Procedures for Adoption from China

 

The adoption process begins when the completed application and application fee are returned to ABC. The application is reviewed and applicants are notified as outlined below:

Stage One

Application, Home Study & Dossier Submission
(Approximate Timeframe: 4-6 months)

1.   Complete and submit application to ABC Adoption. We recommend scheduling a free informational meeting with our staff before applying.

2.   After being approved by ABC, the application will be submitted to Spence-Chapin.

3.   When approval is obtained from Spence-Chapin, attend an orientation meeting at ABC Adoption which will provide greater details on the process.

4.   Join the mandatory adoption educational program.

5.   Complete the home study and dossier compilation process.

6.   Apply at USCIS (formerly INS).

7.   Spence-Chapin will assign you to a travel group.

8.   Your dossier will be sent to China along with the dossiers of those in your travel group.

Stage Two

Referral
(Approximate Timeframe: 17-20 months)

1.   The CCAA will issue a referral (pictures and brief history of child).

2.   Accept or decline your referral.

3.   Travel approval to go to China will be issued.

Stage Three

Travel
(Approximate Timeframe: 8 weeks wait time + trip to China)

1.   You will travel to China approximately 8 weeks after accepting your referral.

2.   You will be in-country for 10-14 days.

Stage Four

Post-Placement
(Timeframe: 1 year)

1.   China requires two post-placement reports to be submitted 6 months and 1 year after adoption.

**Please note: The wait time for referral and travel are approximate, are set overseas and are subject to change. ABC Adoption and Spence-Chapin do not have control over these timeframes. 

Chinese Special Adoption Procedures

The special needs adoption process is similar to the process detailed above. However you may be matched with a child before or after the submission of your dossier. Because of this, the process may progress at a faster rate. For more information on the Special Needs Program, please contact us.

Not sure where to start? ABC is committed to sharing adoption information to interested couples and individuals as they explore their options. Consultations are offered free-of-charge without obligation. Let us know if we can be of assistance.