Zambia

Zambia Placement Program---This Program Is Currently On Hold

Partnership with Alliance for Children Everywhere, Tucson, AZ
Love Basket has partnered with Alliance for Children Everywhere in developing this program.  While Zambia is a new field of endeavor for Love Basket, the staff at Alliance have been working there since 1997, reaching infants and children, caring and nurturing them in this country torn by AIDS and disease.  Some of the requirements may differ somewhat from our other programs, based on the guidelines of Alliance for Children Everywhere.  An active Christian faith to be confirmed by a reference from a pastor/priest will continue to be required as in our other programs, and that may include a phone call to the pastor/priest.

Adoption Requirements
Single women ages 26-45 and married couples may apply.  Couples must be married at least 3 years and the maximum age is 45 years for the younger spouse-no more than 100 years total for the combined ages of both spouses (for example, if the younger spouse is 45, the older spouse cannot be older than 55).  If the applicant is a single woman, the active presence of a male influence/role model in the extended family or church community needs to be demonstrated.  Previous divorce is acceptable.  Infertility is not required.  There is also no limit on the number of children already in your home.

We seek applicants with an active Christian faith.  A reference from your Pastor/Priest will be required in the application process.

Because the initial time to bond with your child is so important, we require that at least one parent stay home to take care of the child for a minimum of 60 days beginning when your child joins your family.  Spouses may alternate time off to cover the 60 days.

Adoptive parents must also be willing to acquaint themselves with a basic understanding of Zambia's people, history, and present circumstances.  They must also have a willingness to share the same with their adopted child.

How does the Zambia program work?
Once your Application Packets with Love Basket and Home Study are completed and approved, you are ready to receive the referral of a specific child.  USCIS approval will also be necessary.  Length of wait for a child referral is 1-6 months in Zambia.

When a child is ready for you to consider, you may receive photos, a health summary, lab test results, and any available medical/social history.  Because many of the babies and children are abandoned, the available information may be minimal.  We strongly recommend that you review this information with a medical professional (preferably one familiar with children adopted internationally) to help you evaluate the information you have received.  It is also possible that you may be asked to travel to Zambia for a child referral.  Average processing time in Zambia approximates 1-3 months.  Children are referred after they are six weeks old at the youngest, so that more reliable HIV testing can be completed.

After the acceptance of a child referral by you, you will need to travel to Lusaka, the capitol of Zambia, to become acquainted with your child and to initiate the adoption process.  One or both (preferably) parents must travel.  Zambia is not involved in warfare, and is a relatively save country, with English as the national language.  Upon arrival, you will be met by Alliance staff and accompanied to your place of lodging, to meet your child, etc. 

Your stay will vary from a minimum of one to four weeks, but could be longer in some cases, though this is rare.  You can leave and return later for the child, if the case is not completed, or have her/him escorted to the USA.

How old are the children who are available for adoption?
Infants as young as two weeks old are available, as are toddlers and children to age 12.  Sibling groups and children with special needs are available.

Referrals are made based on what appears to be the optimal "fit" for child and family, rather than simply on a chronological basis.  Preference is first given to Zambian and other racially-similar families, with many children also placed with Caucasian families.

Children coming from African countries have a significant likelihood of being HIV positive.  Love Basket and Alliance have all children tested for HIV, but cannot "guarantee" the results of testing as always being accurate or reliable.

What can we specify about our prospective adoptive child?
You can tell us the age range and sex of the child you wish to adopt.  You can tell us whether or not you would accept a sibling group.  You can also specify special needs you will accept (if any).  Keep in mind that the broader the age range you will accept, or if you are comfortable adopting either a boy or girl, the quicker the referral of a child may be. 

Can we be on both the international and domestic waiting lists?
Yes, but there are non-refundable fees involved in each program.  You may switch from one list to the other during the process by letting us know in writing before a child has been referred to you.  Additional paperwork may be required. 

Post Placement Requirements
The Alliance for Children Everywhere requires that photos and updates be sent quarterly the first year and annually thereafter, until the child attains age 18.  Parents must be willing to send photos according to this schedule. 

Because adoptive parents generally see their child before the adoption is completed in Zambia, adoptive parents may not need to re-adopt the child when they return to the US; Citizenship may be automatic.

What are Love Basket’s Zambia Fees and when are they due?

Thanks for considering Love Basket, Inc. If you have any questions regarding our programs, please feel free to call our office, or you can email us at the address below. We pray God's direction for you as you seek the child(ren) He has for you.

Contact person: Laurie Bollinger LaurieB@LoveBasket.org
 

Love Basket Inc. 10306 Business 21 Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone 636.797.4100 Fax 636.789.4978 Info@LoveBasket.org

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