China Adoption Timeline & Process
If your family chooses to move forward with a specific child, our first step is to “lock” the child’s file. This means we place both spouses name along with your log-in date information on the child’s file. Once we do this, the system will automatically pull the child’s file from the view of other agencies. We then have 72 hours to complete the “formal application” for your child. You will be asked to write a letter of intent, complete a parent information sheet, and submit photos to the Waiting Child Team. Great Wall submits this information through the CCAA’s online system. Please note, a child’s file can only be locked by one family from one agency, and the CCAA will only consider one family for a child. As long as we submit this information within 72 hours, the child’s file remains “locked” for your family throughout the remainder of your adoption process.
The CCAA’s Review Room and Matching Room will review your family’s information and judge your eligibility. If they feel your family is a suitable potential match for the child, they will issue a Pre-Approval. This is their agreement to consider your dossier on behalf of the child.
If you are currently in the dossier process, the Pre-Approval will provide you with a three month deadline to complete your dossier. If you are unable to meet this deadline, Great Wall cannot guarantee the CCAA will issue your family an extension.
If you have already submitted your dossier to China, the Pre-Approval will initiate your dossier into the expedited, Waiting Child process.
The CCAA’s Review Room will then review your family’s dossier on behalf of your child. When their review is complete, the Matching Room will formally pair you with your child by issuing the “Letter Seeking Confirmation”. This is the official referral of your child to your family.
The timeline to travel depends on where your dossier is in the review process. Most families will travel with 7-9 months of moving forward with their child. If your family is working to complete the dossier, this timeframe will begin with your log-in date.
Confidentiality
We have made significant changes in regards to the Waiting Child Program in order to protect the privacy of the children and our families.
Click here for information on the review process.
