Top Questions About Adoption

For National Adoption Month, our adoption counselors share answers to the top questions they receive about the China adoption process. If you would like more information, please contact our adoption counselors today!

What kinds of special needs do we see most often in the China Program?

“Special needs that are seen in the China program range from mild to more moderate and severe needs. The minor needs that are seen can either be surgically correctable, medically managed, or remedied with therapies. The minor needs are typically classified as needs that wouldn’t prohibit a child from living a healthy life. Examples of these needs include cleft lip and palate, clubbed hand, clubbed foot, and minor heart defects.

Most of the children you might see on our Waiting Child photo listing will have more moderate to severe special needs or a combination of special needs. Examples of these needs might include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, hearing loss, and vision issues.”

How long is the process?

“The timeline is different for every family. The length of a family’s process is dependent on the family’s adoption parameters (i.e. special needs being considered, gender, age range, etc.). A family who is open to more minor needs typically has about a two year process overall, whereas a family who is open to more special needs might have a process that lasts about a year.”

How much does a typical adoption cost from China?

“The average cost for an adoption is about $35,000. That estimate includes fees for the program through GWCA, fees from the U.S. government, fees from the Chinese government, and travel costs.”

Check out more FAQs here!

Learn about our China Program

Visit our photo listing to meet the available kids!

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6 New Kids on the Block

Meet Hoyt

Hoyt is an adorable 6-year-old boy who we’ve advocated for before in the past! He was born with anal atresia and an extra digit on his right hand. He has received surgery for both of these special needs and is doing very well! Also, he appears to be on target developmentally. According to his file, Hoyt has been in a foster home since 2014. His caretakers are always mentioning how clever and curious he is. Please contact one of our matching specialists if you’d like to learn more about him!

Meet Amelia

Amelia is an adorable little girl who is 5 years old. She was born with Thalassemia and receives blood transfusions once a month. Amelia loves to sing and dance and play games with the other kids! She has made tons of progress since she came into the orphanage’s care. She is currently in preschool, and her overall development is normal compared to her peers. She is a confident and polite little girl who is described as being introverted. She can complete some simple self-care tasks like getting dressed on her own, washing her hands before meals, and tidying up with her caretakers. Contact us at GWCA today if you’d like to learn more about Amelia!

Meet Miles

Miles is a precious 9-year-old boy. He is delayed compared to his peers, but he would thrive once placed with his forever family! In school, Miles is the class monitor, and his teachers have spoken very highly of him. Miles is super helpful around the orphanage: he takes initiative to assist his caretakers by sweeping the floor, washing dishes, and caring for the younger children. Miles is a shy boy who is very observant of his surroundings and uses direct eye contact when speaking. Contact a GWCA matching specialist today to learn more about him!

Meet Derek

Derek is a sweet 5-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. We’re working on obtaining updated information, as his file is currently outdated. According to an update in September 2016, Derek was attending rehabilitation training twice a day for language and limb flexibility. With his hard work and persistence, Derek is able to walk freely. He has been described as a happy and introverted little boy. Please contact us at GWCA today to learn more about him!

Meet Bentley

Bentley is an adorable 4-year-old boy who was diagnosed with rickets and a growth development delay. According to an update in August of 2016, Bentley was living in a foster home and had formed an attachment to his caretaker. Bentley is self-independent, as he he can walk by himself, dress himself, eat by himself, and was starting to become potty trained. Bentley has been described as a happy and extroverted boy who is active, obedient, and cheerful. He loves to dance, listen to music, and play toys with his friends. Bentley would thrive with the love, care, and support of his forever family! Reach out to us at GWCA today to learn more about this sweet little boy!

Meet Evan

Evan is a precious 4-year-old boy who was born with microcephaly. He has average gross motor skills and some difficulty running, but he has great understanding ability and can follow instructions. Evan can imitate adult’s actions and behaviors, and his caretakers note that he has great observation skills. He has good memory and judgment and generally enjoys learning! Evan is warm and outgoing, and his file states that all the nannies and kiddos in the institute enjoy him very much. He gets along very well with other children and is fond of playing games with them! Contact one of our matching specialists if you’d like to review his file!

Resources

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The Adoption Tax Credit Is Preserved!

We have fantastic news to share about the Adoption Tax Credit! On November 9th, 2017, both the House and Senate agreed to preserve the tax credit in their tax reform proposals. The Adoption Tax Credit has helped thousands of families afford the cost of adoption. Because of that, we believe that the continuation of the tax credit is vital to ensure as many children as possible find loving families.

Big thanks to everyone who took action to support the tax credit! However, the fight is not over. Beyond maintaining the current credit, improvements can be made. This includes expanding availability, increasing the credit amount, and making the credit refundable. That way, more families can benefit from the credit and welcome a child into their home.

How You Can Help!

