CHINA
Who are the children?

  • The children available for adoption from China are mostly girls and are usually about eight months to five years of age at the time of placement.
  • Most children have been abandoned by their birth parents due to the one-child-per-family requirement in China, and the cultural preference for male children who will run family farms and support the parents in their senior years.
  • These children reside in orphanages or foster homes prior to their adoption.  Little background information will be available.
  • Generally, these children are quite healthy.
  • Most developmental delays that result from time in orphanage care may be corrected easily with infant stimulation or early childhood intervention programs.
Who can adopt?

  • China will allow married couples between the ages of 30-50 to adopt a child from China.
  • China will allow married couples between the ages of 30-55 to adopt a waiting child.  Lifelink is approved by CCAA to place their waiting children.
  • Minimum 2 year marriage.
  • Minimum 5 years if previously married (maximum 2 divorces).
  • Families may have up to 4 children residing in the home with the youngest child being at least 1 year of age, to adopt a child from China.
  • Adoptive parents must have no criminal histories or histories of drug usage or addictions.  Families with minor infractions or long term sobriety may be accepted on a case by case basis.
  • Adoptive parents must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 40.  Adoptive parents must be overall healthy and free of life threatening diseases or disabilities.  Some medical circumstances may be accepted on a case by case basis.
  • Adoptive families must have an annual income of at least $10,000 per family member, which includes the newly adopted child.  Adoptive families must also have a net worth greater than $80,000.
The Adoption Process:

  • Lifelink will conduct a home study of applicants and assist them in completing the necessary dossier documents that are required.
  • Licensure by the family's state may be required.
  • During the waiting period, we will provide you with adoption training and information on the Chinese culture as we believe the understanding of these issues is an important facet of the adoption experience.
  • Adoptions are finalized in China if both parents travel but re-finalization in the United States is encouraged.
  • Finalization of the child's adoption is required if only one parent travels to China.
Time:

  • Referral times can vary.
  • Currently, referrals are received 30 months (and are gradually lengthening) after the dossier is sent to China, and travel will take place approximately 6-8 weeks later.
Travel:

  • Families travel in small groups of three or four couples to Hong Kong, where they are met by our partners, International Social Service (ISS), Hong Kong branch.
  • Social workers from ISS accompany families into China, making all travel arrangements, translating and guiding you through the entire process.
  • One trip is required and usually lasts about 10 to 14 days.
  • Families can bring other children or family members with them when they travel to China.
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CHINA