Older Child Adoption
Older children are often passed over for international adoption as many families choose younger children. We highly recommend any potential adoptive family consider adopting an older child as they are often healthy and simply languishing in a system through no fault of their own. There is a tremendous need for special families that will consider opening up their hearts and homes to an older child. Many older children in China will either be healthy or have mild needs. These kiddos WANT and NEED the love of a permanent family!
GWCA is currently advocating for two older children for adoption from China – Danielle and Kevin!
Danielle and Kevin are just two of the thousands of children in China that will age out of the system on their 14th birthday. Every Waiting Child will have a unique set of talents, and they all have so much love to give!
Danielle loves to dance and has won an “Excellence Award” for it.
Kevin loves to jump on the trampoline and play with his friends!
Older children are advocated for on photo listings, like ours! If you’re interested in learning more about Danielle, Kevin, or another Waiting Child that we’re advocating for, contact our matching specialists today!
Resources:
– Learn more about China adoption
– Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact a China adoption specialist!
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We Found Our Families
We are very excited to announce that families are working to adopt Nina and Noah! We are so happy for these precious kids and their new families, and we can’t wait to follow their journey home. Congratulations from all of us at GWCA and CAN! Also, thank you to everyone who advocated for these children to help find their forever families!
China Adoption – Special Focus
Since these children were considered Special Focus, our China matching specialists were able to advocate for them on our Waiting Child photo listing. Once their families reviewed their files, they were able to submit their paperwork to be matched with them right away, rather than having to wait until after their dossier had been submitted. All of the kids whose profiles are currently on our photo listing have the same designation of “Special Focus,” meaning families can be matched with them even if they’re just beginning the adoption process.
If you’re interested in learning how you can be matched with one of our Waiting Children, contact our matching specialists or visit our China adoption photo listing today!
Resources:
– Learn more about China adoption
– Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact a China adoption specialist!
10 New Kids on the Block
Meet Mabel
Mabel is a precious 10-year-old girl who was born with a facial hemangioma and cerebral palsy. However, the facial hemangioma doesn’t affect her daily life, and she can do most self-care tasks by herself. She’s a quiet and sweet girl who’s polite! Mabel loves to sing and dance with her friends. To learn more about her, request her file today!
Meet Gus
Gus is a sweet 3-year-old boy who was born with a malformation in his left eye. He’s very bright and self-independent. He’s also active, outgoing, and gets along well with others. His caretakers say he’s a healthy boy who has developed well, and they hope he finds his forever family soon! To learn more about Gus, request his file today!
Meet Roman
Roman is an adorable 1-year-old boy who was born with clubbed feet. However, he received surgery for it and has recovered well! He’s currently learning to walk and can almost say “mama.” Roman is friendly, extroverted, and gets along well with others (even to new people). To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Shiloh
Shiloh is a precious 6-year-old girl who was born with Down syndrome. However, she’s made a lot of progress in the last year and can complete some self-care tasks! She’s described as shy and quiet. Despite that, she gets along very well with other children. To learn more about her, request her file today!
Meet Tristan
Tristan is an adorable 3-year-old who was born with clubbed feet and a condition that affects his joints. Despite that, he can walk on his own and does well in physical therapy. He’s an incredibly cheerful child who loves to play with other kids and join in social activities. To learn more about Tristan, request his file today!
Meet Troy
Troy is a sweet 6-year-old boy who’s slightly delayed compared to his peers, but he would thrive with the support of a forever family! He’s self-independent and can say a few words like “mom” and “dad.” He’s very comfortable and outgoing with familiar people. Troy loves to cuddle, dance, and watch cartoons. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Gavin
Gavin is a precious 5-year-old boy who was born with CHD. He’s an easygoing and self-independent boy who gets along well with other kids. He loves to play games with his friends. He’s also close with his nanny and likes to follow her around and help her. To learn more about Gavin, request his file today!
Meet Grayson
Grayson is an active and happy 6-year-old boy who was born with epilepsy. However, he takes medication for seizures, and they appear to be under control. He’s been living with a foster family since 2012 and has developed well since then! He enjoys taking care of the younger children in the home and is very polite. To learn more about Grayson, request his file today!
Meet Blake
Blake is an adorable 6-year-old boy who was born with a cleft lip and palate and some missing digits. However, he’s doing very well developmentally and is active and energetic! He’s outgoing, social, and loves to play games with other kids. To learn more about Blake, request his file today!
