Ⅰ. How to Adopt a Child from China

Sino-UK official adoption relations have been set up. China Center of Adoption Affairs is the authorized organization of the Chinese government and Department For Chirdren, Schools and Families is that of the British government. All the applications regarding adoption should be submitted to this Embassy by the Department For Chirdren, Schools and Families rather than anybody else.

Ⅱ. Other Reference

The procedure for those wishing to adopt a child from overseas is set out in Home Office Document RON117. The following step-by step outline is summarized from a guide to inter-country adoption produced by the Overseas Adopting Helpline, whose address is given below. But the procedure varies from country to country, and even within Britain.

1) Applicants contact their local Social Services Department (SSD).

2) SSD completes Home Study Report in accordance with British requirements and those of authorities in chosen overseas country.

3) SSD sends Home Study, medical and police references to the Department of Health.

4) If the Department of Health supports the application, a Department of Health Certificate is issued.

5) The Department of Health co-ordinates notarization of all papers.

6) The Department of Health forwards all papers to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for legalization. Under some circumstances the applicants themselves should complete part of this procedure.

7) Papers are returned to the Department of Health.

8) The Department of Health forwards Papers to relevant Embassy or Consulate.

9) The Embassy or Consulate arranges translation of documents in Britain or sends to the relevant agency in the chosen country.

10) The relevant agency considers the application.

11) If approved, the agency identifies the child.

12) Prospective adopters travel to meet the child.

13) Adopters apply for British Entry Clearance for the child as soon as his/her details known.

14) Adopters fulfill the chosen country's conditions and requirements for adoption.

15) Following adoption (or equivalent) in the chosen country, British Entry Clearance procedure is completed.

16) Adopters and the child travel to Britain.

17) Adopters inform SSD of their intention of adoption under the British Law.

18) An adopting order is issued by the British Court.

Ⅲ. Useful Addresses

British Agencies for Adopting and Fostering (for general information on adoption including ICA Medical Forms)
Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London SE1 0LY(0171-5932000)

Childlink Adoption Society, 10 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, London SW4 7NQ(0171-4981933)

Department of Health(for procedures and legal requirements)
Social Care Group, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG(0171-9724347)
Child Care Branch, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast B24 3SF(01232-520000)

Home Office(for information on immigration and entry clearance, including Document RON117 on how to adopt from overseas)
Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Lunar House, Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2BY (0181-6860688)

OASIS(Oversea Adoption Support and Information Service)
Dany Graig Cottage, Balaclave Road, Glais, Swansea SA7 9HJ

Overseas Adoption Helpline
34 Upper Street, London N1 0PN (0171-2267666)

Parent to Parent Information on Adoption Services
Lower Boddington, Daventry, Northants NN11 6YB

STORK(Association for families who have adopted from abroad)
71 Chelsham road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6HZ(0181-6805623)