Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
parent eligibility
OneparentmustbeaU.S.citizen.
Ethiopia prefers that both parents travel; however, one parent may travel if necessary.
Couples married for at least two years and single women are eligible for an adoption.
Parentsmustbeingoodhealth.
Bothparentsneedtobe25-60toadopt.
Therecanbenomorethan45yearsagedifferencebetweenmotherandchild.
Ability to show sufficient income to parent a child.
referral times/process
Allreferraltimesareapproximate.Familiesadoptingchildren0-4yearsoldwilllikelywaitforareferral.Familiesadopt-
ing children over age 4 might be able to choose a child from a wait list. The wait for a referral varies based off a child's
age, gender and could be 0-9 months from completion of paperwork to referral. The typical time frame for completion
of adoption from dossier submission can be 9-12 months.
travel
ThefirsttripbothparentsmusttravelforthecourthearingandyouwillbeinEthiopiaabout5days.Thesecondtrip
will occur about 8 weeks after the first trip. Both parents are recommended to travel on the second trip to pick up your
child, but only one is required. You will be in Ethiopia for about 7 days on the second trip. You will be met at the air-
port and guided by a representative through the whole process.
1-2011 Due to the nature of international adoption, all information contained on this page is subject to change without
notice.
n
We were so lucky to
have gone with an
agency that cared so
much and handled
matters in such a pre-
cise way. My experience
with BBAS was noth-
ing but pleasurable,
you made our dreams
come true
The Novotnys n
!Go Back To Table of Contents
program in ethiopia (1 Child)
ALL PROGRAM FEES (must be received prior to travel or
your adoption will be delayed):
Column A
U.S. Fees
Paid to BBAS
Column B
Foreign
Fees
Payment Schedule
Application Fee $ 100 Due at Application
Self Assessment Fee $ 250
Due at Assessment 10 days from
date on application
Dossier Prep Fee $ 1,000 Due at Dossier Submission
Post-adoption Deposit- Paid and held in escrow per Post
Adoption Contract*
$2,000
Due at the signing of the PA
Contract
Agency Fee $ 4,500
Due upon signature on Contract 30
days from submission of Self
Assessment
Foreign Management Fee
$1,000 $2,200 Due Upon Submission of dossier
Ethiopia Program Fee **
$8,800 Due upon acceptance of referral
TOTAL FEES PAID TO BBAS AND FOREIGN AGENCY $6,850 $11,000
**Ethiopia Program Fee includes monk and orphanage dona-
tions, foster care fees for the Thomas Center & orphanage, fees
for staff and office in Ethiopia, program development, medical
testing, photos, equipment. All Fees are deemed earned and
non refundable)
Total Adoption Fees $17,850
* Excluded from total as the deposit is returned upon completion of reports
ESTIMATED EXPENSES PAID DIRECTLY TO SERVICE PROVIDER OR THIRD PARTY BY
FAMILY
Column C
Fees paid in
U.S.
Column D
Fees paid in coun-
try
Home Study Estimate Paid to BBAS if service is provided by BBAS, cost varies $1,500
Adoption Education Internet Courses ($30-$50 each) $211
BCIS Filing fee $720
Fingerprint Charge (2 @ $85 each) $170
Passports (2 @ $135 each) $270
Ethiopia Visas (2 @ $65 per person) $130
Document authentication (cost varies) $250
Medical for childs Visa $ 80
Childs U.S. Visa $ 400
Total Fees Paid in U.S. and Country $2,451 $480
TOTAL ESTIMATED THIRD PARTY EXPENSES C+D=$3,731
TOTAL ADOPTION PROCESS COSTS
A+B+C+D=
$21,581
Travel Expenses
Round Trip airfare (2 @ approx $1800 per person x 2 trips) $7200
Childs one-way airfare (cost varies) $800
In-country travel (2 people - 5 days transportation, lodging, meals- estimate only) $5400
Incidentals (amount varies depending on family desires and tastes) $ varies
All fees are non refundable and deemed earned. Due to the nature of international adoption, all information contained on this page is
subject to change without notice. This is not a binding agreement. Some third party fees are estimated. Total Adoption Fees + Third
Party Fees were calculated to inform you of the entire cost of an adoption. When comparing agency fees, ensure that all additional
expenses are disclosed and included in their final estimate. Revised 3/2011
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 13
n
You are not a number with
Building Blocks, you are
family
Te Diskowski Family n
!Go Back To Table of Contents
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 14
program in ethiopia--two CHiLd pLACemeNt
PROGRAM FEES PAID TO BBAS (must be received prior to
travel or your adoption will be delayed):
Column A
U.S. Fees
Paid to BBAS
Column B
Foreign Fees Payment Schedule
Application Fee $ 100 Due at Application
Self Assessment Fee $ 250
Due with Self Assessment
10 days from application
Dossier Prep Fee $ 1,000
Due at Dossier
Submission
Agency Fee $ 4,500
Due upon signature on
Contract 30 days from
submission of Self
Assessment
2nd placement fee $ 2,250
Due upon signature on
Contract 30 days from
submission of Self
Assessment
Post-adoption Deposit- Paid and held in escrow per Post
Adoption Contract*
$2,000
Due at signing of PA con-
tract
Foreign Management Fee $ 2,000 $1,200
Due upon submission of
dossier
Ethiopia Program Fee **
$ 17,600
Due upon acceptance of
referral
TOTAL FEES PAID TO BBAS AND Foreign Agency $10,100 $18,800
**Ethiopia Program Fee includes monk and orphanage dona-
tions, foster care fees for the Thomas Center & orphanage,
fees for our staff and office in Ethiopia, program develop-
ment, humanitarian aid, medical testing, photos, equipment,
transportation, faxes, international calls made by agency, etc.
