Qualifying For Adoption

The China Special Needs Program

Qualifying

There are basic requirements that adoptive families must meet in order to adopt a child from China. Each country has their own qualifications, and China is no exception!! These rules may be bent somewhat if you are adopting a special needs child. Talk to your agency about their waiver policy - some agencies don't apply for waivers, while others do.

As of March 15, 2011, single female applicants are now allowed to adopt from the Special Focus Program!

Program Requirements

Adoption Statistics (United States)

1. Age Requirements

   Married Couples must be between the ages of 30 and 55 years of age to adopt a special needs child. Both adoptive parents must be at least 30 years of age when your dossier is logged in to the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA).

2. Income

   The joint family income must be at least $10,000 per family member, including the new adopted child. For example, if you have four family members and are adopting a 5th, your joint income must be at least $50,000.

   The family must also have a net worth (assets-liabilities) of at least $80,000.



3. Marriage

   The minimum amount of time that couples must be married before adopting is 2 years.

   If either person has been divorced, the couple must be married for at least five years.

   Each spouse can have no more than 2 divorces.

4. Maximum Number of Children In The Home

   There is no maximum number of children in the home for the special needs program.

   Note: Some agencies will try to tell you that you cannot have more than four children under 18 in your home if you wish to adopt from China. While this is true for the NSN program, it is NOT true for the SN program. If your agency tries to tell you this, they are simply uninformed and it might be best to look at another agency. There is nothing worse than an agency that isn't knowledgeable about the program. That's why it's important to educate yourself through sites like this, adoption forums (like RQ), and by talking to other families.

5. Health Status

   Both parents must be in good physical condition with a BMI less then 40. You must not be taking any medicine for mental issues including depression or or neurosis. If you have a specific medical condition, please contact your agency to discuss whether or not you are eligible.

Don't Panic!

If you have a health problem, don't automatically assume you can't adopt!! I have known parents with diabetes to be approved by the CCAA. China looks at some illnesses as more serious than others, cancer being one of the most serious.

Don't Forget!

In order to adopt, you must be able to travel to China to complete the adoption. There are no exceptions to this requirement. However, both parents are not required to travel to China - only one spouse needs to be present. That is what we have always done for our China adoptions, as it is sometimes difficult or impossible for both parents to travel!

You must also be able to complete a successful home study and obtain USCIS I800A approval. This includes being able to meet your state's adoption requirements!

Adoptive parents must not have a criminal record. If you have a DUI in your past or other minor infractions, speak with your adoption agency about this topic. Don't automatically assume you won't qualify!

USCIS Requirements

Of course, if you already meet China's income requirements, then you are far above the poverty level requirement from USCIS! So don't even worry about it.

Waivers

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