Adoption Program
China Waiting Child
The Waiting Child Adoption Process
Adopting a special needs child takes a very special family that is looking for the unique opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. Adopting a child through the HIC Waiting Child Program takes a family with extra energy, patience, commitment, and love to give. Our Waiting Child Program families have deeply connected with their children and feel grateful for the opportunity to add to their families in this way.
Pre-Approval Application
The adopting family and the HIC Waiting Child Program Director work together to find the right match. HIC receives information from the CCAA on several Waiting Children at a time and maintains a waiting list of prospective Waiting Child families. Once you find a specific child that touches your heart, you will work with the Program Director to begin the paperwork process and to meet all of the China requirements. HIC takes great care in matching the right family with the right child, to ensure a successful placement and to build a loving family.
Families who are interested in viewing the pictures and files of the Waiting Child children must fill out a Pre-Approval Application and send it to HIC by email or the postal service. Click here for a Pre-approval Application and return to janet@h-i-c.org.
Application
Once pre-approved you will complete and submit a Waiting Child Application, which provides us with information about you and your adoptive needs. You are asked to list references, your reasons for wishing to adopt, and the type of child you think would best suit your family. With your approved application, we will maintain an active file for one year. Great care is taken to match the family to the needs of the child to ensure a good fit.
The Process
HIC provides families a Step 2 Packet, an HIC ICAT (International Child Adoption Training Packet), and a Waiting Child Program Packet after their formal application has been submitted. These packets are designed to get families through each step of the adoption process.
In addition, HIC maintains an e-mail newsletter and sends out monthly e-mailings. HIC staff members who specialize in various aspects of the adoption process are available by phone or e-mail for consultation and advice to help you properly complete your application and dossier properly, discuss travel plans, advise you about your child assignment, travel plans, and explain post-placement requirements and procedures.
Home Study
Your home study must be completed by an agency within your state of residence. HIC will complete the home study for residents of Hawaii. Clients living anywhere other than Hawaii will be advised by HIC of appropriate home study services in their geographic area. HIC will work closely with your home study agency to ensure efficient and appropriate completion of your home study.
Once the home study has been completed, one original copy must be submitted to USCIS and one to HIC. Your home study should be submitted to HIC as soon as possible for you to receive HIC approval and for translation purposes. Your final home study report should be kept to 4-5 pages if possible.
USCIS (INS) Pre-Filing
The first step in getting approval to immigrate a foreign born child is to submit a form I-600A ("Application for Advanced Processing of an Orphan Petition") to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Approval from USCIS typically takes 1-3 months. HIC can assist you with this process and provide you with forms and instructions.
China Dossier Completion and Submission
Families in this program will have selected a specific "Waiting Child" for adoption before the adoption dossier is sent to the CCAA in China. The time from when the dossier is sent to CCAA until the family is approved to travel is approximately 4 months. HIC can assist you with this process and provide forms and instruction.
Adoption Parent Training Classes
HIC offers a variety of pre-adoption training and support groups. Our Mentor Program connects you to a family who has already completed their HIC adoption. HIC follows the Hague mandated 10-hour training requirement, and encourages all families to complete online adoption preparation course work. Detailed information on live and online courses is available to HIC clients.
Travel Arrangements
When you receive your travel approval, HIC will send you a China Travel Packet with all of the information, forms, packing lists and other materials you'll need for your adoption travel. You will also have an in-person or teleconference travel meeting with the Waiting Child Program Director for final questions, reminders and instructions prior to your departure. Upon your arrival home with your newly adopted child, a HIC Post Placement Packet will be waiting for you. Our Post Placement Packet was created to help get you through remaining issues such as insuring your child's U.S. citizenship, applying for your child's Social Security Card, and re-adopting your child in your state of residence, if necessary.
China's adoption law requires that at least one parent travel to China to complete their child's adoption. While you are in China our China Adoption Coordinator will assist you with all phases of your trip, from logistical arrangements to adoption processing. An HIC China facilitator will meet and support you through the entire adoption voyage. Our coordinator is very experienced and is available to our families, 24-hours a day for the duration of the trip abroad. Your stay in China will be approximately 10-12 days.
Official U.S. government link for travel information to China.
Post Placement / Post Adoption Support
Upon your return home, you will be required to use you're your home study agency or, a licensed social worker, to complete two post placement reports. These reports are due at 6 and 12 months intervals from the date of your return home and should be forwarded to HIC.
Post Placement / Post Adoption Packet
Upon your arrival home with your newly adopted child, an HIC Post Placement Packet will be waiting for you. Our Post Placement Packet is designed to help you finalize issues such as insuring your child's U.S. citizenship, applying for your child's Social Security Card, and passport, and re-adopting your child in your state of residence, if necessary.
Other post placement resources available to families include the HIC e-mail newsletter, sent out monthly and access to the HIC staff members who specialize in various aspects of the adoption process in person or by phone or e-mail for consultation. HIC also offers family's opportunities to network, socialize, participate in fun activities such as Chinese classes and play groups.
