Which China adoption agency should you choose?

Working with a China adoption agency is the only way for an American citizen residing in the US to adopt from China.

The other way for US citizens to adopt from China is if the adoptive parents live in China for more than one year for work or study and submit the required paperwork to the Chinese adoption organization.

There are many reputable China adoption agencies that assist with Chinese child adoptions. Switching agencies is rare and often unnecessary. Just do your homework.

For our China adoption, we first outlined our expectations of a China adoption agency’s program. Then we researched several agencies which fit our criteria.

Some of our requirements for a China adoption agency were as follows:

• Shared our values

• Well established program that had several years experience working with China

• Reasonable expenses and fees with no hidden costs

• Knowledgeable, caring and approachable staff

• Willing to help us find social workers that fit China’s requirement for completing our home study

• Experienced and caring tour guides in China

• Experience helping military families adopt from China

• Small enough to recognize us when we called them on the phone to ask for help

• Willing to help us with the paperwork or at least point us in the right direction for help

• Stayed in constant contact with us and updated us regularly on the status of our Chinese child adoption

• Told us what to expect as far a fees and travel expenses were concerned when we traveled to China

• Arranged trustworthy travel for us to, from and within China

After you have narrowed your choices down, it might help to get your thoughts "down on paper."

Take a look at this useful decision-making tool that can help you weigh your options and choose the one that is best for you and your family.

After considering all of our options, we eventually chose America World Adoption Association. This agency met every one of our criteria and did a wonderful job helping us get our beautiful daughter home. They guided us through all the paperwork hoops in the US and in China.

Their guides were extremely helpful and caring in China. They transported us from one tour/shopping trip/official’s office to the next flawlessly. Not once did we feel abandoned or misguided.

Of course, there are many China adoption agencies that can assist you with your Chinese child adoption. For us, America World Adoption Association fit our criteria the best. You may have other criteria.

As with any big decision, research is vital. After making your decision, work closely with your China adoption agency. Stay up to date with the status of you Chinese child adoption. The whole process is very detailed and involved.

However, rest assured that all the hard work will pay off. The paper pregnancy will end quicker than you think. Your forever family will be born. Then you can start weaving your precious red thread into a beautiful tapestry.

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