Lifeline Children’s Services Qualifications for Adoptive Parents
A. Christian Commitment
As a ministry, Lifeline works with Christian families desiring to adopt as part of a calling and commitment we have been led to. As a part of this, we also ask that you complete two forms (Doctrinal Statement & Christian Questionnaire) that you can access online. We ask that parents have a firm commitment to live according to God’s Word and teach their child the truth about who Jesus Christ is as their Lord and Savior. We would love to talk to you more about this if you would like to know more about what it means to be a Christian. Check out more information about it here.
B. Parenting Ability
The adoptive applicants must give evidence of a mutual desire and love for children. The applicants must be able to provide the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the child being adopted. Adoptive applicants should meet the requirements for adoption in their home state.
C. Age
China requires applicants to be at least 30 years of age. There is an upper age limit of 50 for a healthy referral and age 55 for special needs adoption.
D. Health
The applicants must be in good physical and mental health as determined by a medical examination and evaluation to enable them to undertake the responsibility of parenthood. Family Health insurance and life insurance coverage is required.
E. Finances
The applicants must have a combined income of $10,000 per member of the household, including the adopted child, and a net worth of $80,000. Indebtedness (not including mortgage) should be reasonable.
F. Housing
The applicants’ home must provide adequate space and living conditions necessary to promote health and well being. The home should have at least two bedrooms. Ownership is not required.
G. Work
If both parents work outside the home, one of the parents should be able to remain at home with the child for at least 4-6 weeks following the return home. This assists with bonding and fosters emotional security in the child. Whether one is able to take time off from work will be considered. The exact length of time can be discussed in more detail with our staff. If the parent returns to work, there must be a plan for reasonable child care which will provide security for the child.
H. Prior History of Felony Conviction
Criminal background checks will be conducted for each adult member of the family. Any criminal history in your past should be addressed with an agency representative prior to making an application. All prior legal convictions should be disclosed with the agency representative before starting your home study.
I. Marriage
A husband and wife must be married at least 2 years prior to filing an application. If either spouse has had a previous marriage, their current marriage must be for 5 years. The marriage relationship should be stable, as determined through the home study investigation.
J. Children/Pregnancy
There are no restrictions on an applicants’ ability to have future children. Children in the family must be older than 1 year of age and there cannot be more than 4 minor children already living in the home. (The newly adopted child can be the 5th child in the home but not the 6th.) If a pregnancy does occur during the adoption process and prior to the placement of a child, the prospective adoptive parents’ application could be placed on hold pending the outcome of the pregnancy and the expected date of delivery.
K. Exceptions
Please discuss possible exceptions with a Lifeline representative. Some of the qualifications are set by the CCCWA and are not left to the discretion of Lifeline or its staff.
If you feel that you meet these qualifications please complete and send us the Doctrinal Statement/Christian Questionnaire, Adoption Application, and application fee of $250. We will contact you within 5 business days of receiving your completed initial paperwork. Please contact us at 205.967.0811 or dave.wood@lifelineadoption.org for further information.
Get The International Adoption Forms
Please see the Fee Schedule here for a breakdown of estimated expenses. Additional fees and their due date are outlined in the fee schedule. Please note: The application fee is not refundable once the home study portion of the adoption process has begun.
Following the receipt of your completed application by our office, you will be contacted by us. We will direct you to the next steps. It is at this time that you will be given our China Adoption Manual, along with other miscellaneous adoption paperwork. Please feel free to contact our staff if you have any questions.
