FAC has been accredited by the China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA) to place children for adoption since 1994. There are currently two different systems in place in China for children adopted internationally: the traditional “track” to adopt a child with no known or minimal medical/ developmental needs, and the other “track” for adoption of “waiting” children—older children and/or those with “special needs”. Adoptive families must choose which type of adoption they wish to pursue when applying to adopt through the China adoption program.
China periodically evaluates the work of accredited agencies, and FAC has consistently received excellent performance reviews. The positive working relationship with the Chinese government is due, in part, to our facilitator based in Beijing - Cai, Xi Jing. Ms. Cai has worked for FAC since the inception of our China adoption program in 1994 and is FAC’s representative with the CCCWA and U.S. Consulate. She is an educated, competent professional who speaks fluent English as well as Mandarin. Based on her extensive experience, Ms. Cai is very knowledgeable regarding the international adoption of Chinese children. She oversees the adoption process of all FAC families, monitoring cases as they move through the various departments of the CCCWA. She assists with all travel plans and assures that things go smoothly as families complete their adoption process in China.
Chinese children who have no known medical or developmental needs are primarily girls. “Referrals” of children include photographs and information regarding the child’s health and developmental status and daily routine. For most children, birth family information is not available due to their history of abandonment.
WHO CAN ADOPT FROM CHINA'S TRADITIONAL PROGRAM?
Residence:
FAC welcomes inquires from anyone interested in adopting from China. Families throughout the U.S. are welcome to apply. FAC will provide all services (homestudy, placement, post-placement) to applicants residing in the states of Michigan or Ohio. Families who reside in other states must obtain certain required services from an agency in their state of residence. FAC “partners” with a number of agencies throughout the US.
Marriage:
Only married couples are able to adopt through the traditional (non-special needs) adoption program; single women are able to adopt through the waiting child program. Applicants who have not been previously married must be married a minimum of 2 years. If any applicant has been previously married, the current marriage must be a minimum of 5 years. No more than 2 divorces per spouse are permitted.
Age:
Parents between the ages of 30-50; parents over 45 must be open to a child that is not an infant.
Education:
Each applicant must have the minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Children:
No more than 4 children under the age of 18 currently living in the home. The youngest child must be at least one year old at the time of the dossier submission.
Income:
A minimum of $10,000 per family member, including the child to be adopted, derived from a stable employment source. Adoptive families must have a minimum of $80,000 in net assets.
Criminal Record:
Applicants with no criminal convictions are preferred. Some exceptions may be made, depending on the nature of the crime and when it occurred. Contact FAC to discuss your personal situation prior to applying to adopt from China.
Health:
Good overall health. Each applicant must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or less.
To determine body mass, refer to http://www.nhlbisupport.com. Applicants must have a normal life expectancy and/or no restrictions to their daily living. Infectious disease, chronic or long term physical or mental health diagnosis, and history of alcohol or drug abuse should be discussed with FAC prior to application to determine eligibility.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
The pre-adoption process (application, adoption study, immigration approval, and dossier preparation) will take most applicants 4-6 months.
After dossier submission, families who are not of Chinese descent are currently waiting approximately 5 years for the referral of a young child with no known needs. Wait times are continually changing; please call FAC for up to date information.
DO WE HAVE TO TRAVEL TO CHINA?
Yes! The adoption of a Chinese child will be processed and finalized in China. At least one parent must be present to complete the adoption and to apply for the child’s visa to enter the United States at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China. While it is possible for only one parent of a married couple to travel to complete the adoption and bring the child home, FAC recommends that both parents travel if at all possible. If you are already parenting children, they may also accompany you to China. The opportunity to visit and learn about your child’s country of birth is very special and may be a “once in a lifetime” experience. The time in China spent with your child before coming home to all the demands of daily living is a great way to begin the experience of parenting an adopted child. The time together will enhance the bonding process for your child and his/her new family.
Most families spend two weeks in China. Families generally fly into Beijing, spend a few days sightseeing, and then fly to the province where their child resides. All U.S. families must travel to the city of Guangzhou, China to apply for their child’s visa following the finalization of their adoption in the capital city of the province where their child resided. Ms. Cai will arrange sightseeing in Beijing, the provincial capital of your child’s orphanage, and in Guangzhou. Families can return to the U.S. with their child as soon as the child’s visa has been issued. FAC provides extensive assistance with families’ travel plans. Ms. Cai makes all the arrangements for your adoption and stay within China – from uniting you with your child and completing the adoption to airfare, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, and even shopping!
