
In 2001, Americans adopted 32 children from Taiwan. However, more and more people are discovering that adopting from Taiwan is a very simple and uncomplicated process. Thus, expect to see many more international adoptions from Taiwan in the future.
Here’s what you need to do after your homestudy and dossier are completed:
All of the original documents from the United States must be notarized by a U.S. notary and the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) and must be translated into Chinese.
According to the U.S. Department of State, “Persons wishing to adopt a child in Taiwan must obtain Taiwanese travel documents for the child.” In other words, your child will need a Taiwanese passport and the appropriate visa from the U.S. Embassy. Without the completed adoption and travel documents in order, it is illegal to take the child out of Taiwan.
Children Available: Healthy children, from infants to school-age children, are available for adoption from Taiwan. More boys are available than girls. Special needs children and sibling groups are also available from Taiwan.
Parent Requirements: Married couples, single men, and single women may adopt from Taiwan. Parents must be at least 20 years older than the child to be adopted.
Travel Requirements: Both parents must travel to Taiwan to bring their child home. The average trip length is one week.
Time Frame: Child referral generally happens four to six months after your dossier arrives in Taiwan. You can expect to travel to bring your child home about six months after you accept a child referral.
Number of Children Adopted by Americans in 2001: 32
Additional Information: The children available for adoption from Taiwan live in orphanages. Although the birthparents in Taiwan are given the option of choosing the adoptive parents for their child, not all will do this. Post placement reports and supervision are required for seven years following the adoption.
Credits: The International Adoption Guidebook, © Mary M. Strickert