Column A+B=
Total Adoption Program
For Two Placements:
$28,900
* Excluded from total as the deposit is returned upon completion of reports
ESTIMATED EXPENSES PAID DIRECTLY TO SERVICE PROVIDER OR THIRD
PARTY BY FAMILY
Column C
Fees paid in
U.S.
Column D
Fees paid in
country
Home Study Estimate Paid to BBAS if service is provided by BBAS, cost varies $1,500
Adoption Education Internet Courses $211
BCIS Filing fee $720
Fingerprint Charge (2 @ $85 each) $170
Passports (2 @ $135 each) $270
Ethiopia Visas (2 @ $65 per person) $130
Document authentication (cost varies) $250
Childs U.S. Visa (2 @ $400 ea) $ 800
Medical for childs Visa (2 @ $80 ea) $ 160
Column C+D Total $2,451 $960
Total Columns
C+D=$3,411
TOTAL ADOPTION PROCESS COST-Two placements
COLUMNS A+B+C+D=
$32,311
Round Trip airfare (2 @ approx $1800 per person x 2 trips) $7200
Childs one-way airfare (2 @ $800 each estimate only) $1600
In-country travel (2 people - 5 days transportation, lodging, meals- estimate only) $5400
Incidentals (amount varies depending on family desires and tastes) $ varies
All fees are non refundable and deemed earned. Due to the nature of international adoption, all information contained on this page
is subject to change without notice. This is not a binding agreement. Some third party fees are estimated. Total Adoption Fees +
Third Party Fees were calculated to inform you of the entire cost of an adoption. When comparing agency fees, ensure that all
additional expenses are disclosed and included in their final estimate. Revised 3/2011
Building Blocks will only process special needs adoptions from China at this time. The wait for a healthy child is
now5years.Chinaistheleastexpensiveprogramifadoptinginternationally.Thefeesincludemostofyourtravel
expenses, such as hotel stay, in country airfare, meals, transportation, sight seeing, and airport taxes. This is only one
reasonthisprogramcontinuestobeoneofthemostreliable,predictableandorganizedprogramstoadoptfrom.
When invited to China to bring home your child, you fly into Beijing where your representative takes you sightseeing
to absorb the culture and experience China prior to flying to the region to meet your child.
Special Needs Adoptions
At this time we are only accepting applications for the adoption boys in the special needs program. In China the average time
frame of a referral of a special needs child is about 3-6 months. Special needs children are presented to agencies in groups.
The list of child and information on their special need is forwarded to family adopting from China to review. A special needs
placement takes about 9-12 months from the time your documentation is completed and submitted to the CCAA. Special
needs of children range from missing digit to major heart defects, many with the possibility of correcting the need surgi-
cally. Families would know what the need of the child is before making any decisions about adopting. Travel is usually
scheduled 2-3 months after referral.
Why China?
FullMedicalDisclosure
Lowcostsandpredictableprogram
EstablishedadoptionprocessinChina
ProgramfeeincludesasightseeingtouroftheGreatWallofChina,TheForbiddenCityandothersights.Fees
fortravelandaccommodationsinChinaincludes5starhotels,mostmeals,transportation,in-countryairfare,
guides, sand airport taxes, this is a trip of a lifetime
Parent Eligibility
SingleWomenandMarriedcouples30-50yearsofagecanadoptfromChina.
Youmaystarttheprocessatage29buttheDossiercannotbesubmitteduntilyouturn30.Theageisdeter
mined at the time the paper work is received in China.
Oneorbothspousescanbeuptoage55foraplacementofaspecialneedschild.
AdoptiveparentsMUSTbemarried
Marriagemustbestable
Nomorethantwodivorces
Aminimumoftwoyearsofmarriageisrequired.Ifoneorbothoftheadoptiveparentswasmarriedpreviously,
they must be married five years prior to dossier submission
Education, Employment and Financial requirements
Eachparentmusthaveahighschooldiploma.
Oneparentmusthavestableemployment.
Familyincomemustmeetthestandardformulaof$10,000perfamilymember(includingadoptedchild)per
year, and cant include sources such as welfare income, relief funds, pensions, unemployment insurance or govern-
ment subsidies
Theadoptivefamilymusthaveatleast$80,000innetworth.
