ADOPTION

Posted by quintin (257 days ago)

Has anyone out there had any experiece with child adoption from Asia.
We are considering adoption but I am overwhelmed by websites etc and not particularly confident in them. Any advice or information will be readily accepted. Thanks.

ps - We are in HK but are both UK citizens

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by 788 (257 days ago)

Hi quintin,

Mother's Choice is supposed to be an excellent place to look into for either HK/ Chinese children. One of our friend's just adopted through them. If you are looking at other nationalities- then you have to register with ISS (International Social Services) first. They will do all the screening, background check, interviews etc. We were told of this procedure by an Indian adoption agency in New Delhi.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by expat2006 (257 days ago)

Hi quintin,
There are two adoption services units - one for local adoptions and one for foreign adoptions. I can only tell you foreign ones as my husband and I have put in our papers for that. You have to approach the ISS as 788 mentioned and they will take you step by step through the procedure. This includes a lot of paperwork, interviews, home visits, orientation and not to forget, waiting which kills. Whichever country you will choose from (incl china) you will have to go through the ISS. They are the only authorised body to assist you with that. You can't do anything idependantly. Hope this helps

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (256 days ago)

the local system seems to be very straight forward, fast and efficient.

i know about 10 couples that have adopted locally and every single one is very happy with the process and each were matched with a child within a year of filing the paper work and undergoing home studies.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by quintin (256 days ago)

Many thanks to you all that will at least point us in the right direction. Regards. Q

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by quintin (256 days ago)

Out of interest the people who adopted locally could they adopt babies - have been told that it is unlikely child would be under 2 yrs old. Thanks again. Q

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (256 days ago)

no. all but one of them were around 3-4 months. one of the children was 13 months.

however, in hk there are more boys than girls available (opposite to china), so if you are set on a girl, then you may wait a little longer. i have also heard that they warn you that you may get a child with "problems" but this can be as simple as excema or something like that... or it could be as serious as autism etc. but you need to be specific in your application what you are looking for. this makes it easier for them to make a match.

good luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by quintin (255 days ago)

Once again thanks very much for you information.
Cara could you give me a contact for the local agencies/authorities you mention in your last thread please. Thanks. Q

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by quintin (255 days ago)

Sorry Cara - I have the local adoption services details.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkexpat2007 (255 days ago)

Our friends adopted two healthy adorable girls in HK - both when they were just a few months old. I think in each case, it took less than a year.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by quintin (255 days ago)

That sounds amazing - thanks so much for that! Q

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by JJB (253 days ago)

What is meant by foreign adoption here in HK? Is that adopting from other Asian countries or also includes Russia and Easter Europe? Thanks!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (253 days ago)

i would guess that foreign means anything outside of hong kong....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by quintin (252 days ago)

It does mean outside of HK. It also seems to depend where your country of origin is- for example as Brits we can adopt from China mainland but the process is more complicated, we can also adopt from Thailand, India and Phillipines but there are no links as yet with Vietnam and the Cambodian link has been suspended for now.
Q

(I am based in Hong Kong)