You can make a difference by sharing this blog on social media (using the hashtag #SaveTheATC) and sending a message to Members of Congress about improving the tax credit. Visit the “Save the Adoption Tax Credit” website for more ideas about how to take action!

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Meet Mallory!

1. What is your job title and description here at GWCA/CAN?

I am an international adoption counselor at GWCA for our China families! I help families through their initial inquiry phase and through their matching process. I have also done some work previously on our Referral and Post Adoption teams.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

It is very difficult to narrow down a part that I enjoy the most! I really love getting to know families in the beginning of their process and helping them navigate the ins and outs of adopting a child from China. I of course love the days when families decide to move forward with a kiddo’s adoption! There’s no greater feeling than hearing the excitement that family has and knowing there is a kiddo on the other side of the world that now has a family to call their own.

3. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Although I experience many more happy moments than negative in my position, adoption can sometimes be very emotional and tough to navigate. Giving families unfortunate news about wait times or unexpected updates on how a child is doing tends to always be a struggle for me. When working with a family as their adoption counselor, I always want to be able to give them as much information and support as I can. However, working with foreign governments is tough and I don’t always have all of the information I would like to provide to a family. I am grateful that I can play a part in their adoption story – through the positive and negative times.

4. Why do you love adoption?

I love adoption because each family’s story and journey is unique and inspiring in their own way. These kiddos are coming from some of the most difficult situations and it is incredible to see how resilient and strong they are. Adoption allows us to bring the love, support and security a family brings to a child to these kiddos who deserve it. I feel very humbled to have played a small part in uniting these kiddos with such amazing families.

5. Fun facts about Mallory:

  • I used to be an intern for GWCA when I was in college
  • I have lived in Austin for almost 7 years now
  • I love listening to live music and going to concerts!
  • In true Austin, TX fashion, I could eat a breakfast taco for every meal
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4 New Kids on the Block

Meet Kyle

Kyle is a sweet 10-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with exotropia and postoperative cleft lip and cleft palate. Kyle was placed in a foster home when he was 1 year old. He is developmentally on track and attends school regularly in the 3rd grade. Kyle quickly shines as the leader when placed in groups in school and among his friends. He takes initiative to help do chores around the home and assists his teacher by tidying up the chairs and encouraging his classmates to line up for lunch and recess. He has been described as an intelligent, outgoing, and curious boy who is always asking questions. Kyle is in need of a family to call his own. Contact us at GWCA today to learn more about him!

Meet Maddie

Maddie is a darling little girl who is 7 years old. Maddie has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, and her legs are slightly different lengths. She’s been engaged in rehabilitation training for years, and with her hard work and persistence, she is able to walk steady and faster than ever before. Maddie has been described as a happy, self-independent girl who always has a smile on her face. She is always able to brighten up her caretaker’s day! Contact us at GWCA today to learn more about sweet little Maddie!

Meet Mia

Mia is a kind little girl who is 3 years old. She is developmentally delayed compared to her peers. Her file is currently outdated, and GWCA is working on obtaining current information. According to an update in April 2016, she can locate the direction of a sound, grasp her favorite toys, look for dropped toys, imitate sounds, and rise and stand with assistance of a chair.

Mia has been described as a shy little girl who is very curious and observant of her surroundings. She is always intrigued by what the other children are playing. She is sweet as can be and loves receiving hugs from her caretakers. It always puts a big smile on her face! Mia would thrive in the home with the love and care of her forever family. Please reach out to our GWCA adoption counselors to learn more about Mia!

Meet Kayla

Kayla is a precious little 2-year-old girl who has Down syndrome. She has just started to walk and is starting to say a few words. Kayla is very active and likes to play in the ball pool with other kiddos. When there is music playing, you’ll catch Kayla dancing. She has been described as curious, yet obedient little girl. Kayla is in need of a family to call her own. Reach out to us at GWCA today to learn more about this sweet little girl!

Resources

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Halloween Photo Contest 2017 Winners

We are so thankful for all of the families who submitted photos for our Halloween Photo Contest! If you missed the deadline, you can still email your pictures to kim@saeglobal.org to land a spot in the album.

Our staff at GWCA and CAN voted on the winners, and it was a tough decision to make! We loved all of the amazing and adorable costumes. Without further ado, here are the 2017 Halloween Photo Contest Winners!

Honorable Mentions

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National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month! Did you know that 140 million children worldwide are estimated to be orphans? This month, our focus is to spread awareness for the children who are waiting to be adopted. Every child deserves a loving family to call their own and to feel wanted and needed. Together with your help, we can raise awareness about adoption and ensure these kids find their forever families.

Here is a sneak peek of what’s coming this month:

  • Featured Waiting Children
  • Answers to the top questions about adoption
  • Information about the most common special needs in adoption
  • Reasons to adopt an older child
  • Family adoption stories
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • And more!

Stay tuned on our Facebook page, China adoption blog, and Children of All Nations blog for the latest adoption information!

