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Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Meet the Romeros! They are raising two beautiful kids with Down syndrome– their son is biological, and their daughter, Liv, is adopted from Ukraine. What is life like raising Liv? Read below to find out!

Liv is enjoying family time at the Lake.

We adopted our adorable 3-year-old daughter Livia from Ukraine in August 2020. Since Livia has Down syndrome, she has developmental delays and some additional medical needs that require a bit more attention. We have a fantastic therapy team that includes a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, and a feeding therapist. Livia is highly motivated and loves the attention that she gets during her therapy sessions. She is now learning to walk, drink from a straw, and total communication, including spoken words and signs/gestures. Since bringing Livia home just 12 months ago, Livia has already met many of her therapy goals and milestones, and we love to celebrate each of her achievements. In terms of medical needs, people with Down syndrome have an increased risk for specific medical conditions, so Livia regularly has health checks, including bloodwork, eye exams, and hearing checks. 

Life with Livia is terrific, and we are so happy to have her in our family. Livia loves to do all of the things that other little girls like to do, including listening to music, playing with baby dolls, swinging outside, and just hanging out with her parents and three big brothers. She is more alike than different, and her diagnosis of Down syndrome doesn’t define her. My advice to anyone considering adopting a child with Down syndrome is to go for it! These children will thrive with love and care, including developmental supports, nutrition, and medical care. Adoption is not easy and will likely include many highs and lows but in the end, giving a beautiful child with Down syndrome a second chance at having a fulfilling life is such a beautiful thing. I think your son or daughter might just be waiting for you to say YES! We cherish our daughter and show her how worthy she is each day. We are so thankful we said YES!

If you are interested in adopting a child with Down Syndrome, please email us at mail@ccaifamily.org. If you are interested in adopting a child from Ukriane, please email us at EEadoption@ccaifamily.org or click here.

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Colorado Expenses

ExpenseAmountPmt MethodPay ToDue
Application Fee$250Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIApplication submission
Child Abuse Record Search$35/FamilyCheckCO Dept of Human ServiceApplication submission
IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee$500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAI (Sent to IAAME)After App Approval
First Program Fee (Includes Home Study)$5,700Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIAfter App Approval
CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search$39.50 per personMoney OrderColorado Bureau of InvestigationAfter App Approval
USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting$775 plus $85/adultCheck/Money OrderUS Dept. of Homeland SecurityUpon I-800A submission
Dossier PreparationApprox. $450-$900Check/Money OrderSecretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s)As preparing Dossier
Second Program Fee$5,050Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIDossier Submission
CCCWA Fee$1,270Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIDossier Submission
Third Program Fee$5,500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee$300Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Court Validation Deposit$200CheckCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable)$450Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Visa to enter China$140 (plus courier fee)Check/Credit CardChinese Consulate via a courier/travel agencyApproximately one month before travel to China
US Domestic & International Airfare$1,000 – $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket)Credit CardA travel agency/airline of your choice

Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure

In China Travel & AccommodationsApprox. $4,000-$4,400 for two adultsACH WithdrawalCCAI (wired to China)Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
Adoption Registration and Notarization$800 – $1,000CashLocal government in ChinaIn China
Orphanage Donation(Voluntary)Cash or WireOrphanageIn China
Child’s Passport$100-$150CashLocal passport agencyIn China
Food$700 – $800 per coupleCash/Credit CardHotel(s), restaurant(s)In China
Child Physical & Photo$130-$150CashClinicIn Guangzhou, China
Child U.S. Entry Visa$325Cash or CheckU.S. ConsulateIn China
Court Validation Fee$167CheckCounty CourtAfter U.S. Return
Child’s Colorado Birth Certificate$37.75CheckColorado Vital Statistics OfficeAfter U.S. Return
Lutheran Family Services$250CheckLutheran Family Services via CCAIWhen Home Study is approved by CCAI