Meet Ryan
Ryan is a sweet 6-year-old boy who was born with cataracts. However, his vision needs do not affect his motor skills or self-care ability. He’s well-articulated, well-behaved, and outgoing! Ryan gets along very well with his peers and is talkative! He loves music and often participates in his school’s performances. To learn more about Ryan, request his file today!
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
Evie Is GWCA’s New Sponsored Star
Meet our new Sponsored Star for March, Evie! She’s an adorable 2-year-old girl in need of a forever family. Evie was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect; however, she received surgery for it. She’s active and loves to play with other kids! Evie loves to give her caretakers and friends hugs and kisses. Watch this cute video of Evie playing with her toys!
As our Sponsored Star for March, Evie has a $2,000 grant available towards her adoption fees! Could you or someone you know be Evie’s forever family? If you’re interested in learning more about her, visit our photo listing or contact our matching specialists today!
What is a Sponsored Star?
On the 1st of each month, Great Wall China Adoption will feature one of our Waiting Children as our monthly “Sponsored Star!” That child will be provided a $2,000 grant towards their adoption fees while they are a Sponsored Star, which lasts for two months. Each of the kiddos selected is a Special Focus child, meaning they have not found their Forever Family yet due to their age or the degree of their needs. Together, we can find loving homes for these precious kids!
We encourage any families interested in learning more about our Sponsored Star of the Month to visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing, or contact our China Matching Specialists to learn how you can be matched today. Check back on the first of each month to meet the newest featured child!
Resources
– Learn more about China adoption
– Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact a China adoption specialist
Sending Love with Care Packages
Some of the children in our China adoption program recently received a wonderful surprise from their soon-to-be families- our Connecting Hearts care package! While adoptive families get to put a face to their child once they’re matched, the children who are being adopted often are unaware of their family until shortly before they arrive. By sending care packages, our families have the opportunity to let their child know that someone in the world is thinking of them!
Here are some photos of an adorable kiddo enjoying gifts from his forever family:
Are you adopting from our China program? Our Connecting Hearts Care Package includes a camera so your child can bring home photo memories with them, a decorated cake, stuffed animals, a pillow with your family picture, and more. To learn more about our care packages, visit our Legacy Journey amenities!
If you’re not adopting but want to send love to kids in the orphanage, you can order a cake package to brighten up their day! The kids are so happy whenever they discover that a special cake was gifted to them, and you’ll receive photos of them enjoying it. The kiddo below was super excited to receive a birthday cake and celebrate with his friends! For more information, contact mallory@gwca.org today.
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
A Family for Leo
Leo is a sweet boy that is near and dear to our hearts! He’s 8 years old and is in need of a family to call his own. Leo was previously hosted in the United States in 2016 and made leaps and bounds since then! He made incredible progress with his strength, learning capacity, and English.
Leo is incredibly adaptable and resilient. Amazingly, he’s been able to adjust to any situation he’s given and develops trusting relationships with adults and kids. He leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets! Also, he giggles often and has a big belly laugh that will bring a lot of joy to his forever family.
His medical need is unclear at this time, but CT scans indicate that he has a brain need. However, Leo is a bright and smart boy who would be a wonderful addition to any family. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about him, please contact our Adoption Specialist Alexandra at alexandra@gwca.org or 512-323-9595 ext. 3032.
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
10 New Kids on the Block
Meet Payton
Payton is a precious 2-year-old girl who was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, which she received surgery for and recovered well. Payton has been described as a quiet and obedient girl who gets along well with others. She likes to clap her hands, play with toys, and give hugs! She gets a big smile on her face when she is being teased. To learn more about Payton and watch her video, request her file today!
Meet Trevor
Trevor is a sweet 2-year-old boy who was born with CHD and Cri-du-chat syndrome. He can sit up by himself and crawl short distances. His favorite activity is being held by his caretakers, and he enjoys playing with toys. Trevor needs a loving family who can provide him with the resources he needs to thrive! To learn more about Trevor, request his file today!
Meet Maisey
Maisey is an adorable little girl who is 6 years old. Maisey was born with cerebral palsy and currently has some developmental delays compared to her peers. Her caretakers describe her has being extroverted and happy! She likes to smile and say hello to people. Maisey gets along very well with other children, and she loves being around them. To learn more about Maisey, request her file today!
Meet Chance
Chance is an adorable 3-year-old boy who was born with Down syndrome. Chance is a happy kiddo who is very affectionate and obedient. He is also super helpful around the orphanage with housework tasks. He loves to play with toys with other kiddos, watch cartoons, and listen to music! To learn more about this sweet little boy, request his file today!
