China's Adoption Criteria
An Overview of the Requirements for Adopting a Child from China
Apr 8, 2008
In China, the majority of children available for adoption are girls, eight months to three years of age. There is a need for families who are willing to take children who are older or have special needs; these children may be of either gender.
Often, the birth parents hope that their circumstances will change so that they will be able to keep their baby. Since the children are wanted, the birth mothers usually take good care of themselves during their pregnancies, and as a result, the children are typically in good health at birth, according to Chinese Children International in the article, “The Advantages of China Adoption" (2005). Perhaps this is why adopting from China has become a popular choice in the world of international adoption.
Adoptive Parent Requirements
- China requires adoptive parents to be at least 30 years old and under the age of 50. Prospective parents seeking to adopt an older child, or a special needs child, may be able to adopt up to the age of 55. China will not accept single applicants.
- A minimum two years of marriage is required. If one or both applicants were previously married, a minimum of five years of marriage is required. No more than two divorces per spouse are allowed.
- Prospective parents need to be healthy, both mentally and physically. China requires that applicants have no physical or mental handicaps, including: blindness, deafness, severe facial deformities, and physical disabilities. Further, China will not allow applicants to adopt if they have a body mass index of greater than 40, or if they are being treated, or have been treated for a mental disorder (including depression) in the last two years.
- The applicants cannot have a criminal history, although some exceptions may be made for less severe convictions.
- Prospective parents should have no history of drug or alcohol abuse, including the abuse of prescription medications.
Income Requirements
China requires that the family have a net worth of $80,000. This includes a standard $10,000 annual income per family member, including the adopted child, for a minimum income of $30,000 a year for a family of three. This income cannot include pensions, unemployment insurance, or other government funds.
Children in the Adoptive Family
The prospective family may have up to four children already in the home; the youngest child must be at least a year old. Exceptions may be made for families willing to adopt a child with special needs. Only childless couples will be considered for twins.
Additional Information
It is required that at least one parent travel to China, although it is usually recommended that both parents travel. Generally, expect to be in China for an average of 12-16 days.
The length of time from application to placement varies from agency to agency. Adoptive parents can typically expect it to take up to three years before they can bring their child home. Sometimes the process can be expedited when a couple is willing to take a child with special needs. A child that is considered “special needs” may only have a minor physical impairment that may easily be surgically corrected, so this is an option that may be worth taking into consideration.
Know What You’re Getting Into
Always research an adoption agency thoroughly before signing on the dotted line and making a huge deposit. Additionally, it may be wise to consult with an experienced adoption attorney as well.
Adopting from China is one of the more affordable options for those wishing to adopt internationally. Many adoptive parents report that adopting from China was a wonderful experience and that they would gladly do it all again.
References:
China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA)
Holt’s International Programs, Country Criteria
