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Adoption is a big decision and is often a lengthy process. You can adopt a child from Hong Kong or a child who is overseas. Both options follow a similar procedure, but adopting an overseas child may be more complicated and costly.
In Hong Kong, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) is in charge of child adoption. With the help of local nongovernmental organizations, the SWD finds homes for children in need.
Cases may vary according to circumstances.
When you have decided to adopt (as a couple or as a single parent), contact the SWD, which will determine your eligibility to adopt in Hong Kong. The SWD will inquire about your marital status, age, the length of your stay in Hong Kong and your occupation.
After the initial inquiry, the SWD will invite you to attend an adoption briefing. Everyone hoping to adopt locally must attend the briefing session, where you will complete an adoption questionnaire that you will submit to the agency you’d like to work with for your home study assessment.
If you are eligible to adopt, you will be invited to a briefing session where you will receive more information about the adoption process. You can adopt directly through the SWD or through one of Hong Kong’s three accredited non-governmental organizations.
After choosing an adoption service, a home assessment takes place and you attend pre-adoption training. During the assessment, a social worker visits your home and determines whether you can provide the right environment for a child. You must pass a criminal background check and provide information about your medical and financial situation. This is when you can express your willingness to adopt a child with special needs and indicate the kind of special needs you would consider.
After passing the home assessment, you wait for an indeterminate time to be matched with a child. There is no guarantee that your family will be matched with a child. Matching decisions are made in the child’s best interests, to find a family that is best suited to meet a particular child’s needs.
Adoption through the SWD is free, but it charges a fee for acting as a guardian for the child and for the criminal record check. When the adoption is finalized, the SWD does not provide post-adoption support services.
Nongovernmental organizations charge an adoption fee but provide post-adoption support.
To learn more, get The Hong Kong Maternity & Baby Book available online and at bookstores like Bookazine in Hong Kong.
Information about adoption is available from Adoptive Families of Hong Kong (www.afhk.org.hk) and from the Social Welfare Department (www.swd.gov.hk).
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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