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Roots-Finding Program

Guideline for Application of Roots-Finding Services

Introduction

Cathwel Service has been supporting adoptees and their families for decades. Over the years, countless adoptees from various countries have returned to Taiwan to explore their origins, regardless of their age. We are always grateful for the opportunity to support adoptees, adoptive families, birth families, and foster families throughout this meaningful journey.

Roots-finding is a gradual process rather than a single event. It involves multiple stages of professional work, including reviewing case records, locating birth families, contacting and preparing birth families and/or foster families, facilitating information exchange, clarifying expectations, arranging preparation meetings, and finally facilitating reunions. Each stage requires careful communication and coordination with everyone involved.

As every roots-finding case is unique, it is impossible to complete the entire process immediately. Time, flexibility, and mutual understanding are essential to making the reunion as meaningful and supportive as possible.

To meet the different needs of adoptees, Cathwel Service currently offers two types of roots-finding options. The following information outlines the two services and provides guidance on the application process.

  1. Individual Roots-Finding Service

  2. Group Roots-Finding Program

 

Individual Roots-Finding Service

The Individual Roots-Finding Service is tailored to each adoptee’s wishes and expectations. In addition to assisting with locating birth families and arranging reunions, the service emphasizes preparation, communication, and mutual understanding among adoptees, adoptive families, birth families, and foster families.

Service Details

  1. Application and Preparation

Cathwel Service assists adoptees in completing the Application Form and Questionnaire. These documents help social workers understand the adoptee’s background, expectations, and needs, and provide appropriate preparation and support throughout the roots-finding journey.

  1. Birth Family Search, Communication, and Preparation

After receiving the application, Cathwel Service’s social workers maintain regular contact with the applicant throughout the roots-finding process.

Once the birth family and/or foster family has been located, Cathwel Service will first meet with them separately to discuss expectations, provide emotional preparation, and ensure that they are ready for the reunion.

Before arranging the reunion, Cathwel Service also collects and confirms the expectations of both the adoptee and the birth family, assesses potential pressures and difficulties during the meeting, and prepares everyone involved for the encounter.

  1. Reunion Arrangement and Support

After the applicant arrives in Taiwan, a face-to-face preparation meeting will be arranged before the reunion. Once both parties are fully prepared, Cathwel Service will arrange the reunion, provide on-site support, and offer interpretation services when needed.

Since preparation meetings are an essential part of the reunion process, both the preparation meeting and the reunion meeting are conducted in person. Online meetings are generally not available as a substitute for either the preparation meeting or the reunion itself.

  1. Follow-up Support

After the reunion, Cathwel Service assists with follow-up meetings and communication, helps both parties develop mutual understanding, and provides ongoing support as needed.

Application Guidelines

  1. Application Timeline

For first-time applicants, please submit the Application Form and Questionnaire to roots@cs.org.tw at least 6 months prior to the adoptee’s arrival in Taiwan.

For a second-time application or any subsequent applications, please submit the Application Form at least 3 months in advance.

  1. Travel Arrangement

It is strongly recommended that adoptees or adoptive parents confirm availability with Cathwel Service before booking flights and accommodations.

Many adoptive families combine their roots-finding trip with traveling around Taiwan, which can be a wonderful opportunity to experience Taiwan. However, we strongly recommend allowing sufficient time and flexibility in the travel itinerary.

The availability of birth families and/or foster families may influence the reunion schedule, and their preferred dates may not always match the original travel plans. In addition, reunions often involve complex emotions for everyone involved. Allowing extra time before and after the reunion provides space for preparation, emotional adjustment, and reflection.

Flexibility in scheduling helps reduce stress and creates a more supportive environment for everyone involved.

  1. Questionnaire

The Questionnaire is an important tool that helps social workers understand the expectations of adoptees and their families and prepare for the reunion.

Whenever possible, both adoptees and adoptive parents are encouraged to complete the Questionnaire separately. We strongly recommend that adoptees aged 16 or above complete their own Questionnaire.

Questionnaires completed by both the adoptee and adoptive parents are highly appreciated. However, for adoptees aged 18 or above, the adoptive parents’ Questionnaire may be waived in specific circumstances where completing it may not be appropriate.

 

Group Roots-Finding Program

Since 2006, Cathwel Service has been committed to helping adoptees explore their birthplace and reconnect with Taiwan, through appropriate arrangements that allow them to learn about Taiwan’s culture, customs, society, and way of life. During the program, adoptees also have the opportunity to reconnect with their birth families based on their wishes.

