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The Romero Siblings need an adoptive family!

We are looking for a home study ready family who can move fast on adopting these precious siblings. To learn more or inquire, please email Kimberly Elstun at colombia@ccaifamily.org.

Evie, 10 years

Evie is becoming increasingly independent and enjoys forming social relationships, especially with her school friends. Her problem-solving and decision-making skills are improving, and while she still benefits from guidance, she shows growing confidence. At school, Evie is responsible with her homework, though she can occasionally get distracted. Her strong cognitive abilities include logical thinking and comprehension in reading and writing, with academic success depending on her motivation and support.

Evie has a rich vocabulary and expresses herself clearly, enjoying storytelling, describing experiences, and asking thoughtful questions. She communicates effectively with adults while adjusting her tone with peers, showing curiosity and engagement with her surroundings.

Kind and empathetic, Evie is respectful to adults and attentive to peers and siblings. Her caring actions and natural leadership make others feel comfortable around her. She excels in reading, math, and organizational skills, adapts well to changes in routine, and makes independent decisions, although she occasionally seeks reassurance from trusted adults.

Evie is talented in the performing arts, excelling in singing and acting. She has participated in acting and singing programs and frequently shines as the star in plays.

Dan, 7 years

Dan, Evie’s younger brother by three years, is a curious and active child who learns at his own pace. His speech and language skills have improved significantly, enabling him to pronounce words clearly and communicate better. He can describe activities he enjoys and is gradually engaging more with peers and caregivers.

Dan counts to 20, understands basic math concepts, and is learning to write his name. He knows concepts like day and night, demonstrates good balance, and enjoys physical activities such as running, jumping, and soccer. He has strong soccer skills, loves capoeira, and enjoys creating origami and drawings with attention to detail.

Dan is becoming more independent, dressing himself with minimal help, and is learning self-regulation strategies to manage frustration. His academic performance has improved this year, and he shows an eagerness to learn. With the support of speech therapy, he has become more confident in expressing his thoughts.

Empathetic and friendly, Dan enjoys interacting with others, resolving simple conflicts, and seeking affection from caregivers. Outdoor play, especially soccer and skateboarding, brings him happiness, while indoors, he enjoys playing with cars, car tracks, and coloring.

Sally, 4 years

Sally, three years younger than Dan, is a bright and imaginative little girl thriving in kindergarten. She enjoys playing with peers, practicing sharing, and forming connections. Her expanding vocabulary allows her to tell stories, ask questions, and grasp basic concepts. She loves engaging in creative and symbolic play, as well as activities like coloring and storytelling.

While Sally is progressing well, she has a speech and language condition and some behavior challenges that require ongoing therapy. She benefits from support to express herself more clearly and manage frustration effectively.

Sally is independent in many routines, such as toileting and handwashing, and is eager to explore new things. Her kindness and empathy make her a caring presence among friends, and she builds positive relationships with peers and caregivers. Sally loves outdoor play and thrives when surrounded by supportive figures who encourage her confidence and curiosity.

Ernie, 2 years

Ernie, the youngest sibling and two years younger than Sally, is a sweet toddler making steady progress despite developmental delays. His fine motor skills include throwing and catching balls, stringing beads, building cube towers, and turning book pages. He follows two- and three-step instructions and enjoys simple pretend play, like feeding a toy or using a pretend phone. His gross motor development is improving with physiotherapy, and he is learning to crawl and sit with greater control.

In terms of language, Ernie makes consistent eye contact, responds to his name, and uses gestures to communicate. He imitates simple words, sounds, and animal noises, though his expressive language remains limited. Speech therapy focuses on helping him interact with his environment and express his needs more effectively.

Ernie enjoys visual and auditory stimuli, especially music, and is curious about objects. He understands simple commands, recognizes his name, and uses self-soothing behaviors, like head-turning, to manage overstimulation.

Ernie is cooperative in routines but may become irritable during tasks like diaper changes. He eats well but feels anxious if not fed first in group settings. With continued therapy and support, Ernie is making strides in his motor, language, and emotional development.

These precious siblings need a patient, loving home with a mom and dad who will nurture their growth and provide the care they deserve. Could you be the family their hearts are longing for? Reach out to our Colombia team to learn more!

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GiGi Pleet

Adoption Program Specialist

GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family.  GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives.  GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAI’s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.
 
Joined CCAI:  Originally 2014 – 2020, rejoined 2022
 
Bucket List Item:  To see all Seven Wonders of the World 

Contact Information

gigi@ccaifamily.org

(303) 850-9998 ext. 300

Emily Straut

The Park Administrative Assistant

Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002!  Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”

Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family. 

Bucket List: Visit every province in China!

Contact Information

emily@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 170

CO Team Line 4

Ivy Buchanan

The Park Adoptee Program Coordinator

Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.

Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI. 

In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.

Joined CCAI: 2023

Top Bucket List Items:

  • A trail ride through “Middle Earth” in New Zealand
  • Volunteering for a few weeks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Sleeping in a hammock on a beach

Contact Information

ivy@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 205

CO Team Line 1

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