Health and Criminal Record Requirements
Bothparentsmustbefullyhealthy
BMIof40orless
Nomentalorphysicalafflictionsincluding,butnotlimitedto:AIDS;dysfunctionoflimbs(nowheelchair);
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 15
n
Te staf of Building
Blocks Adoption
Service was very
knowledgeable, helpful,
patient, truthful, and
understanding
throughout the entire
adoption process.
Te Petro Family
n
Russia Adoption Program
!Go Back To Table of Contents
severefacialdeformity; blindordeaf(unlesschildtobeadoptedhassamecondition);severediseasewithlong
termcomplications(MS,lupus,etc.);transplantswithinthelast10years;mentalhandicaps;psychologicalissues
lessthan2yearsoldsuchasschizophrenia,orseveredepression.Chinaalsolimitsadoptionsifaparentissignifi-
cantly overweight, parents with a body mass index of 40 or less are eligible for adoptions.
Theparentscannothaveacriminalrecord.
Limitation of household members
Nomorethan5childrenundertheageof18(includingtheadoptedchild),theyoungestchildmustbeovertheageofone.
Religion
Theparentscannotbeamemberofareligionthatforbidsmedicalcaresuchasbloodtransfusions,immunizations,etc.
Travel
OneorbothparentsmaytraveltoChinatocompletetheiradoption.Parentsusuallytravelinagroupwithseveralother
families. One trip of approximately two weeks is all that is necessary to complete the adoption. Travel and accommoda-
tionsareallinclusiveintheChinatravelfee,whichmayinclude5-starhotels,mostmeals,andtransportationincountry,
in-country airfare, guides, and sightseeing and airport taxes. This will be a once in a lifetime trip.
Building Blocks provides all adoption assistance within the U.S. such as, dossier preparation, travel arrangements, home-
studyassessment,andeducationandpostadoptionservices.FamilieswillworkwithaChinaaccreditedagency*who
will provide assistance for referral, escort, in country travel and embassy processing.
Program Fees in China (1 Child)
PROGRAM FEES
(must be received prior to travel or your adoption will be delayed):
U.S. Fees
Paid to BBAS
Foreign Fees
Payment Schedule
Application Fee
$100
Due at Application
Self Assessment Fee
$250
Due at Assessment 10 days from
date of application
Dossier Prep Fee
$1,000
Due at Dossier Submission
Post-adoption Deposit- Paid and held in escrow per Post
Adoption Contract*
$2,000
Agency Fee
$4,500
Due upon signature on Contract 3 days
from submission of Self Assessment
China Registration Fee
$2,500
Due Upon Submission of BBAS contract
China Program Fee
$2,700
Due upon acceptance of referral
TOTAL FEES PAID TO BBAS AND FOREIGN AGENCY
$5,850
$5,200
(All Fees are deemed earned and non refundable)
Total Adoption Fees $11,050
*Excluded from total as the deposit is returned upon completion of reports
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
PAID DIRECTLY TO SERVICE PROVIDER OR THIRD PARTY BY FAMILY
Fees paid in U.S.
Fees paid in country
Home Study Estimate Paid to BBAS if service is provided by BBAS, cost varies
$1,500
Adoption Education Internet Courses
$211
USCIS Filing fee
$720
USCIS Fingerprint Charge (2 @ $85 each)
$170
Passports (2 @ $135 each)
$270
China Adult Visa fee (2 @ $160 per person)
$320
Document authentication (cost varies)
$500
Airfare (2 @ $900 per person)
$1800
Childs one-way airfare (cost varies)
$150
Children age 0-8 traveling with you
$950^^
Adopted child over the age of 2
$350
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 16
n
Choosing Building
Blocks Adoption
Services was one of the
best decisions Ive ever
made. Te Building
Blocks staf made the
process a wonderful
and stress-free
experience
Te DAngelo Family
n
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 17
Russia Program Fees: (2 Children)
PROGRAM FEES
(must be received prior to travel or your adoption will
be delayed):
COLUMN A
U.S. Fees
Paid to BBAS
COLUMN B
Foreign Fees
Payment Schedule
Application Fee
$100
Due at Application
Self Assessment Fee
$250
Due at Assessment 10 days from date
on application
Dossier Prep Fee
$1,000
Due at Dossier Submission
Agency Fee - $4,500 for the first placement and
$2,250 for the second placement
$ 6,750
Due upon signature on contract 30
days from submission of Self
Assessment
Foreign Management Fee
$ 4,000
Paid Upon notification of first trip
Post-adoption Deposit- Paid and held in escrow per
Post Adoption Contract *
$ 2,000
Russia Program Fee
$20,500 For the
First Placement
$13,500 for the
second
Placement
$1,000 upon signing BH Contract
$4,500 upon submission of Dossier to Russia
$12,250 upon notification of potential placement
$5,000 upon receipt of travel dates
$12,250 upon return of first trip
TOTAL FEES PAID TO BBAS AND FOREIGN AGENCY
$12,100
$34,000
Total Adoption Program Fees
A+B=$46,100
* Excluded from total as the deposit is returned upon completion of reports
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
PAID DIRECTLY TO SERVICE PROVIDER OR THIRD PARTY BY FAMILY
COLUMN C
Fees paid in U.S.
