China
Country: China
Serving China Through Lifeline
International Adoption
About China
Lifeline has had an adoption program in China since 2000 and maintains a positive relationship with the CCCWA (China’s central authority on adoption), working with orphanages all over the country. China allows families the opportunity to pursue the adoption of children with minor to significant medical and developmental special needs. Overall, the Chinese authorities are in favor of U.S. citizens adopting Chinese children, and are very supportive and helpful during the adoption process. China is Lifeline’s largest international adoption program.
The Need
Since Lifeline has been working in China, the majority of children that we advocate for are children with medical special needs, ranging in age from 1 to 14 years old.
How You Can Help
Lifeline advocates and recruits families open to medical special needs and varying ages. We have seen over 1500 children come home since 2000. We work hard to prepare families for adopting a child with medical special needs so that these children will have a successful transition into a forever family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ethnicity of the children in China?
The children in China are of Asian descent.
Do children reside in foster homes or orphanages in China?
Children in China may reside in either orphanages or foster homes. They may also go back and forth between the two.
How long does an adoption from China usually take?
The process of adopting from China will take approximately 12 to 24 months. If you are interested in adopting a very young child with very minor medical needs, your process timeframe may take closer to 24 months. Expedited processes may be available for children who are aging out (reaching their 14th birthday) and for children who would be considered medically fragile.Is there a limit to the number or ages of children in our home already before we can adopt?
Is there a limit to the number or ages of children in our home already before we can adopt?
Families may have no more than 5 minors in the home at the time they submit their dossier to China to adopt the 6th child. The youngest child already in your home must be at least 3 years old at the time of dossier submission.
When are you able to match with a child?
Families are able to match with a child that is Special Focus (older; more significant medical special need) at any time during their process. If you desire to match with a child that is younger (under 3) or has a minor medical special need, your dossier would need to be logged-in.
How long is the in country stay?
Families will make one trip to China where they will stay for approximately two weeks to complete their adoption process and initiate the process of US citizenship. Families will spend the first week in the capital (provincial) city of the province where their child’s orphanage is located. All families adopting from China will spend the second week of their trip in Guangzhou, China where the US Consulate is located.
Where do we stay while in country?
While in-country, you will stay in 4 and 5 star hotels. Your accommodations will be arranged by our in-country team. Lifeline chooses our hotels based on safety and proximity to government offices, restaurants and shopping.
How do we get around in country?
Our in-country team will provide transportation for you. Most transportation will be in the form of a private bus that all of the members of your travel group will share. Your guide will arrange air-travel between your province and Guangzhou.
Will we have English speaking guides while in China?
Yes, you will have an English speaking guide accompanying your family while you are in China.
What’s Happening in China
Pray for China
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International Adoption Prayer Guide
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China Financial Information
Lifeline Agency Fees: Application – $300 This non-refundable fee is due at submission of your application. Once the application is accepted, then it will be processed by Lifeline to ensure you meet agency and country requirements. Acceptance of the application constitutes the…
Who We Are
Lifeline has been bringing gospel hope and a future to orphaned children for over 35 years. Today, we have over 100 staff members on the phone, in meetings, and out in the field all working together to find incredible families for children…
