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China
Adoption Process
Frequently Asked Questions about Adopting from China
1. How long does it take to adopt from China? The time frame for the entire adoption process varies as personnel, policies or procedures may change at the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA). Other factors that may affect the time frame include the CIS approval, the home study process and the collection of all required documents. It is of the utmost importance that families in the "paperwork chase" follow the guidelines closely and be well organized, pro-active and efficient in compiling the documents. ASIA's staff maintains direct communication with CCAA to ensure that our cases are moving along smoothly in Beijing. Please check the referral updates on this website or call us for the most current information. As of April 2008, the wait from login of dossier (LID) to referral was 27 months. The wait has been lengthening and we cannot predict how it may change. Please contact the ASIA office to discuss the wait. 2. Who matches children with families? Normally, the CCAA proposes the referral of a child to an applicant family. According to the regulations on adoptions of Chinese orphans by foreigners, a family's dossier must be submitted to the CCAA for review and approval. Based on the family's qualifications and the type of child this family desires, the CCAA identifies a child for the family and sends the proposed referral to ASIA. Families are required to have the referral information reviewed by a medical professional. The family then makes a decision whether to accept the referral. In order to advocate for older children and children with significant special needs, ASIA receives information on specific "waiting children". An interested family can request to adopt a particular waiting child. Such a request to adopt is subject to the approval by the CCAA. The ASIA staff and board recognize the needs of abandoned children as well as those of potential adoptive families. For the well-being of the adopted child and the adoptive family, we work directly and closely with Chinese adoption officials to best represent the applicant family and the interest of the children. Our goal is to make every placement successful. 3. Can I request a child of a specific age group or a child with specific medical conditions? Yes, you can within the CCAA guidelines (see "Basic Requirements"). We encourage you to discuss with your home study preparer the type of child you think might best fit into your family. Have your social worker specify in your home study the age range and health conditions you can accept. ASIA will work closely with the CCAA to accommodate such requests. Such requests will be granted by the CCAA based on the applicants' qualifications and the availability of children. 4. Can I adopt two or more children at the same time? Can I adopt twins or siblings? According to the CCAA, a family can only adopt one child at a time with the exception of the adoption of twins or siblings living in the same welfare institute. When twins and siblings are available, priority will be given to childless couples with higher income. If you wish to adopt twins or siblings, you should have your social worker indicate this desire in your home study. You should also request the CIS approval for adopting multiple children in your I-800A petition. You must, however, be prepared to accept one child in case your request for multiple children is not granted by the CCAA. A family who has already adopted a child and wishes to adopt another child from China may submit the dossier again one year after the first adoption is completed. 5. What kind of information on the child will I get before going to China? You will usually receive a photo and a physical report on the child including weight, height, head circumference, chest circumference, chest X-ray, hepatitis B status, indication of any special needs and, sometimes, some developmental or social information. Because most children were abandoned, there is little information available on their family background or medical history. We will share with families all the information that is available to us. However, all children living in institutions may demonstrate some level of developmental delays and may be referred with undiagnosed medical problems. We honestly and realistically ask all families who are considering international adoption to be accepting of and prepared for the risks. 6. Does your agency place children from a particular area of China? We have extensive experience working with the Chinese central government and with many orphanages in China. A family can request that the referral come from a certain area of China. However, there is no guarantee that the child will be placed from the requested area. The referrals of all children are granted by the CCAA. 7. My husband and I already have three children. Can we still adopt from China? Yes, you can. However, the CCAA gives priority to applicants who are childless or who have only one or two children. The CCAA only accepts families who already have five or more minors living in the home for special needs adoptions. Applicants who already have children in the home must be able to demonstrate their financial ability (see "Basic Requirements") and have proper child care arrangements. 8. Who will assist me while I am in China? You will be fully escorted in China by our local bilingual staff or representatives. In many cases when families travel in groups, an ASIA staff person will also be in China to assist them. To ensure that the trip will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible, ASIA will arrange accommodations and transportation in China and make all necessary appointments with various Chinese adoption offices. Families will be met upon arrival in the adoption city in China and will be escorted through every step of the legal process. 9. Do you accept applications from families outside the state of Oregon? If yes, how does that work? We accept applications from families in all states. The process is simple. What you will need to do in your home state is simply to file the CIS petition with the CIS office that has jurisdiction over your area of residence, complete an adoptive home study with the Cooperating Agency, -- a local agency licensed in your state and approved by ASIA and collect the required documents. We will give you detailed instructions for these steps and coordinate the entire adoption process for you. We will work with you primarily by phone, fax, surface mail, express mail and/or electronic mail. Our office is located in Portland, Oregon. If you happen to be in town, we would love to have you visit us.
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