COLUMN D
Fees paid in
country
Home Study Estimate Paid to BBAS if service is provided by BBAS, cost varies
$1,500
Adoption Education Internet Courses
$211
USCIS Filing fee
$720
Fingerprint Charge (2 @ $85 each)
$170
Adoptive Parent Passports (2 @ $135 each)
$270
In-country travel Driver and Translator on Both Trips in Moscow
$800
Regional Expenses- Driver, Translator and Rep $1500 each trip
$3,000
Document authentication (cost varies)(this is for notary, certification and apostille of dossier)
$250
Medical for childs Visa AND US Visa
$1,600
Humanitarian Aide (orphanage fee)
$1000
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES IN U.S. AND COUNTRY
$3,121
$6,400
C+D=$9,521
TOTAL ADOPTION COSTS FOR TWO PLACEMENTS
A+B+C+D=
$54,621
ESTIMATED TRAVEL EXPENSES
Airfare (Round trip for 2 people x 2 or 3 trips - depending on the region)
$4,000-$6000
Childs one-way airfare(2 children) (cost varies)(under 2 children fly free except for cost of
international tax)
$1,000
Lodging and Food (both trips)
$4,050
Incidentals (amount varies depending on family desires and tastes)
$ varies
Some regions require adoptive parents to have medical in country - fees vary per region $ varies
Visa Fees (varies depending on notice and type of visa) $ varies
All fees are non refundable and deemed earned. Due to the nature of international adoption, all information contained on this page is subject to change without
notice. This is not a binding agreement. Some third party fees are estimated. Total Adoption Fees + Third Party Fees were calculated to inform you of the entire
cost of an adoption. When comparing agency fees, ensure that all additional expenses are disclosed and included in their final estimate.
BBAS is a Christian based, non-profit licensed adoption agency that cares about families and the children in need
overseas. We work hard to provide families the personal attention they want throughout their adoption. Many of our
staff and board members are adoptive parents that remember the process and can identify with the ups and downs of
the adoption process. We offer encouragement, support, and help for all families through personal consultations, over the
phone or through e-mail.
BBAS provides one-on-one adoption assistance to our adoptive families and will assist them through every step of their
adoption process. We work with each family to make their adoption experience a positive, caring journey.
we offer our families:
One-on-one adoption assistance through each step of the process.
Over100yearscombinedexperienceintheadoptionfield.
Staff has traveled overseas to develop many programs and provide humanitarian aid to the orphaned children of
these countries.
TravelGuidance
ConstantCommunication
HandHolding,listeningandunderstanding
HomestudyandPostAdoptionservicesforresidentsinthestateofOhio.
HomestudyagencyreferralsforfamiliesoutsideofOhio.
Assistfamilieswiththeirmanyquestions,concernsandemergencies.
Wecareabouttheadoptiveparents,andtheorphanedchildrenofothercountries.Itisourgoaltohelpbuildfamilies
through adoption.
Anopportunitytoparticipateinhumanitarianaid.
We, as an agency, have a responsibility to provide humanitarian aid for the children waiting to be adopted or that may
never be adopted. Our staff has traveled to the foreign countries and see the need for financial help in the orphanages,
baby homes and communities that families and children live in. Improving Conditions: When illnesses occur within
a specific orphanage, we look to improve the conditions by providing additional beds so children are not together in
the same crib, and medication. When have we provided medical supplies, medications, formula, diapers, clothing,
blankets, shoes, toys and playground equipment. We look at the orphanages to maintain a safe environment for the
children by replacing applianceswashers, dryers, refrigerators, stoveswhen necessary. We have paid the expense of
hiring additional caretakers and pediatricians to watch over the children, take care of their needs and give them necessary
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 18
Humanitarian Aid
n
After waiting 2 years
for a domestic
adoption, we decided
to adopt overseas,
Building Blocks was
phenomenal with our
Russian adoption
Te Bergacs n
Why Families Choose Building Blocks
!Go Back To Table of Contents
!Go Back To Table of Contents
attention. Special Needs: When a child is identified as special needs because they cannot receive necessary medical treat-
ment, BBAS intervenes. We have provided medical treatment for children with cleft lips, heart conditions, and other
medical issues.
Building Blocks provides aid through the assistance of adoptive families. To date contributions have been:
$120,000 in Clothing
$18,000 in Cribs
$12,000 in Bedding
$80,000 in Diapers
$80,000 in Formula
$40,000 in Construction
$32,000 in Medical Procedures
$35,000 in Toys
$27,000 in Medicine
$25,000 in Sponsoring Caretakers
$8,000 in Sponsoring Physicians
$80,000 in Country Events
$15,000 in Appliances
$1200 in Carpeting
$1500 in High Chairs
$574,700 Total
The Spector Family
Selecting the right agency is the most important decision adoptive parents will make during the adoption process. There
was not a day that went by during the adoption of our daughter we were not thankful to be with Building Blocks.
