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China: Adoption Requirements

China has very strict requirements for adoption.  Below you will find a basic list of the requirements for adoption in China.  You may view the complete list on the CCAA's website here.  Some requirements are conditional.  Please contact us if you do not meet some of the requirements to see if you may still be eligible.

Age
China requires that each applicant be at least 30 years old at the time your dossier is registered with the China Center for Adoption Affairs. Couples may adopt up until age 50. Referrals to couples over the age of 45 will be of children 1-3 years old. Couples over the age of 50 may adopt through the Waiting Child program up to 55 years of age.

Finances
China requires that a family’s income can support the addition of a child. This usually translates to an income of $10,000 per family member including your prospective adopted child. The CCAA requires a minimum net worth of at least $80,000.  When twins are requested, they are typically placed with couples who have no other children in the home and show a greater than average income and a larger net worth.

Health Status
Some applicant may ask to be reviewed by the CCAA on a case by case basis based on health status.  Some coomon disqualifiers to adoption in China are:

• Diagnosed with major depression or any other severe mental health concern;
• Current diagnosis of depression or anxiety or currently on medication for depression or anxiety.
• Alcoholism within the last 10 years;
• Any history of illegal drug or narcotic use or abuse;
• Any major surgery within the last year;
• Major organ transplant or surgery within the last 10 years;
• Either parent uses a wheelchair or mobility aid;
• history of cancer;
• diagnosis of lupus;
• binocular blindness;
• Active Hepatitis A, B, or C; or
• One or both parents have a seizure disorder.
• BMI over 40. What is my BMI?

Children
Families may have up to four children in the home and still qualify for adoption in China. Mostly healthy infant girls are available. Boys are available in much lesser numbers, but most will be over the age of one.

Marital Status
Only married couples may apply to adopt from China. The China Center for Adoption Affairs is no longer accepting application from singles.  Couples must be married for a minimum of 2 years if neither spouse has been married before this current marriage.  If either spouse has been divorced previously, the current marriage must be for a minimum of 5 years.  If either spouse has 3 or more divorces, you will not be qualified to adopt from China.

Criminal History
Criminal history cases may be reviewed by the CCAA on a case by case basis.  Some common disqualifiers to adoption in China are:

• Current warrants or probation
• Arrest for illegal drugs or use of illegal drugs
• DUI or DWI charges within the last 5 years.  No more than a total of 3.
• Any arrest for a violent crime or felony arrests

Education
Each applicant must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.

Faith
In accordance with Small World’s mission statement, our China program is open to Christian families only.