Adopting a child is a life-changing decision that requires careful consideration and research. For families interested in intercountry adoption, the Taiwan adoption program offers a viable and ethical option. Although the exact inception date of the program is unclear, it was initially managed out of the SC office and later reopened in 2017 after a period of closure. The program is now facilitated by the Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation, a reputable partner organization licensed by Taiwan's central adoption authority.
Taiwan has a commendable social services system, and the majority of children available for adoption are placed with foster families. This ensures that children receive the necessary care, regular evaluations, and access to medical and early intervention services. The welfare of the children is of utmost importance in Taiwan, and they are well-prepared for adoption through conversations about their future family and life in a new country, as well as the creation of their life books. Despite being a non-Hague country, Taiwan processes all adoption cases ethically and provides the necessary evidence to comply with Hague standards. This commitment to ethical adoption practices ensures that the best interests of the children are prioritized throughout the process.
In terms of the number of children brought home through Nightlight’s program, there has been a gradual increase in recent years. In 2018, one child was brought home, followed by two children in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The numbers doubled in 2022, with five children finding their forever families through the Taiwan adoption program.
Most families participating in the program adopt waiting children, who may have mild special needs such as developmental delays or a history of parental alcohol and substance abuse. Families can also opt for the blind referral process, where they wait to be matched with a child based on their preferences. To increase the chances of successful matching, families should be open to children up to at least 5 years old, with mild special needs.
Depending on each family's preferences, the wait time to receive a referral can range from about 6 to 24 months. Once a family is officially matched with a child, the adoption process in Taiwan typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. This timeframe allows for necessary legal procedures, paperwork, and travel arrangements.
The profiles of children available for adoption through the Taiwan program encompass a range of ages and needs. Families interested in adopting children up to at least 5 years old and with minor special needs, such as cognitive or physical developmental delays, manageable autoimmune diseases, vision or hearing impairments that can be corrected or managed, and other conditions, will find suitable matches. Additionally, Taiwan sometimes classifies children as special needs cases due to family history or various circumstances, including intellectual disabilities, psychological disorders, parental drug and/or alcohol abuse, severe neglect, and other forms of abuse causing physical and psychological harm. Families open to adopting children within the 0-3 year age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis if they are willing to consider higher special needs. Children with mild or no special needs over the age of 5 are also available for adoption.
The Taiwan adoption program offers several highlights that make it an attractive choice for prospective adoptive families.
- The process is streamlined and predictable, providing a clear roadmap for families throughout their adoption journey.
- The program offers the opportunity to adopt younger children, which may be appealing to families seeking to experience crucial developmental milestones.
- The children are well-prepared for adoption, thanks to the support and services provided by the Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation.
- Taiwan itself is a great country to stay in when traveling, allowing families to immerse themselves in the local culture while finalizing the adoption process.
The Taiwan adoption program provides a viable and ethical option for families interested in intercountry adoption. With a well-established social services system, a commitment to ethical adoption practices, and a range of children available for adoption, Taiwan offers a promising opportunity for prospective adoptive families. The program's streamlined and predictable process, availability of younger children, and comprehensive preparation of children for adoption are all notable highlights. If you are considering intercountry adoption and have a desire to provide a loving home to a child with mild special needs, the Taiwan adoption program is definitely worth exploring. Contact Liana at liana@nightlight.org for more information.