Friday, July 04, 2008

[un]Lucky number seven

I spoke with the China officer at the Dept today to find out the current status of our file and to see whether there were five files ready to be batched and sent to China yet. She advised that they had now decided to put seven files in this batch. Four are ready to go (including us) and another three still have to compile their dossier. While I love the fact that our child would have six other batch-buddies, I would also be happy with three or four.

I politely mentioned that we had been ready and waiting for months, and that every week longer at this end potentially adds months at the other end. She understands why we would be concerned and frustrated - although I'm not sure how much because from every conversation I've had with people in the Dept, I don't believe anyone there monitors the monthly China allocations closely and knows the stats, history, trends or realities. At least they have removed the '17 months wait from China' information from their website.

I asked how long we would wait for these last three files, and was it possible to draw a line in the sand somewhere and if they aren't ready by that date they could wait for the next batch. Apparently this is beyond her control and would need to be decided higher up.

I can feel a letter coming on.

7 comments:

D said...

I'm sure you were about to blow a gasket! I am so sorry about all this!

Anonymous said...

Don't they know they are playing with peoples lives here? Not to mention your little one waiting to be matched with you ........

Sandie Elsom said...

Oh Emma. What can I say. That sucks beyond suckfulness. Get going on the letter.

Amanda and Andrew said...

Seems crazy that they can't have one batch of 4 and then create another one for the other 3 couples who are behind you.

I would be writing a letter if I were you. As the staff in the Department probably don't have the time to research the impact of a delay in sending dossiers as much as we are able to, maybe they need a bit of background info in the letter - that chinaadopt referral forecast would may be be a good one?

I really feel for you and hope the Department can understand the need to split the batch/ make 2 batches.

All the best.
Amanda.

Anonymous said...

OMG does the frustration never end. You do begin to wonder what these people know about the country programs they are supposed to be running. Write that letter at the very least it will be noted but hopefully it will get you batched and sent!!

Kristen said...

Emma-
I am so very frustrated for you! I can't imagine waiting so long to simply send in your dossier knowing that every day the wait lengthens. Hopefully the other three families get their documents put together quickly. I feel for you! ~Kristen

Anonymous said...

Please do write a letter. There's no benefit to sending them in together or in two batches. So sorry. - sandra