Mostly girls, boys are available upon request with no additional wait time.
Mostly boys, but there are always girls available, although the girls may have more significant special needs
More boys are available than girls, younger available girls tend to be placed quickly and/or are part of sibling groups.
More boys available than girls, younger available girls tend to be placed quickly.
More boys available than girls, younger available girls tend to be placed quickly and/or are part of sibling groups.
Health of Children
Excellent
Children either have special needs, or may be healthy be at least 6 years of age.Special needs range from minor to major, but are accurately reported.
Average to challenging with many older special needs children. Children with fewer challenges are frequently in sibling groups.
Average to above average, relatively low alcohol issues.
Average with some risk of HIV/AIDS
Waiting Time After Dossier is Sent
3 1/2 Years (Much shorter for the China Waiting Child Program)
Typically under 6 months
4-6 months with periodic delays when Ukraine reorganizes their submission system or meets annual quotas of adoptions.
6-10 Months
2-4 Months
Sibling Groups Available
No, with rare twins
No with rare twins
Yes, but no to unrelated children being adopted at the same time.
Yes, but no to unrelated children being adopted at the same time.
Yes, but no to unrelated children being adopted at the same time.
Ethnicity of Children
Chinese
Chinese
Primarily Caucasian with some Asian, Middle Eastern and “Gypsy.”
Eastern European to North and West, Chinese/Asian to the East, also some Mediterranean to the South and West. Many blended children.
Black, primarily Hutu and Tutsi
China (Traditional)
China
Waiting Child
Ukraine
Kazakhstan
Burundi
Trip Requirements
Single 10 to 14 day trip, only one parent must travel.
Single 10 to 14 day trip, only one parent must travel.
One trip of at least 4-6 weeks.
One trip of at least 4-6 weeks, and either a second trip of 1-2 weeks or additional fees to have child escorted to the U.S. (when available).
One trip of three weeks (two weeks in Burundi and one week at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya).
Restrictions
Married couples only, both spouses under 50, income and net worth restrictions, education restrictions.No more than 4 children already in the home.
Married couples only, both spouses under 55, income and net worth restrictions, education restrictions. No more than 5 children already in the home.Some exceptions may be made to these rules.
Married couples only. Youngest spouse must be under 50, no more than 45 years difference between parent and adoptee.
Married couples and single women, no more than two divorces per family, family minimum income of $70,000.
No single men. Parents over age 30 are preferred. Married couples living together for five years preferred. Must be at least 15 years older than child being placed. Some court waivers available on these preferences.
Authentication or Apostille
Authentication
Authentication
Apostille, with requirements that documents have been very recently issued and apostilled before submission.
Apostille, with requirements that documents have been very recently issued and apostilled before submission.