Anytime we had a question or a concern, the staff at Building Blocks was there. They replied quickly and most impor-
tantly, we never heard "I dont know." They were on top of the process the entire time. The staff overseas was just as
caringandhelpful.Fromstarttofinish,BuildingBlocksstaffmembersweretheretohelpandguideusthroughthemost
emotional time of our lives. Thanks for making our dreams come true.
The Castagnola Family
Asasinglewomanwhoalwayswantedtobemarried,havebiologicalchildrenandalsoadopt,Icametotherealization
that God doesnt necessarily bring all things in the order we request them! Sometimes the road we take can be much
differentthantheoneonthemap.Butthedestinationcanbeas,orevenmore,wonderfulthanweeverimagined!Almost
exactly nine months after my initial request for adoption information from Building Blocks I held my very own baby in
my hands. Incredibly- less than one month after my home study was complete I received a call from my coordinator ask-
ingifIwouldconsiderababygirl!Yes!Iscreamedinexcitement.SheaskedifIwantedtoseeherpicturesfirstandif
IneededtimetothinkandIsaid,No!.IhadbeenthinkingaboutnothingelsesincethetimeIfiledmyapplication.I
soon received pictures of my gorgeous daughter and from then on I bugged my coordinator and whoever else answered
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 19
n
Even after our adop-
tion was completed,
they still continue to
stay in contact with us
to ofer help in any
way they can.
Te Conlon Family
n
Building Blocks Family Testimonies
!Go Back To Table of Contents
the phone about when I was going to travel. I am not a patient person so the waiting period was excruciating but also
busy!TheBuildingBlocksstaffwastheretohelpmethroughtheprocess.Asfrustratingasallthepaperworkwasattimes
theyreassuredmethatonceIheldmybabyinmyarmsallwouldbeforgotten(kindoflikelaborIthink).Shewasso
right! My life will never be the same and Building Blocks will always be a part of our family-especially since I want to
adoptagainsomeday!!!!!
The Schaack Family
I want to thank the entire BBAS staff, for helping me to find my daughter. Our daughters adoption from beginning to
end only took seven months. I couldnt have been happier when I was able to bring her home just shy of five months old.
The staff overseas also really helped me during my stay. All were great at answering all my questions and reassuring me
when I was frustrated with the process. Since I was adopting as a single woman, I really looked to them for support and
they were wonderful. All my emails and calls were returned quickly which was very important to me. I would recommend
BBAS to anyone looking for an agency.
The Small Family
Why did we choose adoption? My husband and I chose adoption for various reasons. Ever since we have been together
(datedformanyyearsandthenmarriedfor8)wehavetalkedabouthavingchildrenandtheideaofadoptinginaddition
to having biological children. We didnt know from where or how we would do it but the topic of adoption was always
therewhenwespokeaboutchildren.Webegantryingtohavechildrenbutinfertilitybecameanissuewithus.Forover
5yearswestruggledwiththepossibilityofnotbeingabletohavechildren.Itwasthroughthesestrugglesthatadoption
became more of a real option for us. We did a lot of research on adoption to see if it was right for us. And it was. Building
Blocks certainly helped us get through the rough times. The employees at Building Blocks Adoption Service are very
educated with the adoption process. We felt very comfortable with them through the whole process. We would like to
adopt again in the future and we would certainly use BBAS again and would refer people to them.
Why Building Blocks Adoption Service? Through all of our research regarding adoption, we began searching for the right
agency to help us. We attended a seminar that helped couples struggling with infertility. There they had a trade show of
sorts with many booths set up with various companies some of which were adoption agencies. We took all the info we
could and soaked it all up. Building Blocks Adoption Service was one of those booths. We came home and sifted through
all the paperwork and came upon their information. Right off the bat we had a good feeling about this agency. After
some time thinking and doing more research we contacted the agency for more information and asked for references.
After contacting them, we felt confident that this was the right agency for us. We liked the idea that they were not far
away and we felt like we would be a part of the family in the future after our adoption was final.
About Building Blocks Adoption Service. We have been nothing but satisfied with Building Blocks Adoption Service. The
peoplethatworkthereareveryhelpfulandorganized.Wedidmostofourcorrespondencethroughemailandifweever
hadaquestion(andwehadlots!),wewouldemailandgetaresponsequickly.Wealwaysfeltlikewematteredandthey
always had the answers that we needed. Going through the adoption process is like a roller coaster and they certainly
helped us get through the rough times. The employees at Building Blocks Adoption Service are very educated with the
adoption process. We felt very comfortable with them through the whole process. We would like to adopt again in the
future and we would certainly use BBAS again and would refer people to them.
