China Program :: Qualifications

The qualifications for an international adoption through China are straight forward and minimal, which is one of the many strengths of the program. The children available through the China Program are healthy children ten (10) months of age and up.

• Parents considering adoption must be between the ages of 30-50, with their combined ages not exceeding 100 years. Heterosexual couples may apply.  A parent turning 30 years of age in the upcoming six (6) months is welcomed to apply.

• Both New York State and China require that adoptive parents receive background clearances, therefore; for New York State you will complete two (2) background checks – (1) a child abuse and neglect and (2) a criminal. Additionally, for China you will also need a federal clearance through the Office of Homeland Security. All of background checks require that you have your fingerprints taken at your own expense.

• Adoptive parents must have at least the equivalent of a high school degree.

• Married couples with or without children may apply, yet it is recommended that the household currently have no more than four (4) minor children with the youngest child being at least one (1).

• Couples must be married for two (2) years if it is a first marriage, five (5) years if it is a second marriage for either or both. It is recommended that there be no more than two previous marriages for either spouse.

• Both married and single parent households are eligible to apply, however; at this time China has continued a quota system for single adoptions. China accepts single females into its program through the quota system it has outlined for agencies to adhere to. New Life is currently taking applications from single parents, yet there is a waiting period prior to formally entering the program.

• China anticipates that adoptive parents will complete and successfully pass a health examination. Individuals applying for an adoption should be able to effectively parent, they should not have a health condition that would prevent or prohibit them from providing a nurturing, stable long-term home for an orphan. The medical examination will include weight and body mass index (BMI), the BMI of the prospective parents should not exceed 40. Prospective parents should not be in active treatment for any life threatening illness, severe chronic illnesses, disability and/or have an impairment that would hinder them from actively parenting as well as integrating the child into the community.

• The annual income for a prospective family must minimally be $30,000.00, with a total net worth of at least $80,000.00.

• New Life willingly accepts pre-applications for adoption and adoption applications from prospective parents, regardless of age, gender, marital status, physical abilities or disabilities, physical and mental health, socio-economic background, employment, financial status, ethnic background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and/or educational background. We strive to include, rather than to exclude individuals interested in adopting.

You are required to complete a home study by a currently insured and licensed, certified social worker who will render an unbiased professional recommendation regarding your eligibility to become an adoptive parent. Prior to your home study you must complete your background checks, along with provide New Life with your employment verification, medical history, personal references and a financial statement.

Usually late in the year China, through China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA), issues updates to their international program for the upcoming year. Most commonly these updates simply clarify or solidify the already understood stipulations of China’s Adoption Program. Rarely, do these updates serve to disqualify parents or make adoption more difficult for parents already in process. To adopt through China prospective parents must meet the requirements of both New York State and China. New Life’s professional team will work closely with your to help you determine if the China Program is compatible with your adoption needs, wants and expectations.

This is simply provides an overview of the general qualifications to adopt through China. China willingly accepts applications from adoptive parents that do not fully meet the suggested qualifications, and will give those applications attention on a priority basis. We at New Life encourage you to attend a Free Seminar or call us at 315-422-7300 to discuss your situation, together we will help you thoroughly consider all the options available to you for adoption.