[Waigo]

My dad wants to start an adoption agency for adopting children in China and bringing them to the United States, anyone have a good resource or can give me an idea how to do that?

[sak9645]

Any adoption agency wishing to work with China must be licensed in its state, must have non-profit 501(c)3 designation from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and must be registered with China (which does not allow unlicensed facilitators or for-profit organizations to place its children.)

As to being registered in China, there is a discussion of the requirements for agencies on the website of the China Center for Adoption Affairs, the government agency that assigns all children adopted by foreigners. You can read the discussion in English on the CCAA website, at www.china-ccaa.org/

As to licensure, each state is different in its rules, and you will have to contact the relevant licensing organization in your state government for specifics. In general, however, there will be rules governing the Board of Directors, the qualifications of the Executive Director, the qualifications of staff, the need for written policies and procedures, the need for financial records and financial reporting, rules for persons performing homestudies and post-placement supervision, and so on. It is NOT easy to become licensed in most states.

As to obtaining 501(c)3 status from the IRS, there are specific requirements, a list of which you can obtain directly from the IRS. In general, getting 501(c)3 status takes quite a while.

I wish you good luck in your endeavors.

Sharon

[Waigo]

Thanks for the help, looks like it's going to be rough.

[sak9645]

practitioners to conduct adoptions from countries that allow it. Such practitioners are called "facilitators." Your Dad may want to check the laws in your state.

He would not be able to conduct adoptions from China; however, he might be able to assist with adoptions from some other countries.

Frankly, I strongly support the use of licensed, nonprofit agencies. Yes, some licensed agencies are not good; however, if there are a lot of complaints about an agency, the state CAN decertify it. People don't have that recourse if they adopt through a facilitator.

Also, most facilitators do not have the training to evaluate children and counsel families. Licensed agencies are generally required to have the staff to do so. Facilitators also do not have to file detailed financial reports with the government, the way 501(c)3 organizations do, and to have a charitable mission.

In addition, facilitators rarely belong to organizations that work to upgrade the adoption profession, educate staff, and advocate for ethical international adoption. The Joint Council on International Children's Services, which has a 25+ year history of advocating and educating admits only licensed agencies to membership.

That being said, there are some good, ethical facilitators. Your Dad could well look into becoming one if he wants to work with countries other than China.

If he is committed to working with China, your Dad might want to check with agencies in your area to see what their needs are. Some could be looking for staff or volunteers.

He should know, however, that unless he is a social worker, a lawyer, or a person who has directed programs in another agency, he will probably not find paying work easily. With all the closures in countries lately, many agencies have had to cut their already small budgets, which means that they will recruit only people with clinical and other specific skills.

Sharon

[Tamhome]

We are looking to open an International adoption agency from the State of Washington. Can anyone give me information as to who to contact for licensing requirements?
We are also in the process of starting a children's home in Guatemala along with a school. We are getting our incorporation papers this week and are going to be working through an "umbrella" organization for the 501 C(3).
Please PM me with info.
Thank you,
Tammy