An Overview of International Adoption From China

A Review of China’s Adoption Guidelines and Process

Jul 2, 2009

The article provides an overview of the China international adoption process, a program with well-defined procedures and strict guidelines for applicants.

China has long been the country many potential adoptive parents or PAPs think of when first exploring international adoption. In the past, China has been known for a smooth, reliable adoption process, although that has begun to change in the last two to three years.

In the early to mid-2000s, adoptions from China to U.S. citizens numbered 7,000-8,000 children per year. In 2008, that number fell to 3,909 according to the U.S. Department of State. This reduction is due to a slowdown in the number of referrals made by the Chinese government. The reason for the slowdown is heavily debated, but the fact is, a process that used to result in the referral of a child within six to eight months of paperwork completion is now seeing PAPs waiting more than three years for referral after paperwork has been logged in. That wait is expected to grow.

China's Children

The children adopted from China are generally healthy, and are typically 6 months to 24 months of age at referral. However, in recent months, there have been referrals of children as old as 4 or 5. Girls are more prevalent, but the past few years have seen an increase in the number of boys referred. Adoptive parents can make requests as to sex and age of child, but those requests are not always honored. The Chinese pride themselves on matching the "right" child to the "right" family, which sometimes results in a surprise on referral day.

Guidelines for Parents Adopting From China

Potential adoptive parents must be between the ages of 30 and 49 to enter the China adoption program, but a special needs program allows PAPs up to age 54. No more than two divorces are allowed, and there should be no more than four children in the home. PAPs must be married for at least two years (single applicants are no longer accepted). There are strict health guidelines, income requirements, and restrictions based on past criminal offenses, so consult with an adoption agency to review the qualifications.

The China Adoption Process

Paperwork is completed and submitted to the Chinese government as part of the international adoption process. Paperwork is then reviewed and PAPs are issued a Log In Date (LID). As of the summer of 2009, PAPs are waiting more than three years from LID to referral. Typically within 6-8 weeks after referral, travel clearance will be granted. Travel to China is required, with the trip lasting approximately 2 weeks. Adoptive parents usually travel in a group, with a guide provided by the adoption agency.