The Leman Family
WehadawonderfulexperiencewithouradoptionthroughBuildingBlocksAdoptionService!Wewerewellinformed
and always kept up to date on our situation. While in country, everything ran so smoothly. The staff took care of every-
thing for us from the embassy paperwork right down to arranging sight seeing excursions. We are blessed with a beautiful
new daughter and we will always feel grateful to Building Blocks Adoption Service for this. The staff took care of every-
thing for us from the embassy paperwork right down to arranging sight seeing excursions. We are blessed with a beautiful
new daughter and we will always feel grateful to Building Blocks Adoption Service for this. Now we are going for #2
through Building Blocks Adoption Service.
The Diskowski Family
When we decided to adopt, it was important for us to find an agency that we felt comfortable with and would be there
for us any time we needed them. We wanted an agency that would treat us like extended family. We found all of those
things with Building Blocks Adoption Service. I kept in close contact with my coordinator throughout our adoption
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 20
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 21
process. I always felt comfortable in calling anytime I wanted. My phone calls and emails were answered promptly. She
understood how emotional the process is and always treated me respectfully and professionally. We received photos and
updates every month, and that helped us tremendously.
The Uhl Family
Fromthemomentweattendedaninformationalmeeting,weknewBuildingBlocksAdoptionServicewouldforeverbe
a part of our family. Through the entire process the staff always made us feel like a priority. We never felt lost in the pro-
cess or that we were a burden with our constant questions. I guess we truly didnt appreciate the wonderful attention we
receiveduntilweattendedtheannualpicnicandrealizedthatBuildingBlocksAdoptionServiceworkswithhundredsof
familiesatatimeandgiveseachofthemthesameindividualizedattention.Tothisdayweareimpressedwithhowsuch
a small staff can deliver such personnel attention to their clients.
The Wood Family
We are so happy to have our son join our family. The folks at Building Blocks were there every step of the way, helping to
guideusthroughthemazeofpaperworkandallthelittlequestionsthatpresentthemselves.Representativesmetusatthe
airport, and were at our beck and call the entire time. I would highly recommend the entire team to help your dream of
adoption come true.
The Gant Family
Building Blocks Adoption Services made our dreams come true. They kept us updated with pictures and medicals, when-
ever they could. They were always ready to talk and answer any of our questions over the phone and always returned our
e-mails.
The Cross Family
We can not express our gratitude enough to the Building Blocks Adoption staff. We brought home our son with no major
bumps to report. After deciding to adopt, we chose Building Blocks Adoption again because of their experience in the
country and our first great experience with them. We were fortunate to have a very smooth process again, largely due to
the thoroughness of the Building Blocks Adoption staff. The competence and care they demonstrated made this process
much smoother and less stressful for us than we could have ever imagined. It went so well, that we started the process
again,lessthanayearlater,toadoptourdaughter!Wewerealittlenervousabouttravelingforoursonsadoption,butwe
didnt have any of those feelings with our daughters adoption. We knew from our previous experience how fantastic the
Building Blocks Adoption staff in country would be. They were so warm and open. They made the family transitions into
smooth, wonderful moments for everyone involved. We wouldnt change a thing about our decision to adopt through
BuildingBlocksAdoption!
The Palmer Family
DearBBASStaff:Ijustwantedtodropyouanotetosaythankyou!Mywholeexperiencewaswonderfulandalotof
that had to do with how well you all do your jobs, and how committed you obviously are to making everyone's journey
through the adoption process a success.
The Bergmann Family
Myhusband&Ihavebeentryingtohaveafamilyforabout5years.Ithasbeenaverydifficultroadforusandwenever
quite understood why we were not able to have a family of our own. Over the years we experienced so much heartache
andcriedathousandtears.WeoftenquestionedGod--whyhewouldnotblessuswithachildofourown?Wearegood
people that both come from such wonderful families that have so much to offer a child. After many years of trying to have
a family, without any success, we decided that we would look into adoption. We attended several seminars to see which
agency would be the best fit for us. We finally decided that we would use Building Blocks Adoption Service to adopt our
first child. We completed our online application with Building Blocks and expressed an interest in adopting a baby girl.
Itwasamazingforthefirsttimein5yearsweunderstoodwhyGodwasnotblessinguswithachildofourown.Hehad
another plan for us and that plan was to adopt a baby. We had never been so excited or so content in our decision to
adoptwe finally felt at peace. The whole process for us start to finish went so smoothly. Our daughter came home at 6
months of age. BBAS was such a joy to work with over the past year. We knew at anytime of day or night if we had ques-
tions or ever got down that they were there to support us every step of the way. This entire experience humbled us so
much. And to see the life your child would have had to a life that now we will provide our daughter with far exceed
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 22
what she would have ever known. I know that many people worry that when you adopted a child that the child may not
look like you and we were totally comfortable with that. But ironically our beautiful daughter does look just like my
husband. I guess you can say that she was always meant to be a part of our family. I know that we would love to adopt
another child and we will, without a doubt, use Building Blocks Adoption Service again. We have grown so close to the
staff at BBAS and consider them family. They are the reason we were blessed with our adorable daughter. We could not
begin to express how grateful we are to Building Blocks Adoption Service for making our dreams come true.
