Posted in Adoption Resources - Country Resources
Background
China is a country whose culture dates back to the earliest records known to man. At first glance, some of China’s beliefs may seem quite different than those we hold in the Western world. One example is the cultural preference for a male child. There are several reasons why Chinese families might prefer a boy instead of a girl. In rural provinces a family’s livelihood directly depends on the output of its family members. Thus a family with sons would have a considerable advantage over one with daughters. Historically it is the son’s honored responsibility to take care of his parents in their old age. A daughter, however, would be expected to care for her husband’s parents rather than her own. In this regard, the Chinese believe that having a son is crucial to their livelihood, as well as a form of social security for the parents when they grow older. In recent years, China has done much to change these belief systems, though many families, especially in rural areas, still strongly favor the birth of a male child. This situation is further complicated by China’s one-child policy, which penalizes families for having more than one child. As a result of this policy, there are thousands of abandoned children throughout China, the vast majority of which are healthy infant girls
Eligibility Requirements
Parents’ Ages: Both spouses must be between 30- and 50-years-old to adopt a healthy child. (Cannot have turned 50 by time of dossier submission.) Both spouses must be between 30- and 55-years-old to adopt a waiting child. (Permitted to have turned 55 by the time of dossier submission.)
Marriage Status: Only married couples are allowed to adopt, and must have been married for at least 2 years.
Children in Family: No more than 4 children living in the home for a healthy adoption. Five or more children are permitted for a Waiting Child adoption.
Income: Joint income must be at least $10,000 per member of the household, including your adopted child. The household’s net worth must be at least $80,000.
Medical History: No current mental health diagnoses or treatment permitted. Body Mass Index must be under 40.
Education: Both spouses must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Processing Time
Application through dossier submission will take approximately 4-7 months. The wait time for a referral varies, with some estimates around 36 months, additionally there is typically a 1-3 month wait from the time a referral is accepted to the time of travel.
Age of Children Available
Healthy Program: Girls age 6 months - 3 years; sometimes boys. Waiting Children Program: Boys/Girls 6 months -14 years.
Travel Requirements
At least one parent must travel. Average stay is 12-15 days.
Post-Adoption Paperwork
Three post-adoption visits and reports are required after the child is placed in your home. Reports are due at the following times: arrival, 6 months, and the final report is due at one year.
Agencies
† Information gathered from various agencies and other online sources with special thanks to AWAA.org.
