International adoptions have been occurring in China since approximately 1989. Several governmental institutions are involved in the adoption process in China, although the central authority belongs to the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) in Beijing. The Center accepts the prospective parent’s application (dossiers) and supervises the adoption process in the country. Regional Civil Affairs Bureaus operate Children’s Welfare Institutes (orphanages). Provincial Notary Offices, which are branch offices of the Ministry of Justice, finalize adoptions with the issuance of adoption certificates.

Children available for adoption in China vary in age from about six to fourteen months and older. The majority of them are healthy girls abandoned by their parents because of the country’s “one family – one child” policy. Orphans, according to Chinese law, are children whose parents are deceased.

Prospective adoptive parents must travel to China to finalize the adoption. If only one parent travels, he/she is required to bring a power of attorney from the absent parent. All the documents of the dossier and the power of attorney have to be verified (authenticated) by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in the United States.

Travel to China to complete the process takes approximately two weeks. You will be traveling with five to seven other families. The whole group will be assisted by a very knowledgeable team of Chinese facilitators, who have over ten years of experience and an excellent reputation. Typically, Americans fly from San Francisco to Hong Kong, then to the orphanage area. Visa processing for your child takes place in Guangzhow. Adoption Pros will provide very detailed instructions per each day of your stay in China.

Requirements:

• Married families at least 30 years old and under 55.
• If you want to adopt a baby, the upper age limit is 45. Older couples will be offered children from 4 years old and older.
• Only one child can be adopted at a time, unless the children are twins.
• Income level has to be very high to qualify for twins.
• Previous divorce is OK.
• Minimum annual income requirement is $10,000 per member of the family.
• Number of children who are under 18 years old at home prior to adoption is 4 and under.