A Road Block....

Everything has been going smooth....until today. Yesterday, I emailed the person the agency suggested for our home study. He lives here in Germany and apparently, they have worked together in the past, so he knows what their specific requirements are. I was asking how long the process took, how much he charged, and what documents should I start digging up to make the process easier and smoother (and quicker!). He replied with this:

I would be more than happy to assist you in getting your home study done, there are a couple of issues that have to be addressed before we can move forward. First, and foremost is that you (and Agency) are going to have to work with the German Central Authority (CA) to get permission from them for me to do your home study. This would be the case with anyone outside of the German system that would do the home study. I have yet to hear of anyone receiving this from the German CA. This is not to be pessimistic but rather the reality up to now. I have received permission from other Hague Countries (Italy,Armenia, Moldova, Ireland, etc.) to do a home study for a US citizen residing in that country. Since Country is a Hague Country and Germany is a Hague country then the rule is that the home study provider has to have permission from the host country to do a home study.

This is the reason no other agency would even try to help us. The Hague trifecta!! I still don't understand how this is so difficult. I would think it would be easier! Germany should just say "Hague adopting from Hague, so it's going to meet our standards. Ok, proceed!" But, Germany is just so strict and so complicated! I cannot explain how frustrating this is! I will spare you the political rant going through my head, but man is this discouraging! I forwarded the email to the agency in the hopes that they will know how to get around this problem, or at least can convince the German government to let us proceed with the adoption. Heck, I would even use a German to do the home study if I could find one! The Germans supposedly adopt too, but it's about impossible to find any help online about it! Just a few articles, but no agencies or anyone to actually help facilitate the process! So, here's to hoping the Agency can find a solution for us. Will keep you posted.....

-V