The Referral Process

When a referral arrives, it comes directly from China to Bethany's main office in Grand Rapids, Mich. News of its arrival is forwarded via email to the local branch office in Waukesha. The following information is included:

• The child's Chinese name
• Date of Birth
• Province

The waiting family is then notified, usually the same day, with the exciting news! The Grand Rapids office meanwhile overnights the actual referral documentation, including photos, to Waukesha to receive the following day. When our social worker gives us "the call," we will travel to the Waukesha office the following day.

The China referrals usually consists of:

• 1-3 photos; these photos may be current or within a few months
• Translation of our child's Chinese name
• Our child's alleged abandonment site and story (if available)
• Height/Weight and Approximated date of birth
• Any and all medical information and social history since the child came under the orphanage's care (including eating/sleeping schedules, personality, etc.)

Some referrals contain less, some contain more information. Usually within a few weeks prior to travel, we receive updated measurement of our child.

Within two weeks of our referral, we will attend a travel meeting. During this travel meeting, we, along with other WI families in our referral/travel group, will meet at the Waukesha office and complete visa applications. immigration and adoption paperwork that we will carry to China, go over packing lists, travel tips, etc., and review the post-adoption/post placement process.
Typically, within 2-4 weeks of this travel meeting, we will receive our travel dates.