Second Adoption

Hello, we adopted here in HK, 2 years ago. We have just sent in our application for a second adoption.


I remember, we do not have to attend the 2 workshops again. Can anyone tell me what the process will be this time? Has anyone adopted 2 times here?

Hi missdj, we adopted here in HK 2 years ago too! And we've also lodged our application for a second adoption with the SWD, and were approved in July. Been waiting to be matched but our case worker very honestly told us that we are probably in for a long wait. Our first adoption was very fast, we were matched just a month after we were approved. Now, with second adoptions, it will take much longer as we are not on the top of the priority list anymore. Our case worker mentioned that there are recently fewer babies available, but more and more childless couples applying to adopt. So, in this scenario, usually all available babies will be matched to the childless couples first. From her experience, she told us that second adoptions are rare (not impossible, but rare) unless your existing adopted child has a sibling who's also been given up for adoption. In cases like this, then SWD try their best to match you up with the sibling. Of course, if you are open to a child who's older, has special needs etc, then you could be matched much faster.


And no, the process for second time round is much quicker. You don't have to attend the workshops; just the individual interview, joint interview, referee interviews and one home study. We completed our process within 3.5 months and are just waiting now. In the meantime, don't be too stressed or anxious. Just enjoy your time with your precious little one while you can! :) How old is yours now?

jen1812, Thanks so much for the information. Very helpful. Do you have the same case worker as you did the first time? We do and ours is not very helpful. We are waiting now for our first home study.


Our daughter is now 3 yrs old. How old is your little one? Have you requested baby or older child? When you say 'older', what is considered older?

Hi missdj, I think "older" by the SWD definition is a child aged 3 and above? We requested from newborn to 6 months, as I believe the bonding should start as early as possible. Obviously it would be a bit harder the older the baby, especially as they would be used to a certain routine and certain people in their life by then. Our daughter is now 2.5 years old, and she was 2 mths old when we were matched, so that was perfect. No, we don't have the same caseworker. Our current one seems ok. I don't think you can request for the same caseworker...'cos I asked that question when I called to do some initial enquiries about second adoption. Our first caseworker was on maternity leave in any case, so I knew we would not be assigned to her. She was great, and to this day we keep in touch and I occasionally send her photos of our daughter so she can see how she's growing and changing.

If you don't mind me asking, are you ethnic Chinese? Chinese couples get matched a lot faster than Caucasian couples and mixed race couples.

Have you asked or told your daughter about having a sibling? Ours does not like the idea at all. I'm not sure if she really understands, but each time we ask if she would like a sister she would say "NO" very firmly, and add in "Only want Mommy"! Maybe she's still too young to grasp or understand the concept of siblings, but she already seems to feel threatened by the idea of sharing Mommy with someone else. We have stopped pushing the issue with her for the moment, since we figure it will probably be a long time before we are matched anyway (if at all!), and by then she will be older too. :)

hi jen,


We actually didn't want the same case worker, but we got her. Oh well.

We are both Caucasian, so will be at the bottom of the list too. Our daughter was 17 months when we adopted her and she is now 3 yrs 3 months. Luckily we have had NO bonding problems at all. She is so attached to us both. She asks for a sister and sometimes changes it to a brother. But, I think she will be jealous, as, when I hold another baby, she comes and says, "No, my mommy."

We will adopt up to a 2 yr old again, as we do not care for a newborn.


Your'e still waiting? Any updates on how many children or people waiting?

Hi jen,


Our case worker has now been changed... yeahhhh. Any news for you yet?