Adopting from Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo or DRC)
At least one HIV positive child from DRC has found an adoptive family so far, and hopefully more will soon.
This family adopted a (HIV negative) toddler boy from DRC and their process only took 7 months. One agency mentions the timeline as 4-10 months after the homestudy is complete, at which time travel can commence.
According to Rainbow Kids children are available from infancy to early teens. Unrelated children may be adopted at the same time.
According to Rainbow Kids and Adoption.State.gov, there is no age limit for parents although one agency specifies DRC law as 25-55. Single men, single women and married couples may apply although married couples need to be married 5 years. The number of children in the home seems to vary. Apparently DRC prefers not more than 2 children currently in the home, although exceptions can be made for special needs adoptions. According to Compassionate Hearts, you can have up to 3 children in the home. A recent adoptive family says that it no longer matters how many children are living in the home, so inquire with a reputable agency for current information.
There is no medical ineligibility for adoptive parents, which may mean that HIV positive parents can adopt from the Congo. A medical report from a licensed physician is required stating that the adopting parents are in good health and mentally capable of taking care of themselves and their child(ren).
The agency Compassionate Hearts is currently processing an HIV adoption. Here is a list of attorneys for those who would rather adopt independently with a lawyer. Two other agencies which work in DRC which may or may not place HIV+ children include MLJ Adoptions and Wasatch International Adoptions.
Travel is approximately 4 weeks or longer.
More information can be found on the Congo Adopt Yahoo Group.
Positively Orphaned 