The Weber Family
God blessed us the day we logged onto the BBAS website. There are no words to express how grateful we are to have
BBAS in our life. Thank you for our son Matt and now our wonderful daughter Nina. All our love, The Webers.
The Matics Family
Wow!Whatablessing&ajoyourdaughterhasbeentous!!Sheisabsolutelyprecious!!Wewanttothankyouforallyou
have done for us. The entire process from start to finish went so smoothlyan answer to our prayers. We talked to other
families during our trip & could not believe how difficult & long the process had been for many of them. One couple had
waited 2 years and they said the whole process had been a nightmare. Again, we cant say enough about Building Blocks
and have and will recommend BBAS to others planning on adopting. We also are very impressed with the staff overseas.
Weweresonervousaboutthetripnotknowingwhattoexpect.Fromthemomentwemetourcoordinator,webeganto
relax and let her guide us every step of the way. I cannot imagine how much more stressful the trip would have been if she
had not been there to help us. Our daughter is doing very well and has adjusted very quickly to her new family. She is
really thriving on all of the attention she gets from everyone she meets (and she has met a lot of people). Once again,
thankyousomuchforallyoudidforus!!
more testimonials are available on our website at www.buildingblocksadoption.com
!Go Back To Table of Contents
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 23
One of the most important parts of choosing an adoption agency is research. We will always recommend that families looking into
adoption speak to families from each agency to hear what they have to say. The Building Blocks families below have volunteered to
becontactedandwillanswerquestionsthatyoumayhave.Weencourageyoutocontactthemandhearwhattheyhavetosay!
Thefollowingfamilieshaveagreedtoactasareferenceforouragency.Duetoconfidentially,somefamilieshaverequestedthattheir
phonenumberbeomittedandarewillingtoprovidereferencethroughemail.Additionalreferencesareavailableuponrequest.
Adoptive Family References
!Go Back To Table of Contents
Russia
Leslie and Christopher Thompson
fifthandhamlet@yahoo.com
Jody and Jason Garber
jjgarber03@yahoo.com
Richard and Tambra Say
rsayjr@gmail.com
Tim and Angela Thompson
tdt58@neo.rr.com
Justin and Leah Megerle
leah.megerle@delmonte.com
Adam and Cathy Weithman
adamweithman@yahoo.com
April and Aaron Chen
aprilannchen@gmail.com
Ukraine
Richard and Melissa Butsko
rbutsko@columbus.rr.com
Jeff and Laurie Castel
lauriecastel@sbcglobal.net
Steven and Stephanie Kistler
Sdkistler4@aol.com
James and Lori Croyle
lcroyle64@yahoo.com
Jeff and Tina Price
tschultz@wowway.com
Pat and Debbie Work
Hisworkcrew@verizon.net
Amy and Greg Pletcher
chefamy@windstream.net
Lauren and Scott Posendek
laurlaur44@aol.com
Agency References
Matthew and Annette Thompson
mattyt305@earthlink.net
Andrew and Amanda Beltz
andy@fightdizziness.com
Michael and Rebekah Fracassa
mfracassa@ohiochristian.edu
Laimute Svarcas
lrsvarcas@sbcglobal.net
Tommy Page
Tapwright@aol.com
Kim and Mike Bergmann
kbergmann@zoominternet.net
Barb and John Pollock
JBpollock65@verizon.net
Debbie Laudato
digideb@zoominternet.net
Sharon Novotny
Natasha7928@hotmail.com
China
Chrissy and Tony Draper
tonychrissyd@sbcglobal.net
Jessica and Jared Thew
jthew@columbus.rr.com
Alan and Kari Regier
ajakregier@ctcn.net
Angel and Kelli Pavon
kellipavon@comcast.net
Ethiopia
ChrisandShellyBrewer
supershel72@hotmail.com
Matt and Emily McClung
tennisrev1174@aol.com
Eileen and James Lynn
jlynn@ptd.net
Domestic Services (post adoption, par-
ent profile, homestudy, newborn placement)
John and Jennifer Ihrig
ihrjra@columbus.rr.com
Kenneth and Shelly Gottschalk
keng@bex.net
Robert and Maggie Crum
maggiecrum@yahoo.com
Michael and Sara Treece
sarajeanne_1@yahoo.com
Randall and Janice Bradley
janneetan@yahoo.com
Jessica and Steven Gasser
sjgasser@juno.com
Brian and Rebecca Hann
mthhann@gmail.com
Christopher and Rebecca Murphy
rrcmmurphy@hotmail.com
Tim and Karen Barzal
katbarz@aol.com
Lauren and Scott Posendek
laurlaur44@aol.com
Adam and Valerie Stanley
vstanleyrn@gmail.com
Steven and Shannon Todd
sstodd@sbcglobal.net
Ethiopia
Chris and Shelly Brewer
supershel72@hotmail.com
Matt and Emily McClung
tennisrev1174@aol.com
Eileen and James Lynn
jlynn@ptd.net
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 24
PLEASE attach photo of adoptive family to front of application 1-22-09
Building Blocks Adoption Service
52 Public Sq P.O. Box 1028 Medina, Ohio 44258 Phone: 330.725.5521 Fax: 330-725-0672 www.bbas.org
APPLICATION FOR FOREIGN ADOPTION
$100 NON-REFUNDABLE PROCESSING FEE REQUIRED
Date of Application: Date of Marriage: Place of Marriage:
ADOPTIVE FATHERS FULL NAME:
Date of birth: Age: HT: (Required by China) WT: (Required by China) SSN:
Phone: Fax: Email Address:
Current address: City State ZIP
Own Rent (Please circle) How Long? Monthly payment:
Passport # Passport Issuance Location: Drivers License #:
Passport Issue Date: Passport Exp. Date: Citizenship?
