FAQs

Bulgaria FAQ

• We live in another state. How does this impact our application with Lifeline?

  Lifeline is centrally based in the state of Alabama and is also licensed in the states of Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Washington. Although Lifeline has locations in these states, this should not impact the application of a family living outside of Alabama and any of the other states listed above. 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 Bulgaria Ministry of Justice and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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 the states were Lifeline is licensed. 
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.

• How long does the process take?

  The length of the process is different for the Waiting Child process and the General Process.

  The Waiting Child process takes an average of 12 to 18 months, from home study to travel.

  The General Process takes a longer amount of time due to the referral wait time. The referral wait time is dependent on the special needs, age, and gender you are open to. The length of this process can range from 2-5 years.

• 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 and it is an assessment over a period of time usually taking three to four months.