China Waiting Children with Special Needs Program :: Qualifications

The qualifications for an international adoption through China’s Special Needs program are similar to the traditional adoption program, and minimal. Prospective parents who are qualified to adopt in the traditional program, will usually discover they are desirable candidates for the Special Needs program.

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 you to help you determine if China's Special Need program is compatible with your adoption needs, wants and expectations.

• Parents considering adoption must be between the ages of 30-55 (in the traditional program the maximum age is 50), with their combined ages not exceeding 110 years.  Heterosexual couples and singles may apply. Any prospective parent turning 30 years of age in the next 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.

• 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 any 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 fully 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.

Again, to emphasize the needs of the children, the children in the Waiting Children with Special Needs program are children who may have slight to more complex medical needs, or even be older children (over five years of age) with very mild medical needs. In the majority of situations the child's need is correctable as well as manageable through proper medical care, allowing the child to live a happy active life. The Special Needs program is designed for those families who feel they can welcome into their home a child requiring some extra help, and who are prepared to address the child's needs.

There are many children with special needs available for adoption.  Examples of typical medical conditions include children with cleft palate, cleft lip, missing limbs or limbs with abnormalities, hearing challenges, vision issues and Hepatitis. It is important to speak with a medical specialist to learn more about the medical condition of the child you are considering, as well as gaining a better understanding of the proper course of medical treatment for the child.

This is simply provides an overview of the general qualifications to adopt a Waiting Child with Special Needs 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 call us at 315-422-7300 to discuss your situation; we will help you thoroughly consider all the options available to you for adoption.