Chinese Adoption Resource Guide

Adoption of children from China to the United States began in 1992. In 2009, Americans adopted 3,001 children from China, the largest number from any country outside the U.S. The China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) is the Chinese organization responsible for the inter-country adoption work, the nurture of children in the social welfare institutions and the domestic adoptions. Approved U.S. adoption agencies work with the CCAA to facilitate the adoption process.

The CCAA has certain restrictions for those wanting to adopt. That combined with the increasingly slow pace at which referrals are processed has made the wait time for prospective adoptive parents three years or longer in most cases.

Quick Stats:

2009 Adoptions: 3,001 to the U.S.

Average Cost: $20,000 - $30,000

Profile of Children: 80% girls

Parent Ages: Both spouses must be between the ages of 30-49. Couples aged 50-54 may be considered for special-needs children.

Family Status: Only married couples are eligible. If a first marriage, couple must be married at least two years; five years for any subsequent marriages. Parents can not have more than four children living at home and both parents must have a high school diploma.

Travel: At least one parent must travel to China to adopt. Average stay is 10-14 days and a U.S. visa is issued at the consulate in Guangzhou.

Timeline: From completed dossier to referral, the approximate wait time is 36 months, but can be longer. Travel is usually 3-6 months after referral.

Courtesy of The Adoption Guide

Chinese Adoption Resources

Adoption.com: Adoption.com is committed to helping as many children as possible find loving, permanent homes. They assist adoptees and birthparents to find birthfamilies, and we help hopeful adoptive parents make adoption dreams come true. We are especially committed to helping special needs children in the U.S. and around the world, who otherwise wouldn't be able to find families.

Adoptive Families: Adoptive Families, the award-winning national adoption magazine, is the leading adoption information source for families before, during, and after adoption.

The Adoption Guide: Adoptive Families' Annual Adoption Guide will provide you with detailed, accurate information you won't find anywhere else. For prospective adopters, this valuable resource includes a step-by-step overview of the adoption process as well as listings for hundreds of adoption agencies, support organizations and attorneys nationwide.

China Adopt Talk: A gathering place for families just getting started, waiting for a referral, and at home with their children.

For more information on China adoptions, please visit our other adoption sections: