Hong Kong


Process

1. PRELIMINARY/FORMAL APPLICATION
Both applications must be completed before you can formally begin your Hong Kong adoption. The preliminary application is available on Bethany’s website, and the formal application is sent to you by your local Bethany branch once the preliminary application has been approved. Bethany’s Hong Kong team must approve both applications.

2. ADOPTIVE HOME STUDY
The Home Study is completed by a social worker from your local Bethany branch. Four documented meetings are required for submission of a dossier to Hong Kong.

3. DOSSIER GATHERING
Several documents must be gathered, but only photocopies are required as part of the dossier. More information will be provided to you by your Bethany social worker once you formally enter the program. Once the dossier is submitted, the Hong Kong team in Grand Rapids, MI, will review your dossier and submit it to the agency in Hong Kong.

4. DOSSIER REVIEWED IN HONG KONG
After your dossier and Home Study are received in Hong Kong, they are reviewed by the Adoption Unit of the Social Welfare Department of the Hong Kong Government.

5. MATCHING/TRAVEL
Matching approval is generally about three months after your dossier is received in Hong Kong. Matching approval refers to the time when your family is officially matched with a specific child whom you have already requested to adopt earlier in the process. After your matching approval, it is generally another three months until your child is ready for travel.

6. POST-PLACEMENT REPORTS
Once you return from Hong Kong with your child, your social worker will contact you about setting up a post-placement meeting. Three post placement reports are required after the child is placed in your home. Reports are due at the following times: at arrival, 3 months, and the final report due at 6 months.

7. FINALIZATION/CITIZENSHIP
For Hong Kong, the adoptions are finalized in your local county court approximately six months after placement (may vary by state) and when the post-placement requirements have been met. After your child's adoption is finalized, your child will automatically become a U.S. citizen. At that time it is highly encouraged, although not mandatory, that you apply for proof of your child's citizenship by using the N600 form available from USCIS.

For more information about Bethany's Hong Kong program, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our contact form.