Meet Evie
Evie is an adorable 2-year-old girl who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect that she has received surgery for. Evie is active, cute, and loves to play. She has formed an attachment with her teachers and interacts with them very well. Evie loves to give her caretakers and friends kisses and hugs! To learn more about this sweet little girl, request her file today!
Meet Anthony
Anthony is a sweet and active 5-year-old boy who was born with Down syndrome. Anthony is self-independent and very helpful around the orphanage! He always helps clean up. Anthony attends school within the orphanage, and his favorite class is music. He loves to play outside and watch cartoons. To learn more about Anthony, request his file today!
Meet Marissa
Marissa is an adorable 2-year-old girl who was born with Cri-du-chat syndrome and a congenital heart defect, which she received surgery for and recovered well. She has an easy temperament and rarely cries. She loves to be held and cuddled by her caregiver! Marissa has been described as a quiet, obedient, and active little girl who likes to play with other kids. To learn more her and watch her video, request her file today!
Meet Sam
Sam is a precious 6-year-old boy who is delayed compared to his peers, but he would thrive in the care of his forever family! He is shy around strangers but is very cuddly and affectionate with his caregivers. He feels very secure when he’s in their care and laughs happily. Sam is very active and likes to play chase with other kiddos in the orphanage. To learn more about Sam, request his file today!
Meet Caroline
Caroline is an adorable one-year-old girl who has Down syndrome. She has been described as a quiet, obedient, and extroverted little girl who has a striking smile and good temperament. Caroline loves to hug and cuddle with her caregiver! She loves uplifting music and she starts to smile and dance whenever she hears it playing. To learn more Caroline and watch her video, request her file today!
Meet Hudson
Hudson is a precious 1-year-old boy who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect that he has received surgery for. Hudson is a cheerful, happy, and enthusiastic little boy. He loves to interact with others and frequently wants to be in the center of all the action! He likes to give hugs and smile at his caretakers. He is especially fond of toys with music. To learn more about Hudson, request his file today!
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
Intercountry Adoption Changes
Dear Families,
As you may already know, each adoption service provider (ASP) is licensed to process adoptions within their state, as well as accredited by the Department of State (DOS) via an approved accrediting entity. An accrediting entity effectively governs compliance with the Hague Convention rules and regulations, under the supervision of DOS. Since the inception of the Hague Convention, the accrediting entity governing compliance has been the Council on Accreditation (COA). Recently, due to conflicts with DOS centering on how ASPs should be overseen, COA has resigned from its role as an accrediting entity. In its stead, a new agency, Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME), has been approved. The transition of duties is still taking place, but in the meantime new requirements have been announced and we would like to make everyone aware.
Last week, IAAME released its fee schedules for accreditation, monitoring, and oversight, which are applicable to every ASP currently operating. Included in this fee schedule is a “Monitoring & Oversight” fee of $500 per adoptive child that will be assessed on any new adoptive families contracted on or after February 15, 2018. GWCA/CAN (and all other APSs) will be required to report new adoptive families each month, and then pay this fee per family the following month. As this is a fee charged by IAAME (and approved by DOS), this is what we would call a “pass-through fee,” wherein GWCA/CAN is merely a third-party processor. We want to stress this fee is NOT charged by GWCA/CAN, nor does GWCA/CAN have any say in this fee moving forward other than the requirements of reporting and billing. This fee is non-refundable per IAAME.
Beginning February 15, any contracts signed will be assessed this fee. In addition to other fees due with the signing of your contract, you will need to remit payment for one child (or the first child, if intending to adopt multiple children). If you are a family intending to adopt two or more children, please note that you will not be required to pay the additional fees for each child until you accept the referral which will be unique to each family’s case.
We understand that additional fees in an adoption, especially those not expected, can be frustrating. For this reason, we would like to once again stress that this is not the choice GWCA/CAN (or any ASP). GWCA/CAN is following the directions of IAAME, who is operating at the direction of DOS. If you do have any questions, please feel free to contact your application case manager.
Sincerely,
Great Wall China Adoption/Children of All Nations
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11 New Kids on the Block
Meet Nina
Nina is an adorable 1-year-old girl who was born with cleft lip and palate and a heart defect. However, she has received surgery for the heart defect. She’s friendly and loves to play with people and listen to music. Nina is currently babbling and saying phrases like “bye bye!” To learn more about Nina, request her file today!
