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Since 2002, The Adoption Center at Family & Children's Agency has worked with Cathwel Service in Taipai-Hsien, Taiwan. Cathwel, established in 1949, has counseled unwed mothers and cared for premature, abandoned and special needs children since 1971 and is dedicated to finding suitable families for these children. Birth mothers and their families are usually encouraged to help select an adoptive family; however, sometimes Cathwel will make the match.
While waiting for adoptive homes, children are exceptionally well cared for in foster homes and in Cathwel's Jonah House, a childcare facility which opened in June 2004. |
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Children Available |
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and older boys are available. There are also special needs children and sibling groups available.
You may specify age and gender. |
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Cost |
Fees are collected as the work is completed. Please call us for detailed information. |
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Parents' Age |
Must be 20 years older than the adopted child and under 45 years of age. Applicants under 30, over 45 years old are considered on a case-by-case basis. A pre-approval from Cathwel may be obtained. |
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Length of Marriage |
Couples must be married for at least 5 years (This is negotiable depending on situation.) |
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Single Applicants |
Considered on a case by case basis |
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Children in the Family |
No restrictions (Please know that some birthmothers purposely seek families with existing children and others might prefer childless couples.) |
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Timeframe |
Variable, approximately 14 months after your paperwork is submitted your profile may be selected by a birth mother or matched by the Cathwel staff. The time frame could be significantly longer for the referral of a baby girl - and may be shorter for the referral of an older child or special needs child or a sibling group. |
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Travel Requirements |
Families are required to travel (usually a period of 4-7 business days) where they have the opportunity to meet members of the birth family and the caregivers. |
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Special Features of FCA's Program |
FCA's bilingual coordinator, Jennifer Yang Kwait, who is Taiwanese, will help you with completing preliminary documents and a photo collage to be presented to the birth mothers.
FCA and Cathwel Service will help you obtain thorough medical information and background on the child as well as arrange all aspects of your adoption and travel, including accommodations, visa appointment and sight-seeing in Taiwan. |
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Homestudy |
Connecticut and New York residents should apply for a homestudy with FCA. Other adoptive parents need to obtain a homestudy from a licensed agency in their state. |
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Immigration Forms |
Once the home study is completed, parents need to apply to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for permission to bring an orphan into the U.S. This involves obtaining and filing the I-600A form (www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms) and arranging for a fingerprinting appointment.
FCA staff will work closely with you to prepare all documents ("dossier") required. |
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Referral |
The referral time may vary greatly, based on how quickly a birth mother chooses the adoptive family as well as the family's preferences regarding the child. Generally, after the required documents are forwarded to Taiwan, families wait an average of 18 - 24 months to be selected by a birth mother (or Cathwel Service). However, referral time may be significantly shorter (possibly only a couple of weeks) for legally adoptable older children and special needs sibling groups.)
Referral from Cathwel Service include medical and social history of the child matched with your family.
Once the referral is accepted, the child's photos and required legal documents will be forwarded to FCA. Cathwel Service will then proceed with submission of court papers and court proceedings, and arrange for the child's visa to travel to the U.S. within 3 to 5 months. |
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Travel to Taiwan |
Although escort to the US may be arranged, families are highly encouraged to travel to Taiwan to meet their child, the birth family and caretakers, visit the child care setting and spend some time learning about the culture of Taiwan. Travel usually takes 4-7 business days. |
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Follow-Up |
NOTE: Birthmothers may request written contact with the adoptive parent(s) through Cathwel Service and FCA. Cathwel requests post-placement report with photographs of the child quarterly during the first year following the adoptive placement, and then annually each year thereafter. In some cases, photos and updates may be requested up to 18 years.
The adoption is legally recognized in the United States. If one parent of a couple or a single parent has not seen the child in Taiwan, a re-adoption in the United States will be necessary, but it is a simple procedure in most states.
FCA will provide post-adoption support, answer questions and help with the child's adjustment. |
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