International Adoption
1. BACKGROUND
Adoption is an agreement between the biological parents/legal guardians and the adoptive parents in relation to the material, educational and emotional well-being of the child to be adopted. The adoption process is completed by obtaining a civil ruling and certificate for final civil ruling from the Court and registering the adoption at the local Household Registration Office where the child is registered. The articles of law relating to adoption in Taiwan are found in the Civil Code Part IV Family, Articles 1059-1090 and the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act , Articles 15-21.
2. CRITERIA FOR ADOPTIVE APPLICANTS
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All applicants have to go through a specified agency.
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The adoptive applicants must be at least twenty years older than the adoptee, but the age gap between both of applicants and the adoptee should be no more than 45 years.
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All applicants must have a BMI under 40 considering the health issue.
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When a married person adopts a child, he/she must do so jointly with his/her spouse.
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The applicants shall be married at least five years.
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Preference is given to CHILDLESS couples. For the couples having children already, the numbers of their biological children under 18 years old at home are limited to 2. The total of children at home should be no more than 4 after adoption, including the prospective adopted child.
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A letter addressed to prospective birth mother should be attached with home study.
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Please keep your home study update every 1 year 10 months; and actively inform Cathwel of changing status in your family.
3. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
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Application form along with a photo album or DVD with the photos of applicants and home environment;
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One (1) original copy and Chinese version of home study report from the social welfare agencies/authority with adoption permission.
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Certificate of Good Conduct/Police or Criminal Clearance
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Financial statement ( Statutory declaration of asset and liabilities);
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Medical reports on applicants;
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Two reference letters;
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Employment verification;
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Marriage certificate;
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Photo copies of passports on applicants;
4. ALLOCATION OF CHILD
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The application dossiers will be evaluated by Cathwel Service. The qualified applicants will be enrolled on the waiting list. The waiting period will last at least 24 months.
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Cathwel does not “match” the family with the child but the child’s birth family selects the adoptive family. As soon as the applicant(s) is/are selected, we will officially offer the referral. The documents include the child’s medical report and social history. NO photos or video tapes of the child will be provided until the referral is unconditionally accepted.
5. ADOPTION FEES
Adoption fee is required that will support services run by Cathwel Service. The adoption fee is based on the adoption cases. And the supervision received by the government.
6. POST-ADOPTION REPORTS
(at least 7 years according to Cathwel requirement)
Four quarterly progress report and photos for the first year (3rd, 6th ,9th ,12th months). At least two of the reports should be done by the licensed social worker from local authority/agency. From the second year, the annual report and photos can be provided by the adoptive families.
Please contact the agencies overseas which cooperate with Cathwel if you consider adoption from Cathwel.
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