Below are some of the most common questions asked about the Uganda program and the answers to each. Please feel free to contact a Lifeline representative at 205.967.0811 with any further questions you may have.
Why Adopt from Uganda?
There are hundreds of thousands of orphans and abandoned children in Uganda, and thousands are available for adoption. Uganda allows for the adoption of healthy children up to 14 years of age, as well as children with special needs, if this is the adoptive parents’ desire. The shorter time frame, cost, and health of the child are all good reasons to consider this program.
We live in another state. How does this impact our application with Lifeline?
Although Lifeline is based in the State of Alabama, this should not impact the application of a family living outside of Alabama. Lifeline will assist the out-of-state family with selecting an approved home study resource, and assist the other agency with completing an adoptive home study that will meet the standards established by the Uganda Ministy of Gender and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Every effort is made to provide easy access to the Lifeline staff through email, correspondence, and the telephone for those families who live outside of Alabama. Many, many adoptive families have said that they have found the Lifeline program to be one of the most accessible, “user-friendly” programs they have encountered.
We understand Lifeline is a Christian ministry. How does this impact the application process?
It is true that Lifeline Children’s Services was founded to assist Christian families with adoption. As a non-denominational ministry, we have worked with families of many different Christian denominations. Avoiding denominational issues, we accept applications from prospective adoptive applicants who express a faith in Christ, a lifestyle that demonstrates this commitment, and a desire to raise the child in a Christian home. For those families with concern over our spiritual requirements, we can provide referral within our established network. If you have any questions over this issue, you are encouraged to make contact with our Lifeline staff who is always happy to discuss this and answer any questions you may have.
Explain the age requirements.
Uganda requires that adoptive applicants must be at least 21 years of age. Adoptive parents must be 21 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
I am single. Will you accept my application?
Singles are not prohibited from adopting from Uganda, but Uganda has established policies that favor married couples. Lifeline can accept single applications but only for same sex children ages 5 years and older.
How long does the process take?
The time that it takes to adopt a child from Uganda has varied as the number of families adopting from Uganda has increased steadily in recent years. In the recent past, it has taken anywhere from 9-12 months to complete all the paperwork and travel to Uganda to adopt.
Why does it cost so much to adopt?
International adoption can be expensive. There are many expenses that are fixed with every international adoption, such as travel and fees paid in Uganda. However, Lifeline Children’s Services and its network of professionals have committed to offering the lowest cost possible without sacrificing the quality of our program.
We have made every effort to provide a realistic cost sheet of anticipated adoption expenses. We would be happy to answer any of your questions regarding fees, and are confident that if you compare fees among agencies, you will discover that Lifeline truly has made an effort to provide low cost international adoption alternatives to our families. When comparing costs, please note that many agencies do not include travel and in-Uganda fees as part of the total costs incurred to complete a Ugandan adoption.
Will I have to travel to Uganda?
Yes, you will have to travel to Uganda to adopt. However, you will only have to make one trip that will typically be 4-6 weeks long. Both parent must travel and be present in court, however it is possible for one parent to leave early if necessary.
We have other children. Is this a problem with adopting a baby from Uganda?
There are no restrictions concerning children in the family or an applicants’ ability to have future children.
We are open to adopting an older or special needs child. Is this possible?
Adopting an older or medical special needs child from Uganda is very possible – and encouraged. Lifeline is as committed to helping families adopt older and special needs children as we are helping families adopting healthy babies. Children can be adopted as old as 14.
What is a Home Study?
A home study is a series of interviews in which a social worker concentrates on collecting information via face-to-face contact with a couple. The home study process typically consists of four interviews.
