Questions about Adopting a Child.

[snypaz]

A little history. Basically, I'm in a relationship with someone who has PCOS. Very advanced to the point where in her case she's been trying for about 13 years and no success. Several different partners but it still wasn't able to happen. I've been with her for four years, Engaged now. We've been trying for the past 4 years and again to no avail. It's frustrating to a point because we both have friends with babies and it's depressing we want that and it can't happen. So we've gone through the various options. Had myself tested for low sperm count. I'm fine. Barbados Fertility Clinic (after much attempts) couldn't help whatsoever. Have tried everything herbal, spiritual... NOTHING WORKS.

So obviously the next couple options are, Either find a Surrogate, Adopt or Steal the cutest baby i could find. Ok... That was me kidding around though I've thought about it. How hard is it to adopt in this country? I know you have to be married (something about providing a stable home for the kid). This is understandable. We both have good jobs and I recently bought a home. So I'm guessing that part is taken care of. Has anyone had any kind of experience with this? Where do I start? Does it make sense? Should i hop on a pirouge and go in search of a surrogate instead?

[Morpheus]

I have no answers or even know where to start.

I'm just responding to say all the best and I hope things work out for you both.

Keep the faith...

[kevin5211]

Hey man, admire you wanting to adopt. Think you should visit any childrens home. They might be able to guide you

[sbocus]

Adopting a Child

Adoption is the permanent legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the natural birth parents to another adult known as the adopter. Adults over the age of 25 who meet specific criteria may be eligible to adopt a child.

The Adoption Board of the Ministry of the People and Social Development follows a stringent evaluation process to ensure that children are placed with adoptive parents who meet the Board's criteria. Prospective adoptive parents are investigated and evaluated before they are approved as suitable candidates for adoption to ensure that children will be safe, loved and nurtured. The identities of both the birth parents and the adopters remain confidential. However, when the child reaches the age of 18, the court may be approached to release any information that is available.
Am I eligible to adopt a child?
How do I apply to adopt a child?
What fees do I need to pay to adopt a child?
How long does the process take?
Where can I find more information?
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Am I eligible to adopt a child?
The following criteria must be met by persons applying to adopt a child:
Applicants must be 25 years old, and at least 21 years older than the child to be adopted.
In a case where the sole applicant is a male, the court must be satisfied that there are special circumstances to justify the application. Single adults are eligible to adopt.
All applicants must be resident and living in Trinidad and Tobago. New legislation is expected in the future to facilitate applications from persons residing overseas.
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How do I apply to adopt a child?
There are two ways to adopt a child through the Adoption Board:
You can make a request to the Board for a child to be placed in your care.
If you have a child or children already in your care, you can approach the Board to formalize the agreement.

The following steps must be followed to adopt a child:
Visit the nearest office of the Adoption Board for an informal interview with an adoption officer.
Complete the application form provided by the interviewing officer (if the applicant is a suitable candidate) and submit the following documents with the application form:
A valid form of national picture identification (passport, driver's permit, ID card).
Medical reports from a doctor who is registered with the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
Certificate of Character from the Criminal Records Office of the Police Service (information on how to obtain this document can be found by following the link below).
Any other documents the Board may request at the time of the initial interview.
Indicate the description of the child to be adopted (for persons requesting a placement).
Attend a private court hearing at the request of the court.

An Adoption Order is prepared when the adoption is finalised that permanently transfers the parental rights and responsibilities from the natural parents to the adoptive parents. An Adoption Certificate is issued that replaces the birth certificate.

Obtaining a Police Certificate of Character
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What fees do I need to pay to adopt a child?
The services of the Adoption Board are provided free of charge, however, applicants are responsible for the cost of their own medical examinations and preparation of other documents, such as the Certificate of Character.
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How long does the process take?
There is no fixed time period within which an adoption can be finalised. As a general guide, adoption applications usually take nine months or more to complete.
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Where can I find more information?
For more information about adoption, please call or visit the Adoption Board between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Adoption Board of Trinidad and Tobago
ABMA Building
55-57 St. Vincent Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 627-4447

Adoption Board of Trinidad and Tobago
82 Independence Ave
San Fernando
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 657-5866

Social Welfare Office
TAM Building
Glen Road
Scarborough
Tobago, West Indies
Tel. (868) 639-2673

http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/porta ... ng+a+Child

[snypaz]

Hmmm. Sounds easy from what was stated. But this is Trinidad and I'm sure the process is alot more complicated than that. But thank you so much. I'd start putting things in place to make an application and update as time goes along.

[sbocus]

Ok, Cool bro.....hope everything works out.....Children are Truly A Blessing.

[DFC]

Hope you get through.

Interested in this also.

[hong kong phooey]

There is a children home in Gasparilo, it might be worth your while to go in and talk to them. they would know first hand.

also look at these sites
http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/porta ... ng+a+Child



Adoption Board of Trinidad and Tobago
ABMA Building
55-57 St. Vincent Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 627-4447

Adoption Board of Trinidad and Tobago
82 Independence Ave
San Fernando
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 657-5866

Social Welfare Office
TAM Building
Glen Road
Scarborough
Tobago, West Indies
Tel. (868) 639-2673

[hong kong phooey]

also the laws
http://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/al ... /46.03.pdf

[sharkman121]

Great info in this thread, all the best man snypaz.

[ruffneck_12]

Hope you all the best bro

[kurpal_v2]

Ill sell you my little brother



He could read but he ain't making it past Cxc

[Sanctifier]

How hard is it to adopt in this country? Has anyone had any kind of experience with this? Where do I start? Does it make sense?

Adoption is not a frequent choice in T&T but it does occur more often than you think.

experience... Yup, my wife and I adopted two (foreign) children (siblings) 3.5 years ago.

Does it make sense?... Yup. That was one of the best decisions that I ever made in my life.

There can be problems sometimes... but we were VERY lucky. Our 2nd son and 2nd daughter are absolutely fantastic children. (Yup, 4 in all: b=30, g=28, b=7, & g=4.)

Sometimes there are issues with a 'local' adoption especially if the 'birth' mother/parents are living in T&T... (and sometimes with the local Adoption Board) which is why I would recommend adopting a "foreign" child as a first choice... Shorter waiting period... 18 months average. The "wait" for a local adoption can be as long as SEVEN years.

Your biggest issue is whether T&T has finally adopted the Hague Convention. If it has finally happened, that will made it very much easier for you to adopt a "foreign" child.

You can make a request to the Board for a child to be placed in your care.

I don't recommend "fostering" a child under any circumstances. The heartache you both will feel if/when the child is taken from you is a nightmare that you will live with forever.

BTW try to adopt a baby or toddler if possible. STAY AWAY FROM OLDER CHILDREN (3-3.5 yrs old maximum) unless you want never ending headaches.

Call me (Wade) at 684-4552 for more details.

[pluggie]

Good luck man , I am also thinking of adopting a baby ... Got my own kid but its just the thought of changing someone's life that is so amazing , plus the fact that I can do with a son.

One advice I can give to ya is to consider adopting a new born as it would make the experience of parenting even more exciting for you and your wife not to mention it will create a different bond with you and your child as you see him/her grow from a baby

[Damien]

All the best to you man !

[snypaz]

I was considering a new born/toddler. Wasn't going to try for something older. And I'd look into adopting a foreign baby. Didn't even know about that option til this thread. Thank You SO Much. means alot.

[pluggie]

I was considering a new born/toddler. Wasn't going to try for something older. And I'd look into adopting a foreign baby. Didn't even know about that option til this thread. Thank You SO Much. means alot.

Well if you want to adopt a baby from South Africa, I'd be more than willing to help wherever possible... Do a little research online and feel free to hit me a message if you need me do some background check or anything for that matter... South Africa is a very multi racial country so you can probably have a good choice from each race even douglas (mixed race / coloureds) is actually a race by itself here so you can also choose from some very beautiful mixed race kids...

[dougla_boy]

i wish u the best meng.........

children are the best...........

