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China

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Due to various socio-economic factors, children - mostly baby girls in orphanages and foster care - are legally available for adoption as a result of abandonment and are waiting for loving families. Since our program began in 1995, we have placed hundreds of these babies and children with proud parents across the U.S. and abroad. Due to the relationships that MAPS has built throughout the years and the dedication of our expert bilingual staff in China, the adoption trip and the adoption process within China is well organized and predictable. Unique to China adoption is the fact that adoptive families generally travel as a group, providing the opportunity to form lasting bonds with other families adopting from the same orphanage or region.

March 26, 2009: We have just learned that MAPS' application to participate in the China Waiting Child program has been approved. This means that we will have access to listings of special needs children in China and will be able to accept applications from families who want to adopt a child through this program.

With the development of the waiting child program, we will be able to find homes for children with medical or developmental conditions ranging from mild and easily correctible to those requiring ongoing monitoring or treatment.

Once program detail are solidified, families who want to adopt a special needs child from China will need to have an approved home study and USCIS approval. We will be posting additional information on how to apply to the MAPS China Waiting Child program shortly, so please check back on this website for more details as they become available.

At A Glance

Parent Requirements: Married couples only; must be married at least two years (or five years if either spouse was previously divorced; no more than two divorces per spouse.) Must be age 30 - 50 at time of dossier submission. Couples 50-55 may adopt a waiting child only. No more than 45 years between child and younger parent when child requested is under one year. Parents 46-49 will be assigned a 1-3 year old. Exceptions to these requirements may be granted when adopting a special needs child over age 6. No more than four children under age 18 living in the home; youngest must be at least 1 year old unless adopting a waiting child. Both applicants must be in excellent health mentally and physically, including a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or less.  What is my BMI? (click here for the calculator) All health issues will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis - please consult with MAPS. At least one spouse must hold a stable occupation; $10K minimum income per family member (including child to be adopted.) Family net worth should be at least $80,000 (assets vs. liabilities.) Both spouses must have at least a high school degree. Any criminal history will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Please consult with MAPS.

Children: Healthy female infants (10-13 months at time of referral) and toddlers; older children; some children of all ages with minor correctable conditions or special needs.  Healthy male babies/children are available, but time frame may be longer.  Most children were abandoned.

Waiting Time: Child referral is currently at 32 months from dossier registration by the China Center of Adoption Affairs (longer if requesting a healthy baby boy), with the likelihood that wait times may continue to increase. The CCAA has not provided us with any verbal or written statement regarding future wait times. However, factors that influence wait times include: The number of dossiers registered at the CCAA for each month. The number of children who have been approved for international adoption. The number of staff available to process referrals at that time. The potential effect of new CCAA regulations issued in May 2007 that may reduce the number of new applicants. The increase in domestic adoptions within China. We encourage families uncomfortable with the current unpredictability of the timeline to talk to us about other MAPS programs.

Travel: Both parents preferred but one parent possible. Travel expenses: $3,000-$6,000 + child’s ticket. Trip lasts approx. 2 weeks (up to 3 weeks if child is from Guangdong Province.)

Your MAPS China Adoption Staff

Betsy Bewsey, BS, joined MAPS in 2000, working in the Russia and Guatemala programs and then as the International Director before assuming her current role of Director of Adoption Programs and Services (serving also as our China program coordinator.) She has made many trips overseas, including trips to China with families, to assist adopting parents and escort children to their new families. Betsy, whose sister was adopted from Korea, says, “My passion for adoption stems from the role I play in building the connection between children needing representation and prospective adoptive families who will provide what these children need: the love and permanency of their own family.” E-mail: betsyb@maps-worldwide.org Phone: (207) 775-4101

For a complete information packet about our services, our adoption programs (domestic and international), and the adoption process, please complete the form below.

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