Children of the World has a long established relationship with the CCCWA (China Center for Children Welfare and Adoption.) We have a China based office in Beijing, run by Mrs. Hou Jing Dong, ("Doris"). Doris began working for the agency the first day our China Program opened, in 1996.

 
 

ADOPTING FROM CHINA

We are taking applications from prospective adoptive parents wishing to adopt a child(ren) with special needs. The special needs can vary from “minor” to “severe”. Prospective parents will have the opportunity to designate which special needs you are willing to accept.  We work closely with families as they make this decision.

APPROXIMATE COST

$35,000

AVERAGE TIME OF COMPLETION

12-18 months

YOUNGEST AGE OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE

12 months aT TIME OF referral

AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTS

30-55 YEARS

TRAVEL TIME IN COUNTRY:
14 days

NUMBER OF TRIPS REQUIRED:
1 trip

CHILDREN ALREADY IN HOME:
Youngest child in the home must be 3yrs old before a family may register. 

Single females may have only 2 children living in the home (youngest 3yrs old)

Married couples may have up to 5 children living in the home.

Families must wait one full year after an adoption is complete before registering to adopt again.

LENGTH OF MARRIAGE REQUIRED:
2 years, if no prior divorce. 5 years, if prior divorce. Single women may apply.

AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILD & PARENT:
Minimum of 25 years, maximum of 50 years.

SIBLING GROUPS AVAILABLE:
Rarely

POST REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Three visits and reports by your social worker. Three additional reports by parents.

PARENT REQUIREMENTS:
Physically, mentally, and emotionally stable.
Financially capable and motivated to adopt.
No life threatening medical conditions.

*Previous arrests or medical issues considered on a case-by-case basis.

CITIZENSHIP:                                                               At least one parent must be a US citizen (by birth or naturalization)

AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILD & PARENT:
Minimum of 25 years, maximum of 50 years.

For more specific information about adoption requirements, adoption process, and
country information, visit the US State Department website here.

Please note that the information below is subject to change without notice as changes occur in country and government regulations.

 
PREPARATION
  • Research information on adoption service providers, country, and special needs.

  • Choose an agency and complete the application process.

  • Begin mandatory adoption education.

HOME STUDY & DOSSIER

  • Identify a home study agency. Complete home study paperwork. If you live in Alabama, Children of the World will complete your home study.

  • Social worker makes home study visits. Social workers prepare, review, and approve home study report.

  • Complete dossier paperwork. Children of the World compiles and authenticates the dossier for you.

 

MATCHING WITH A CHILD

  • Begin the I-800 process with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    If your home study report does not specifically list the special need your child has, an
    I-800 A Supplement 3 Form must be submitted first.

  • I-800 approval (provisional approval from USCIS) is received.

  • DS-260 Visa application completed and hand delivered to the U.S. Consulate in China.

  • Article 5 letter issued by the U.S. Consulate in China and hand delivered to the CCCWA.

 
TRAVEL
  • CCCWA issues a Travel Invitation.

  • Travel arrangements and consulate appointments are made and reviewed.

  • Family will travel to China for approximately 2 weeks:

    • Week 1 - You arrive in China and are met by Doris, our China representative. Families are united with their child and the adoption process is completed.

    • Week 2 - You travel to Guangzhou, China to complete the Visa process.

BACK HOME
  • Apply for State Birth Certificate and Social Security Card for your child.

  • Complete the required post placement visits by the social worker. The social worker
    will write the reports at the requested time according to the post placement schedule.

  • Continue with scheduled post placement reports (completed by parents with no charge).

The process may appear overwhelming but Children of the World staff are available to assist in every step of the process.


Learning More About International Adoption

Ready to learn more about international adoption, and how Children of the World can play a part? 

Visit our Beginning Your Journey Page for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), review the minimum criteria for prospective adoptive parents, find resources to educate yourself on the topic, and learn how to begin the adoption process.