Meet Noah
Noah is a precious 2-year-old boy who was born with a congenital heart defect, but he has received surgery for it. He’s slightly introverted with strangers but loves to play with other kids and is close with his caretakers. Noah is developing on track and can speak short phrases. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Sydney
Sydney is a sweet 6-year-old girl who is cognitively delayed compared to her peers but doesn’t have other medical needs. Sydney gets along with other kids very well and likes to play games with them. She’s loves to read, listen to music, and participate in musical performances. To learn more about Sydney, request her file today!
Meet Jonathan
Jonathan is an adorable 9-year-old healthy boy who’s doing really well! He’s obedient, honest, and kind. His favorite activities are reading, drawing, singing, skating, and playing games. Jonathan is very social and likes to help care for younger kids. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Stella
Stella is a cheerful 4-year-old girl who was born with cerebral palsy and is delayed compared to her peers. However, she’s fairly self-sufficient. Stella is well-liked by everyone in her orphanage and is always smiling! She loves to watch TV, listen to music, and dance. To learn more about Stella, request her file today!
Meet Corbin
Corbin is an adorable 4-year-old boy who was born with CHD but has had surgery for it. He’s doing very well cognitively and doesn’t appear to be delayed. He’s doing well in kindergarten and likes to sing and paint. He’s active, polite, and enjoys playing with other kids. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Bailey
Bailey is a lovely 6-year-old girl who was born with dislocated hip joints. However, we are requesting updated information about her. Sometimes her caretakers ask her, “Are you close to me?” and Bailey will reply by smiling and pointing at her chest, meaning that they’re close to her heart! To learn more about Bailey, request her file today!
Meet Austin
Austin is a precious 2-year-old boy who was born with finger deformities, but he’s received surgery for them. Austin is outgoing, tolerant, super sweet, and has a positive attitude! He’s very active, and his favorite things to do are dance or play with other kids. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Collin
Collin is a lively 8-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with hypospadias. He’s self-independent and is doing very well in school. Collin is sociable and likes to play on the playground and play sports with his friends. He’s cheerful and always has a big smile on his face when he dances to music. To learn more about him, request his file today!
Meet Shelby
Shelby is an adorable 8-year-old girl who was born with cerebral palsy, but she is receiving rehabilitation services and can complete activities by herself. She’s described as introverted but loves to play with her peers. Her favorite activities are playing catch and playing with dolls. To learn more about Shelby, request her file today!
Meet Ruby
Ruby is a sweet 5-year-old girl who was born with cerebral palsy. However, she’s cognitively on track and is receiving daily rehabilitation. She’s outgoing and gets along great with other kids in the orphanage. She’s always smiling and laughing, and she loves to dance. Ruby has a bubbly personality and would bring joy to your family. To learn more about her, request her file today!
Resources
- Visit the China Waiting Child photo listing
- Contact a China adoption specialist
- Learn more about China adoption
Ben Is GWCA’s New Sponsored Star
Meet our new Sponsored Star for February, Ben! He’s a sweet 11-year-old boy who’s still waiting to find his forever family. We’ve advocated for him previously, and he’s been in our hearts ever since we heard his story. Ben is an amazing and fun-loving kiddo who would make a fantastic son or brother, and we hope that he will be adopted soon.
He was born with very mild clubbed feet, but that hasn’t kept him from being very active and outgoing! He loves playing with other kids and can walk and run on his own. Ben is very sociable, bright, and intelligent. Watch this video of Ben demonstrating his talents!
As our Sponsored Star for February, he has a $2,000 grant available towards his adoption fees! Could you or someone you know be Ben’s forever family? If you’re interested in learning more about Ben, visit our photo listing or contact our matching specialists today!
What is a Sponsored Star?
On the 1st of each month, Great Wall China Adoption will feature one of our Waiting Children as our monthly “Sponsored Star!” That child will be provided a $2,000 grant towards their adoption fees while they are a Sponsored Star, which lasts for two months. Each of the kiddos selected is a Special Focus child, meaning they have not found their Forever Family yet due to their age or the degree of their needs. Together, we can find loving homes for these precious kids!
We encourage any families interested in learning more about our Sponsored Star of the Month to visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing, or contact our China Matching Specialists to learn how you can be matched today. Check back on the first of each month to meet the newest featured child!
Resources
– Learn more about China adoption
– Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact a China adoption specialist