Place of Birth (city/state): Education: Divorce: Y or N How Many?
ADOPTIVE MOTHERS FULL NAME:
Date of birth: Age: HT: (Required by China) WT: (Required by China) SSN:
Maiden Name: Email Address:
Passport #: Passport Issuance Location: Drivers License #:
Passport Issue Date: Passport Exp. Date: Citizenship?
Place of Birth (city/state): Education: Divorce: Y or N How Many?
REFERRED BY:
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Adoptive Fathers current employer:
Employer address: Position:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone: Annual Income: How Long?
Adoptive Mothers current employer:
Employer Address: Position:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone: Annual Income: How Long?
MEDICAL HISTORY
Adoptive Father
Current prescribed medications: Purpose of medications:
Medical History (describe in detail):
Adoptive Mother
Current prescribed medications: Purpose of medications:
Medical History (describe in detail):
Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Phone:
!Go Back To Table of Contents
Adoption Services Application
or easy on-Line Application
PREVIOUS ADOPTIONS (ATTACH SHEET FOR ADDITIONAL ADOPTIONS)
Name of agency: Case worker: Domestic/Intl (state/country):
Address: Phone:
City: State: ZIP Code:
CHILDREN BIOLOGICAL/ADOPTED (Including previous marriage)-Attach sheet for additional names if needed
Name DOB Gender Biological Adopted-Dom/Intl Lives in Home (Y or N)
HOMESTUDY- ADDL INFORMATION MAY BE ATTACHED TO THIS SHEET
Do you have a current homestudy? Y N Name of Agency: Phone:
Have you ever been denied of a homestudy assessment? Y N Have you ever initiated a homestudy? Y N
Do you need assistance locating a homestudy agency? Y N
Would you like BBAS to do your homestudy?(Ohio only) Y N
IMMIGRATION ( INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION ONLY)
Do you have Immigration approval? ( I171H) Y N Approval Date: Country:
ADOPTION REQUEST
Please circle the country in which you would like to adopt: Ukraine Ethiopia Russia China Domestic
Please circle the approx. age of child(ren) you would like to adopt: 0-1 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6+
Please circle the number of children you would like to adopt: 1 2 3 4
Circle all that apply: Related Unrelated
Boy Girl Either
Are you willing to accept special needs? Y N If yes, please explain
CRIMINAL/MEDICAL/MENTAL HISTORY- INCLUDES FELONIES, MISDEMEANORS, DUIS, ETC.
All the below applies to the adoptive applicant(s) including any other household members.
1. Has Anyone, now or in the past, ever been addicted to drugs (prescribed or illegal) or alcohol? Y N
If yes, explain:
2. Has Anyone , now or in the past, ever been investigated, accused of, committed convicted of any crime or criminal act? Y N
If yes, explain:
3. 3. Has Anyone, now or in the past, ever been investigated, accused of, committed or convicted of child abuse? Y N
If yes, explain:
4. 4. Has Anyone, now or in the past, ever been diagnosed with a mental, emotional or psychological illness? Y N
If yes, explain:
PAYMENT OPTION
Check One: (If paying by check the payment shall be made out to Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc)
I/We have enclosed a check for the amount of $100, which I/We are aware is not refundable ________
I/We would like Building Blocks to charge my credit card for the amount of $100 which I/We are aware is not refundable_______
Credit Card Number____________________________________ Type: MC VISA AE Exp. Date___________
By signing below I/We do understand that we are applying to adopt a child. I/We also state that all information contained in this application is true
and accurate, and do understand that any false or missing information can lead to termination of this application and contract with Building Blocks
Adoption Service, Inc., and all fees will be considered earned and not refundable. I/We do give permission to Building Blocks Adoption Service to
process our form of payment listed above.
Signature of Adoptive Father: Print Name: Date:
Signature of Adoptive Mother: Print Name: Date:
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc. 866-321-ADOPT (2367) 25
!Go Back To Table of Contents