[MLRJ]

Hi-

I am wondering about the AP criteria for Taiwan. I checked the DOS website and they list ages up to age 55- but when I go to some agencies they list the age limit as 45, or some list that the younger parent has to be under a certain age. Does anyone know the country's criteria? Or an agency that will work with a couple where one parent is 50 years?

Thanks,

MLRJ

[MissyAmomChina]

Hi MLRJ,

Taiwan as a country does not have very many requirements for prospective adoptive parents. Here's what is stated in their Civil Codes:

The articles of law relating to adoption in Taiwan are found in the Civil Code (Family and Children Welfare Act in Book VI), Articles 1072 through 1083.

The adopting parents must be at least twenty years older than the child(ren) to be adopted.

No child adopted may be:
1. Directly related by blood;
2. Directly related by marriage, except in the adoption of the other spouse’s child as a stepchild; and
3. Indirectly related by blood, such as cousins (unless removed by a certain degree), the spouse of a sibling, or a sibling of your spouse. (Taiwan law is very detailed about what degree of indirect blood relation is excluded from adoption. If prospective adoptive parents are concerned about possible blood ties with the child they wish to adopt, they should contact AIT for clarification before proceeding with the adoption.)

Taiwanese regulations further stipulate that adopting parents must be adults not older than 55 years of age. A married person who adopts a child shall do so jointly with his/her spouse.

Now on a practical level, the orphanages/facilitators in Taiwan have ability to make any requirements they want for prospective parents. For example, we are not christians, and only 1 of the 4 facilitator would work with us. The number of applicants in the program has grown dramatically over the past few years. Yet the number of children available for adoption remains very small. 2007 statistics indicate around 187 children were adopted from Taiwan to the US. As a result, many programs are swamped and not currently taking applicants. Also, many of the facilitators tightening the requirements to include things like a BMI under 30 or 40, no more than x number of children at home, married couples only, no history of mental health needs or no medical conditions like diabetes etc.

There are some older, waiting children available for adoption in Taiwan. You may find some facilitators/agency programs that will accept older parents. There are also some folks who pursue an independent adoption. One last thought, I have seen facilitators/orphanages change requirements on parents mid process without grandfathering in.

We completed our adoption from Taiwan this summer and it was a wonderful experience. Since there is no standardization of the program, it is hard to get a feel of the program. Good luck in your research.

[MLRJ]

HI Missy,

What a thoughtful and detailed response you gave me! I truly appreciate it- I thought it might be individual agencies making their own regulations- Thank you so much for your quick response.

MLRJ

[Sohmakun]

It really depends on the orphanage you choose because they make most of the rules. I would suggest that you call 5 adoption agencies working in Taiwan and ask them about their requirements. Off the top of my head these are the agencies I know that that have Taiwan Programs

Wide Horizons for Children
Journeys of the Heart
Heartsent Adoptions
Families for Children
Shiloh Adoptions

[MLRJ]

Thank you! Another helpful response- I have been speaking to Heartsent- they are sounding really good to me.

MLRJ