China - Process

Overview

There are many beautiful children in need of adoptive families in China. AAI has been working in China since 1992 and there have been many changes in the process and implementation of the rules during that time. We expect the rules will continue to change and we will update you regarding the current adoption situation while you are waiting. Our coordinator in China is an attorney who keeps us updated regarding the program status. He has worked in international adoption for many years and knows the officials involved in the process.

Available Children

Healthy and special needs children from infant to 14 years are available for adoption. Both boys and girls are available. Infant girls are still available; however, the current wait time is a few years for referral. We are in great need for families willing to accept special needs children, children who are older, as well as boys!! There is a LARGE list of waiting children, please contact Ky Bower, China/Thailand Adoption Coordinator at ky@adoptionadvocates.org for more information about these wonderful waiting kids!

Parent Eligibility

Couples and single woman between the ages of 30-55 years of age. Parents over the age of 50 years must be willing to consider a special needs child. The process for SN children is expedited. Minimum marriage requirement of 2 years. If previously divorced, current marriage must be 5 years. BMI must be under 40 for each adoptive parent. The average income per family member should be $10,000 or more. The family must have $80,000 of net worth. There are certain restrictions for single applicants; for more information please contact our office.

Process

You will need to obtain a current homestudy and prepare a dossier of documents which is certified and authenticated. Please note the homestudy agency you choose to complete your homestudy MUST be Hague-accredited and you must have four face-to-face visits due to the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption new requirements. We will help you complete the dossier and application for a visa for the adopted child to enter the USA. When all the documents are ready, we will check the dossier and send it to China for translation by our Chinese coordinator. It is submitted to the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption. There the dossier is reviewed and assignment of a child is made. The child referral is sent to the AAI office in Chinese. When it is translated, it is sent to the family with a photo and acceptance documents. Families are asked to sign the acceptance documents as soon as possible so they can be sent to China.

Typical Information

A photo and available medical information is provided upon referral of the child.

Travel

AAI will help make your travel arrangements in regards to consulate appointment and travel dates. Travel usually occurs 4 to 6 weeks after travel approval. Families usually travel in small groups and stay in China from 10 to 12 days. Special needs families often do not travel in groups. Our Chinese coordinator meets you upon arrival in China and travels with you throughout the process. Our families will tell you that he does everything possible to make the trip an enjoyable experience.

Post-Placement

You will be required to provide photos and six post placement reports at 1, 6, & 12 months after placement and again 2, 3 & 5 years after placement. These will be forwarded to China Center of Adoption Affairs and the child’s orphanage.