Ill sell you my little brother



He could read but he ain't making it past Cxc

lol

[DVSTT]

Ill sell you my little brother



He could read but he ain't making it past Cxc

[pioneer]

While everyone is wishing you the best and patting you on the back...let me show the flipside

-this child would have NONE of YOUR genetics, or your wife's
-that is ah next man child
-you don't know what the child tendencies would naturally be
-you don't know if the parents were criminals
-you don't know if the parents had AIDS and other diseases
-may go in search of real parents and abandon you
-may abandon you anyway
-may go in search of real relatives; cousins, aunts, uncles etc
-may hate you for lying to them all their life
-family photos will always look odd
-child may not have any respect for you as "you is not my fadda"
-child "cousins" would always coas on dem for not being "real family"
-society would label you as firing blanks
-your friends and family will LOL behind your back

Just some things to think about, once you can deal with all that you may be fine.

[snypaz]

While everyone is wishing you the best and patting you on the back...let me show the flipside

-this child would have NONE of YOUR genetics, or your wife's
-that is ah next man child
-you don't know what the child tendencies would naturally be
-you don't know if the parents were criminals
-you don't know if the parents had AIDS and other diseases
-may go in search of real parents and abandon you
-may abandon you anyway
-may go in search of real relatives; cousins, aunts, uncles etc
-may hate you for lying to them all their life
-family photos will always look odd
-child may not have any respect for you as "you is not my fadda"
-child "cousins" would always coas on dem for not being "real family"
-society would label you as firing blanks
-your friends and family will LOL behind your back

Just some things to think about, once you can deal with all that you may be fine.

Have considered it all. And I'm still willing to go through with it. Thanks for the words though. I really appreciate the fact that you're being Pioneer about this. In trying to do this, I had to consider it all. And in case anyone had ideas of adopting, They should note those facts as well.

[AllTrac]

wish u all the best bro

[pioneer]

Have you considered "keeping it in the family"?

Perhaps she has a sister or cousin who will be willing to be a surrogate mother for both of you.

The method of insemination is up to you.

[snypaz]

Have you considered "keeping it in the family"?

Perhaps she has a sister or cousin who will be willing to be a surrogate mother for both of you.

The method of insemination is up to you.

We considered the surrogate thing. But I don't think they're laws in place for it Locally. Contemplated jumping on a plane to Venezuiela in search of one, But maybe as a last resort I will.

[eurogirl]

Has your gf considered lazer surgery to burn out the pearls ? my sis did it , she had severe PCOS and she gets a regular period now (I think) and you have 5 yrs till PCOS comes back to its original state ,also consider taking Vitex its a natural supplement tht helps regularize de hormones .

[snypaz]

It's to the point that if she does has a cycle, it comes twice per year and probably 2-3months at a time. We've explored everything medical to be honest. It just can't happen for various reasons. Hence... Adoption. For those that don't know, Barbados Fertility Clinic is GREAT concerning these things. They are specialists in the field in the Region. But as explained after much work with them, Sometimes it just cannot be done.

[zoelikescheese]

why are there so many women in trinidad and tobago with polycystic ovaries?

[BlueGalant HD]

Good luck man , I am also thinking of adopting a baby ... Got my own kid but its just the thought of changing someone's life that is so amazing , plus the fact that I can do with a son.

One advice I can give to ya is to consider adopting a new born as it would make the experience of parenting even more exciting for you and your wife not to mention it will create a different bond with you and your child as you see him/her grow from a baby

Good point.

But I went ahead & do it already & he's actually the love of my life now...

The problem is the courts that's the crazy place, they complicate the situation a great deal from magistrate to JP........

[eurogirl]

It's to the point that if she does has a cycle, it comes twice per year and probably 2-3months at a time. We've explored everything medical to be honest. It just can't happen for various reasons. Hence... Adoption. For those that don't know, Barbados Fertility Clinic is GREAT concerning these things. They are specialists in the field in the Region. But as explained after much work with them, Sometimes it just cannot be done.

boy I know how fustrating it can be ..

good luck !!

[MonsterPower]

been hearing that talk alot lately ..

and kurpal i tried to sell my lil bro a few times before.... nobody wanted a big headed baby who could sing guyana baboo..