Adoption Program
Taiwan
Adoption Process
Once you have committed to the idea of adopting internationally, there are several steps that need to be taken early in the process. The HIC staff will walk you through the entire process to make sure everything is in order throughout the adoption process and especially when you travel to pick up your child in Taiwan.
Application
The application provides us with information about you and your adoptive needs. You are asked to list references, your reasons for wishing to adopt, and the type of child you think would best suit your family. With your approved application, we begin to walk you through the adoption process.
Home Study
Your home study must be completed by an accredited agency within your state of residence. HIC will complete the home study for residents of Hawaii. Clients living anywhere other than Hawaii will be advised by HIC of appropriate home study services in their geographic area. HIC will work closely with your home study agency to ensure efficient and appropriate completion of your home study.
Once the home study has been completed, one original copy must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and one to HIC. Your home study should be submitted to HIC as soon as possible for you to receive HIC approval and for translation purposes. Your final home study report should be kept to 9-10 pages, if possible.
USCIS Filing
In order to complete an adoption you will need to get approval to immigrate a foreign born child by submitting a Form I-600A (Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition). This form will need to be mailed to USCIS along with your completed home study. Approval from USCIS typically takes a few weeks. HIC will assist you with this process and provide you with forms and instructions.
Taiwan Dossier Completion Submission
While waiting for USCIS approval you should be completing the documentation required by HIC’s partner agencies in Taiwan. A list of the documents needed for your Taiwan dossier and all forms and samples will be included in your Taiwan Program Packet.
Adoption Parent Training Classes
HIC offers a variety of pre-adoption training and support groups. Our Mentor Program connects you to a family who has already completed its HIC adoption. HIC follows The Hague mandated 10-hour training requirement, and encourages all families to complete online adoption preparation course work. Detailed information on live and online courses is available to HIC clients.
Travel Arrangements
Our goal is to get your child into your arms as soon as possible, while ensuring that everything is in place to make for as smooth an adoption as possible. Once you accept your child assignment, HIC immediately begins to prepare your dossier for submission to Taiwan. The Taiwan court process usually takes 6-7 months from when your dossier is received. HIC prepares all travel plans for each client, through a travel agent.
Official U.S. government link for travel information to Taiwan.
Your Trip To Taiwan
The HIC Adoption Team, made up of the Taiwan Program Director, the Taiwan Adoption Coordinator, and a travel agent, arrange and finalize all of your travel plans, appointments, and paperwork requirements. The team will meet you in the province where your child lives, and walk you through the Taiwan adoption process in that province. The team is available to you on a 24-hour basis throughout the entire process and will ensure that all details and concerns are expediently handled.
Post-Adoption Support
Upon your return home, you will be required to use your home study agency or a licensed social worker to complete seven post-adoption reports. These reports are due at 3-, 6- and 12- month intervals from the date of your return home and should be forwarded to HIC. In addition, post-adoption reports are due at 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. These last four reports can be self-reports by the family. Other resources available to families include the monthly HIC e-mail newsletter, access to a variety of local and national adoption resources, and access to the HIC staff members who specialize in various aspects of the adoption process. The latter may be done in person or by phone or email.
Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Packet
Upon your arrival home with your newly adopted child, an HIC Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Packet will be waiting for you. Our Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Packet is designed to help you finalize issues such as insuring your child's U.S. citizenship, applying for your child's Social Security Card, and passport, and re-adopting your child in your state of residence.
