China local time: What's the first step? Opening your heart. This process will change your life and the life of a child forever and it is important to understand the gravity of this commitment. If you are sure that you can give the love and support needed, you begin the process by completing a home study, then file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and begin collecting documents for your adoption dossier. Are there age restrictions? Adoptive applicants must be at least 30 years old. The average age of the babies are 8-12 months. Applicants over age 45 should be prepared for a child 12-18 months. While this is the 'rule', it is very common for applicants 45 and over to be matched with an infant 8-12 months. Due to restrictions, single parents can no longer adopt from China. How long does the paperwork process take? Depending upon your motivation to complete the paperwork and the current efficiency of USCIS, anticipate that your dossier will be ready to send to China 3-5 months following your initial application. How long before we get a picture? Currently it is taking approximately 2 years from the time your dossier is logged in at the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA). Faith receives referrals directly from the CCAA for your family, and included in that referral are photographs of your child(usually 2-3 photographs), brief medical information and brief social information. Once we receive the referral we will let you know immediately. We will send the referral to you along with the photographs after the medical and social information has been translated. The translation process generally takes 7-10 days. What will we know about the health of the child? You will receive a very cursory medical report with your referral. It will basically indicate that your child is healthy. In the international adoption arena, China is well known for the good health of the children. When will we travel, and how is that coordinated? Typically, you will travel 6-8 weeks following referral. Faith International Adoptions makes all travel arrangements and provides excellent guides in China. How much will the adoption cost? Interested families should call us with questions on costs. Go to China Home page

It is our great pleasure and honor to recommend Faith International and the China Center of Adoption Affairs as resources for the adoption of children internationally. Denny and Sandra Eliason