Taiwan: Country and Program Overview

Taiwan is located off the southeastern coast of China. In 2000, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. The dominant political issues continue to be the relationship between Taiwan and China ' specifically the question of eventual reunification, as well as domestic, political and economic reform. There are a small number of Taiwanese children adopted internationally each year. In 2001, the last year for which this information is available, there were 32 children adopted by United States citizens.

Children Available

Children of all ages, including infants, toddlers, older children, and some sibling sets, are available for adoption from Taiwan. Special needs children are also available. There are both boys and girls in need of families, but there are often more boys than girls waiting for families. Families may specify age and gender. In Taiwan, birth mothers are given the option of participating in the selection of adoptive parents for the child being adopted. Therefore, it is possible that the adoptive family will have some contact with the birth mother. Children are generally between the ages of one and four months at the time of referral, and between five and ten months of age when they are brought home by their adoptive family.

Taiwanese law is very detailed regarding restrictions placed on children available for adoption. They are as follows: No child adopted may be related to the potential adoptive family in any of the following manners; 1. Directly related by blood; 2. Directly related by marriage, except in the adoption of the other spouse's child as a stepchild; and 3. Indirectly related by blood. Taiwan law is very detailed about these restrictions. If any family is concerned they should contact the Taiwanese Civil Code, Family and Children Welfare Act in Book VI.

Parent Requirements

Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old or 20 years older than the adopted child. The upper age limit depends upon the placement agency, but is generally between 45 ' 55 years. Adoptive Parents must be married for at least 5 years. Single women can adopt older children or special needs children. There are no residency requirements that prospective adoptive parents must meet in order to adopt an orphan from Taiwan.

Travel

Families adopting from Taiwan are generally in country for one week.

Timelines

Due to the nature of the program, times vary significantly. However, the average total time is between 14 ' 18 months for an infant and significantly shorter for older or waiting children. The court and paperwork process in Taiwan is approximately 3 ' 6 months.

Fees

Approximate total cost for an adoption from Taiwan ranges from $25,000-$35,000. These fees include your home study, travel, stay in country, agency fees, foreign program costs and legalization of paperwork.