Considering Adopting From China?

We are eager to connect and support you through your adoption journey.

Many children in China are waiting for a forever family, and recent in-country changes have resulted in a more streamlined adoption process. As you navigate the adoption process, you can feel secure in knowing you have experienced and knowledgeable Barker staff who will guide you and provide support every step of the way.

Please Note: Barker’s China program is temporarily on hold as CCCWA has suspended adoption services due to the pandemic. Be sure to follow Barker on Instagram and Facebook to receive notice of the program re-opening, and reach out to Barker staff to learn more about Barker’s other programs.

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There are over 2,000 children waiting in China...

Adoption from China requires an openness to parent a child with needs that range from correctable to lifelong. We are actively seeking families with a significant level of openness and willingness to care for and love a child unconditionally. At present, families open to only minor correctable conditions will experience a longer wait.

If you have questions about the children waiting or the adoption process in China, we encourage you to attend one of our monthly information meetings or an international program webinar (visit our event page for upcoming dates). If you are seeking a more in-depth one-on-one meeting, we welcome you to sign up for a pre-adoption consultation session with our Director of International Programs.

Speak to an adoption specialist to learn more about

Barker's China Adoption Program.

Email the Barker Adoption Foundation

info [at] barkerfoundation.org (Email Us)

China Adoption Program Overview

As you navigate the adoption process, you can feel secure in knowing you have experienced and knowledgeable Barker staff who will guide you and provide support every step of the way.

Barker will match children only with families who have a home study already approved by a Hague-accredited agency and meet the following:

CITIZENSHIP: At least one parent must be a United States citizen.

MARRIAGE: Heterosexual married couples or single women accepted. Couples must be married for at least two years. If either parent has been previously divorced twice, current marriage must be at least five years (premarital cohabitation considered).

AGE: All adopting parents must be at least 30 years old and the difference between the age of the child and parents cannot exceed 50 years.

HEALTH: Parents must be in good health physically, mentally, and emotionally with a BMI below 40. Medical/mental health situations reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

EXISTING CHILDREN: Family may not have more than five children in the home who are younger than age 18 (two for single parents), and the youngest child needs to be age 3 or older.

INCOME: Minimum annual household income:$30,000 plus an additional $10,000 per child in the home; minimum household net worth of $80,000 ($100,000 for single parents).

HISTORY: All adopting parents must show good moral character with no criminal history. History of minor offenses is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

AGE AT REFERRAL & PLACEMENT: Children's ages range from 0 to 6. Families should be open to at least age 3.

CARE IN COUNTRY: Children reside in orphanages or foster homes.

BIRTH PARENTS: Children are abandoned by birth parents, no background information is available.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Referrals presented include information (general and medical) on child since being in care, estimated birth date, photos (sometimes videos), and a developmental-milestone checklist.

GENDER: Families can request a specific gender but need to be aware of potential delays when requesting a girl.

COMMON NEEDS: Some institutional care, potential neglect or abuse history.

MEDICAL NEEDS: Cleft lip/cleft palate, orthopedic issues, heart conditions, skin conditions, hearing issues, missing and/or additional fingers/toes, missing limbs, developmental delays, etc.

MORE INVOLVED NEEDS: Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual delays

  1. Attend Barker’s Adoption Information Meeting.
  2. Submit an adoption application to Barker.
  3. Complete the required two-day parent education pre-service and supplemental online training.
  4. Participate in the home study assessment.
  5. Complete and submit an adoption dossier for China.
  6. Receive a referral of a child from China; the wait time to receive a referral depends on the adoptive-parents’ openness.
  7. Have the paperwork of the child reviewed by an international adoption physician (strongly encouraged).
  8. Travel to China approximately 12-16 weeks after accepting the referral.
  9. Stay in China an average of 2 weeks to finalize the adoption process. Barker’s English-speaking guides will assist and support you while you travel. At least one parent is required to travel; however, it is strongly encouraged that both parents travel.
  10. Return home to the United States with your child. Your child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen on entering the United States.
  11. Send a copy of your child’s Certificate of Citizenship to Barker once received.

Your social worker will guide and support you through this important time. Your social worker will visit with you as frequently as required by your state. Families who use Barker for their home study services will receive a visit within the first month, during the third month, and again six months after you return from China. China requires additional post-placement reports completed at one year, two years, three years, four years, and five years after placement. The last three reports can be written by the adoptive families with Barker’s approval and do not require a visit with the social worker.

FULL-SERVICE CLIENTS: Barker fee of $14,300 + international fee of $3,450 - $8,850

PLACEMENT-ONLY SERVICE CLIENTS: Barker fee of $9,550 + international fee of $3,450 - $8,850

TRAVEL FEES: $6,000 (estimated)

Barker Foundation International Adoption - China

Our Services Do Not End at Placement.

We recognize that adoption is a lifelong journey, with typical developmental challenges and duties. For this reason, Barker's services do not end when a child is placed with their forever family. Comprehensive post-adoption services and ongoing opportunities for your family to grow, receive support, and make longlasting connections through events and parent groups are just a few valuable things gained as part of the Barker community of adoptive families. 

Start Your Adoption Journey Today!

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In-Service Family Resources: Current Barker families can access updates, documents, and instructions by clicking the following button and entering your assigned password: Access Resources

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