childrens Hope International
(29 votes)
Please note that there are two agencies using the name CHI. Those are Children's House International and Children's Hope International. Don't confuse the two. It is best to type in the entire name.
Phone: 1 212-888-2086Address:
855 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, NY 10001
- Login or register to post comments
Printer-friendly version
Reviews
Russia program
My personal and recent experience with Children's Hope International Russia program was excellent. I completed my adoption in October 07. CHI was able to help me proceed through my adoption in a very reasonable amount of time during one of the most difficult periods in Russian adoption - a time when accreditations of agencies in Russia had expired. The thoroughness of document preparation assistance and sensitivity and counsel by my US coordinators during the tough waiting period through to the very professional yet personal handling I had by my coordinators in Russia easily met my highest expectations. I never had a minute of doubt that I was working with caring experts who would deliver. Unlike some Russia adoption agencies I didn't have to carry large amounts of money to Russia as everything was paid in the US (outside of hotel costs or train/airfare inside Russia). All the costs and dates due were clear and I had no surprises. While all foreign adoption is expensive, after reviewing a number of programs my assessment was that CHI was middle to below the cost of many Russia programs. My beautiful 20 month old was completely healthy and is adjusting wonderfully.
unhealthy referrals
We just got back this week from Moscow region (w/CHI) after refusing 2 referrals (we asked for a 3rd, but was told one wasn't available). We refused these referrals b/c they were deemed "borderline" by an independent Russian doctor. We had them evaluated by an American doctor in the states (via email) and were told that these 2 referrals would possibly not be able to live an independent life. We are very disallusioned, confused and dispppointed as to why we were given referrals that clearly did not have "none, or minor correctable problems". Has anyone else had this problem?
Unhealthy referrals- Ditto in KAZ-RUN from Children's Hope
The situation you just described happened to a number of families in KAZ. I know of four in less than a 10M period when I was with them in last year. I met three more families who made multiple trips back to Kaz to adopt (ie 4+). Keep in mind, by that time CHI was ignoring them- and stating they were just "too picky". I pulled my dossier from them, and started over with another agency/country. I am now reviewing referrals for a little girl (less than 6M after signing with my new agency).
I know of 2 families who threated to sue and got their money back. I filed a compliant with COA and the Hague and called both embassies in the US to file compliants about them.
I would encourage you to file a compliant as well. I listed how to do that-on this site. CHI should be closed. No other families should go thru what you and so many other have.