China currently offers two programs:

• Families hoping to adopt a young child with minor special needs may submit a completed dossier to CCCWA. They will then be eligible to be matched with a child from China’s special needs list that is updated monthly.

• Families wishing to adopt a child with more complex needs, or an older child, may complete a home study, submit a letter of intent for a specific child, and have up to six months to submit a dossier after being pre-approved by CCCWA.

The children needing parents range in age from 1-13. Boys and girls are available. Many have corrected, correctable or manageable medical needs. Some older children have no identified medical needs.

The children live in government social welfare institutes, many of which have improved greatly over the years. Some children are fostered on site in special programs, or with local families.

Prospective parents are provided with comprehensive medical and social reports, photos, and sometimes, videos.

Many families are able to complete an adoption from China within 14 months from application. Hand in Hand’s China team in the U.S. and in China offer an unparalleled experience, having worked together since the program’s inception. 

Thousands of families have adopted from China through Hand in Hand. We invite you to explore the idea of offering a home and a family to one of the wonderful waiting children in China!

WHO CAN BE ADOPTED?

• Children ages 1-14 with minor, correctable, or repaired medical conditions.

• Children ages 10+ with no diagnosed medical needs.

• Boys ages 6 and up with no medical needs

• Girls ages 10 and up with no medical needs

• Boys and Girls of all ages with complex medical conditions.

Visit Hand In Hand’s Waiting Child Program for information. Hand in Hand keeps a list of children we are advocating for at this time.
Referral information is prepared by orphanage staff and local medical facilities. It includes a developmental profile, medical and social history, photos and sometimes videos.

WHO CAN ADOPT?

Couples, with no more than two divorces, married at least two years or a minimum of five years if one spouse was previously divorced.

Single women may apply.

Parents may be between the ages of 30-55. Age of parent determines age of referred child.

Parents must have a body mass index below 40, have no psychiatric issues and be free of major health concerns.

Travel Requirements

One trip of approximately two weeks.

Hand in Hand offers full agency support with planning and in-country supervision.

All adoptions are finalized in China. Children receive a U.S. visa and become citizens upon arrival in the U.S.

Time Frames

The Special Focus program has a short wait-to-match timeline, many families can complete an adoption in 18 months.
Match after home study; travel 4-5 months after completed dossier submission.

The Special Needs program requires a completed dossier prior to a match. Families usually travel 4-5 months after match.
Families requesting children under age three may experience a wait of 12+ months for a match.