Understanding Adoption Lingo

Posted by Traci at 9:53 PM

So I hate being "behind the eight ball".  If someone is talking in some super cool, James Bondish coded doublespeak I want to know what they're talking about.  Also, I am very nosy.

One night I was having dinner with a deaf friend at Wendy's.  A couple across the room was having a very animated conversation which I could not hear, thus could not share with my friend (bummer).  We debated moving so we could spy better but she thought that might look "rude".  Whatev.

In any case, when I started reading adoption blogs it was very confusing.   People being very excited because they were "TA", waiting on their "LID", etc.  It drove me crazy!  So for all you James Bond wannabees, here is adoption lingo demystified.  And for all my praying friends, this is so you can join us in praying for the next big "event".

Homestudy Finalized  Completed 3/12/12

A detailed look at each family member. Covers your entire personal history.  Topics include - but may not be limited to: medical, personal, financial, employment, best friend in 3rd grade (not kidding, word up Lauren!), gastronomical history.

I-800A Filed  Completed 3/12/12

The I-800A is an application to the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) that one be deemed worthy to adopt.

I-800A Approval  Waiting...(Estimated 5/5/12)

You are deemed worthy.

DTC

"Dossier to China"  This is the date your dossier, which is the huge pile of papers showing you are both a person and worthy, is sent to China.  The dossier includes everything in your homestudy, the I-800A application and supporting documents, and various additional documents you never thought you'd need in life.

LID

"Log in Date"  A big step.  The date your dossier is logged in or received by China's adoption authority, CCAA.  This is the first "we're not just making all this up" event.

LOA

"Letter of Acceptance"  Another huge date. The official approval from China to adopt your child.  Won't be long now.

I-800

Your child will not have a passport so the I-800 is a request for a visa so that they can enter the United States with you (kind of important).

PA

"Provisional Approval" for the I-800.  The National Visa Center (NVC) in New Hampshire will receive notice of your provisional approval.  They will then send the approval letter to the U.S. consulate in China.

Article 5

Once the U.S. consulate receives the letter from the NVC the information is reviewed.  When it's approved the consulate issues an Article 5, which basically tells China that the U.S. is ok with the adoption and that the child will be a U.S. citizen.

TA

"Travel Approval"  This is the go-ahead from China's adoption authority to travel to China to get your child.  Whoohoo!  It's all over but the flyin'.

Gotcha Day

The day you meet your new child.

 Note - this is for China adoptions of children already on agency lists or website listings such as www.Rainbowkids.com.  These children are referred to as "waiting children".  I truly know nothing about any other kind of adoptions, at least for now.