Resources

– Learn more about our adoption programs
– Visit the China Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Visit the CAN Waiting Child Photo Listing
– Contact an adoption specialist

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Viola is GWCA’s Sponsored Star for November!

GWCA’s Sponsored Star for November is Viola, a bright and happy 5-year-old girl who loves giving hugs and being helpful. She’s kind to others and likes to share with other children. She’s also very exploratory and loves to learn new things.

Viola has nystagmus of both eyes and reduced vision, but she has a very strong light sense and can navigate around her orphanage and find her favorite things easily. She’s a very brave little girl who does not let her vision impairment slow her down. She would thrive with the love of a family!

As our Sponsored Star for November, Viola has a $2,000 grant available towards her adoption fees! If you’re interested in learning more about Fiona, 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 the kiddos from our Orphanage Partnerships as our monthly “Sponsored Star!” As our Sponsored Star, that child will be provided a $2,000 grant towards their adoption fees. 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 amazing 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

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New Kids on the Block

Meet Dimitri

Dimitri is a precious 6-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He’s able to walk on his own and go up and down the stairs. He can follow simple instructions, such as putting his clothes on and participating in chores. Dimitri was placed in a foster home, and he quickly attached to his foster parents. He loves to be mommy’s little helper and run errands with her, and he loves playing toys with his foster dad.

Dimitri does not speak too often, but he is able to say a few words, such “mama”, “popo”, and “hug”. Sometimes he likes to be silly and act like he is singing in a microphone. Like most kids, Dimitri loves to play outdoors with his foster sister. Most of all, he loves receiving hugs from his foster parents. Dimitri is an adorable little boy who has a lot of love to give to his future family! Please reach out to us at GWCA to learn more about him!

Meet Maggie

Maggie is a precious little girl who is 5 years old! Her file indicates that when she came to the institute, she had severe ear infections in both ears, for which she underwent a procedure. Maggie also has some muscular tension on the left side of her body. She listens and follows instructions very well and loves to be close to her caretakers. She is described as being an extremely curious and happy kiddo.

It is unclear in her medical file why she exhibits some muscular tension, but she is able to stand, walk and run independently. Maggie also has some language delays but can easily understand those around her. Her favorite activity is listening to music and dancing with children in the orphanage! GWCA is currently requesting some updated information on Maggie. Contact us if you would like to learn more about her!

Meet Hunter

*AGING OUT* Hunter is an older healthy boy who is 13 years old and will age out in May of 2018. He has no known medical diagnoses and seems to be doing very well! He was raised by his uncle up until he was about 9 years old, when he was taken to the institute. Hunter does well in school and does not have any health conditions or delays compared to his peers! He is described as being a relatively introverted and thoughtful kiddo who gets along very well with other children. He has expressed a great desire to find a family and would very much like to be adopted. Contact one of our adoption counselors today if you would like to learn more about Hunter!

Meet Duke

Duke is an adorable 3-year-old boy who is in need of a forever family! Duke has postoperative congenital heart disease. GWCA is currently obtaining updated information on him, as his file is currently outdated. Duke is able to stand alone and say a few words. He has been described as an outgoing boy who loves to laugh and cuddle with his caretakers. Please reach out us at GWCA to learn more about him!

Meet Reese

Reese is a charming 12-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with a lower limb disability. He has received surgery for his need and can now walk with a walker. He continues to receive daily rehabilitation training. Reese lives in a foster home and has formed healthy attachments to his foster parents. He is self-independent and adapts well to change. Reese’s foster parents have described him as an outgoing, respectful, and well-mannered boy. He is very talkative and makes friends easily. He helps out around the house by doing chores and caring for his younger foster siblings. Reese attends school, and he does very well because he is a hard-worker and likes to study. Reese is a caring boy who will bring joy to his future family’s home! Contact us at GWCA today to learn more about him!

Resources

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Lorelai Found Her Family!

Congratulations!

Hooray! We are beyond excited to share that a family has begun submitting their paperwork to bring this INCREDIBLE girl home forever!

As an older girl, she was nearing the age at which she would age out of the China adoption system and lose her chance of being adopted. Now, with a family working towards bringing her home, her life and her future have been changed forever. She’ll be able to experience the love, comfort, and safety of a family. Congratulations to her and her new Forever Family from all of us at Great Wall China Adoption and Children of All Nations! We can’t wait to continue following your journey home!

Special Focus Adoption

As an older child, this wonderful girl’s file was considered Special Focus rather than LID. This made it possible for her family to begin submitting their paperwork to adopt her right away, rather than waiting until they had completed their dossier. GWCA is currently advocating for over 50 Special Focus children from China, including older children, who are still waiting for their families to find them. If you’re interested in learning more about them, contact our adoption specialists or visit our Waiting Child photo listing today!

Resources

– Learn more about adopting from China
– What it means to “Age Out”
– Meet our current Waiting Children
– Contact an adoption specialist

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