Adopt a Chinese Baby – Information and Resources
For those couples seeking to adopt a baby, it can be a difficult and frustrating experience. There are so many babies in the world who need a loving family but it is sometimes difficult to put them together. Here is some information regarding how to adopt a Chinese baby which may be of benefit.
The first step in the process should be to find a good adoption agency which specializes in adoptions from China. The China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) is the governmental agency in charge of adoptions in China. They only accept applications which are submitted through registered adoption agencies.
You can visit the CCAA website where you will find a current list of agencies which are authorized. There is broad variation in the quality of services provided as well as the costs so do your homework to find the best ones for you to work with.
You should then complete a home study. This is a review of your home and living situation which is made by a licensed social worker employed by the registered Chinese adoption agency. This home study requires four face to face visits by the social worker.
One visit is normally at your home and the others can also be in your home or in the social worker’s office. If the study concludes that your home is not stable or suitable, you will not be allowed to adopt through this agency.
The next step is to prepare your application dossier. This full application dossier requires many items including a cover letter, certified copies of health documents, a criminal background check, tax documents or a letter from your CPA attesting to your income, along with pictures of you, your family and home. All of these documents must be notarized, certified by your Secretary of State and then authenticated by the Chinese Consulate.
It will take some time to prepare all these documents so you should start the process as soon as possible. Plan on about a six month timeframe for completion.
Then it is time to complete your adoption application paperwork as required by the adoption agency you are working with. The application will include your preference of the child for adoption including sex, age, and overall health status. Once this is all completed, the dossier will get submitted to the CCAA by your agency.
You also need to submit an I-800 A form which is the application for determination of suitability to adopt a child from a convention country. This form should be submitted to the USCIS in Chicago in order to receive preliminary approval to bring your child into the US. This process can also take some time so file early.
Once all the paperwork has been properly filed and your suitability is established, it may take months or even years for a child to come up which meets your preferences and needs. Stay patient and eventually (sometimes sooner rather than later) you will receive the joyous news that a wonderful child has been found who needs your loving home and care. At that point make your travel plans and begin your new lives together as parent and child.