ALW works in partnership with Adopt International (AI) for our China Program. AI has been licensed in China since 1992 having placed over 550 Chinese children.
Who Can Adopt?
Marriage: must be married at least 2 years if a first marriage; if not a first marriage must be married for at least 5 years (no more than 2 previous marriages per person accepted). No singles can apply.
Age: 30-50 years old; 30-55 if special needs case.
Health: Must be “fully healthy” – please contact ALW regarding specific health concerns. There can be no psychological issues in the last 2 years and medication-free for at least 2 years. Each parents BMI (body mass index) must be less than 40. (To calculate, visit www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi)
Income: Must have one parent with a stable income of at least $30,000/year for a first child and $10,000 more for each additional child; must have at least $80,000 net worth. Please contact ALW for how to calculate net worth.
Children: No more than 5 children under age 18 (including child to be adopted) and youngest child must be older than 12 months when your documents are sent to China.
Education: Both parents must have at least a high school diploma.
Other: No criminal record.
Regulations officially go into effect May 1, 2007. However, due to the time needed for families to complete a home study and prepare their documents, families starting the adoption process should meet these China-specific requirements.
Who Are the Children?
The children from the People's Republic of China are predominantly girls who have been abandoned. At the discretion of the China Center of Adoption Affairs, the child's age may vary. There is usually no background information or health history on the child. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) requires children have a physical examination and be certified in good health before a visa for the child to leave China will be issued.
How Long Is the Process?
The dossier is sent to China within 3 weeks of completion. A referral is received about 20–25 months after China receives the dossier. Travel is 6–10 weeks later. Families need to plan on being in China 12–21 days depending on what province the child is from. Post Placement Supervision is required after the child comes home. Get more information on these services
What Is the Process & Fee Structure?
Apply with ALW
$100
Adoptive Parent Training
$225
Home Study
$1,300
Apply with CIS (Immigration fee:
I-600-A = $670 + $80/adult in the home)
These fees are not set by, or paid to ALW and may change without notice.
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Traveling to China is the responsibility of the adoptive family. ALW recommends that couples allow for $2000 to $3000 for in country travel, hotels and miscellaneous expenses.
The goal of The Hague is to protect children and families involved in intercountry or international adoption. It provides standardized regulations for every country that ratifies it and allows for greater transparency in the adoption process. Countries that ratify The Hague will follow its regulations when working with other countries that also ratified The Hague. Its implications for international adoptions are very significant.
Adoption Links Worldwide is the only Nebraska-based agency seeking the accreditation of The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
