Support group helps expat families through adoption process

DUBAI // A UAE support group has helped hundreds of expatriate families fulfil their dreams of adopting.

Adoption Support Group is an informal network of volunteers that was set up by adopting families in 2006 to support others.

The group, which has nearly 1,200 members, provides advice on technical aspects such as what documents and certifications are needed and how and where to compile them.

Moderated by parents, the group is similar to a forum, with people asking questions and providing answers about adoption. Meetings are held in Dubai each month and occasionally in Abu Dhabi.

Gerlinde Krupp, who adopted daughters in 2009 and 2012 from Ethiopia, said: “When my husband and I first adopted there was nothing much in place.

“We discovered how to do it and once the adoption was done I took leadership on the adoption support group.

“I made a manual on how to adopt and where to get the stamps. We had a lot of couples coming through the meetings in those three years.

“But not all of them have followed through, mainly due to the paperwork involved. There are no agencies or lawyers that will assist – it is mainly your own responsibility to collect all the right documentation.”

Those who wish to join the forum on Yahoo must send a request with their name, nationality and details about where they heard about the group.