Adoption from China

• The age of the child a family may adopt is based on the parent's age. Couples between 30-45 years of age may request a child 8-15 months or older.

• Couples between 45-50 years may request a child 8-15 months but will most likely be closer to 15 months.

• Couples between 50-55 years must be accepting of a child 3 years and older.

• Single women 30-45 years of age may request a child 8-15 months or older.

• Single women 45-50 years of age may request a child 3 years and older.

• Single women adopting from China must be in relatively good health. A minor health problem that is controlled through medication and would not shorten ones lifespan is acceptable.

• For couples, one of the parents must be in relatively good health if the other has a minor health problem that is controlled through medication and would not shorten ones lifespan.

• Children available from China are mostly girls from 8 months to 5 years of age.

• Infrequently, there are some boys available but the wait is unpredictible.

• Special needs children are available and the wait time is usually shorter.

• Dossiers are sent to China, translated and submitted to the China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) for approval and a referral.

• Referrals are currently taking approximately 10 - 12 months after the Dossier is submitted to CCAA.

• Families are being invited to travel 6 - 8 weeks after referral is accepted.

• Only one trip is required and at least one parent must travel. Length of the trip is approximately 10 - 14 days.

• Families usually travel in a group with other adopting families.