Questions to Consider When Looking to Adopt a Child from Hong Kong

Hong Kong is another area where US citizens can look when trying to adopt an child from abroad. Hong Kong has no residency requirements for United States citizens wishing to adopt. Hong Kong is open to allowing single parents to adopt and even allowing non-ethnic Chinese to adopt. But for both circumstances the type of child you can adopt is limited. Please read and ask yourself the following questions to see if adopting from Hong Kong is for you.

Are you Ethnic Chinese?

The reason for this is that Ethnic Chinese are preferred by the government for adoption. Non-ethnic Chinese will be considered for adoption if they are willing to adopt a child who is older or has some form of disability.

Are you at least 25 years or older and in good physical and mental health?

The requirements to adopt a child from Hong Kong are that married couples looking to adopt a child from Hong Kong must be at least 25 years of age. Couples health must be good both physically and mentally.

Are you over the age of 45?

If you over the age of 45 the government will consider you for adoption if you are willing to take a special needs child or an older child.

If you are single do you have special needs skills?

Single parents over the age of 25 may apply for adoption but preference is given to single parents who have some form of special skills. These skills can come from working as a nurse or doing some form of social work. Chances are greater for single parents also if they agree to take a special needs child.

Are you willing to wait six to twelve months for the to be placed with you?

Hong Kong authorities have stated that an adoption can take anywhere from six to twelve months for the child to be placed with the adoptive parents.

The complete adoption will be finalized though about six months after the child is living in the United States with the child's adoptive parents. To finalize the adoption will take then from twelve to eighteen months. But for the last six months the child will already be with you.

Statistics preformed by the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department, indicates that the Social Welfare Department handled 74 adoptions in 2006 to foreign families who did not live in Hong Kong. Also the statistics showed that most of the children available for adoption where five years old or younger. Some of these children had health problems or were disabled.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is the current information available through the U.S Department of State. As with any legal venture you will need to contact an attorney to discuss all legal aspects of your adoption. This is provided for information purposes only.