Program Information

  1. Program Duration:
    Two weeks during summer break.

  2. Number of Participants:
    Approximately 12 participants per year (aged 18–25).

  3. Accommodation:
    Accommodation is provided at Cathwel Service’s facility.

  4. Application Process:
    Cathwel Service releases application information every December through the Newsletter, Lumen. Interested individuals may find detailed information on Cathwel Service’s website (https://www.cs.org.tw/List.aspx?id=89).

    • Please note that applications typically open around January or February each year and spaces are usually filled quickly. Adoptees who are interested are encouraged to check for updates regularly and apply as early as possible.

Program Highlights

This program provides adoptees who are interested in Taiwan with the opportunity to visit their birthplace, deepen their understanding of Taiwan, and interact with fellow adoptees. Key highlights include:

  1. Volunteer Service
    Engage in meaningful volunteer work at Jonah House to gain insight into the work of Cathwel Service while giving back to the agency.

  2. Language and Culture
    Appreciate the beauty of Chinese calligraphy and learn basic Mandarin through language courses.

  3. Traditional Arts
    Explore Taiwan’s folk festivals and unique traditional crafts, such as glove puppetry, wood carving, pottery, and traditional opera.

  4. Historical Tours
    Visit historical and cultural sites, such as the Lin Family Mansion and Garden (a traditional Chinese garden), Sanxia Zushi Temple (a prominent temple), and the National Palace Museum (for ancient cultural relics).

  5. Local Experiences
    Enjoy Taiwan’s vibrant local life by tasting street food at night markets and visiting popular destinations such as Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, and the Gongguan shopping district.

  6. Taiwan Exploration
    Visit iconic tourist destinations across Taiwan.

  7. Family Reunion
    Reconnect with birth families through arrangements made by Cathwel Service, fulfilling adoptees’ hopes for reunion and strengthening their sense of self-identity.

 

Comparison of Roots-Finding Services

For adoptees or adoptive parents who are unsure which service—Group Roots-Finding Program or Individual Roots-Finding Service—would better meet their needs, please refer to the comparison below.

Item

Individual Roots-Finding Service

Group Roots-Finding Program

Application Period

Adoptees may arrange their own travel schedule. However, Individual Roots-Finding Service is unavailable during the two-week Group Roots-Finding Program period in late July and early August. Cathwel Service assists with preparation for reunion meetings.

The registration period is announced every December in Cathwel’s Newsletter, Lumen. Detailed information is available on Cathwel Service’s website.

Age of the Adoptee

No age restriction.

18–25 years old at the time of application.

Travel Schedule

Adoptees are responsible for arranging and planning their own trips at any time. Cathwel Service arranges meetings with birth families or visits to Cathwel Service according to the adoptee’s needs.

The program is held annually between July and August and lasts two weeks. Cathwel Service arranges meetings with birth families for adoptees who request assistance and helps coordinate the itinerary during this period.

Participants

The adoptee may be accompanied by family members or friends.

Only adoptees may participate in the program.

Travel Expenses

All travel expenses are the responsibility of the adoptee.

Except for meals and accommodation provided by Cathwel Service, all other expenses are borne by the participants.

Capacity

Maximum of 3–4 participants per month, depending on social workers’ caseloads.

Maximum of 12 participants per year.

Reunion Arrangements

For meetings with birth families, the meeting schedule must align with the availability of both the birth family and assigned social worker (at least two half-days should be reserved for preparation and reunion). Avoiding Taiwan’s holidays and weekends is recommended; however, the final schedule depends on the needs and availability of the birth family.

For meetings with birth families, Cathwel Service will try to avoid conflicts with program activities and coordinate according to the availability of birth families. Adoptive family members may participate in reunion meetings but are not permitted to participate in other group activities.

 

Confidentiality and Respect 

Every roots-finding journey involves different circumstances and emotions. Cathwel Service respects the privacy, feelings, and choices of adoptees, birth families, foster families, and adoptive families throughout the process.

Additional Resources

Roots-finding can open a new chapter for adoptees and their families. The following resources may be helpful before beginning the journey.

Stages of Reunion
https://www.originscanada.org/services/adoption-reunion/stages-of-reunion/

Tips for a Successful Reunion
https://www.originscanada.org/services/adoption-reunion/tips-for-a-successful-reunion/

Taiwanese Adoptees from Cathwel Service
https://www.facebook.com/groups/303196953483988/

Foreign to Family – The Journey to My Roots (E-book)
Child Welfare League Foundation & Child and Juvenile Adoption Information Center
https://ebookcenter.blob.core.windows.net/ebookl-lib/file554v2/HTML5/pc.html#/page/1

檔案下載Questionnaire.for.reunion.pdf
檔案下載Questionnaire.for.reunion.docx
檔案下載Roots-finding.application.for.Cathwel.pdf
檔案下載Roots-finding.application.for.Cathwel.docx