Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CCAI offer a Full Dossier Compilation Service?
A: Yes. For families who need extra help to complete their dossier, CCAI offers the option of a Full Dossier Compilation Service for an additional fee. Please contact our Dossier Department at 303-850-9998 or dossier@chinesechildren.org for more information.
Q: Do you have a scaled service plan according to the amount of money a family is willing to pay?
A: We strongly believe that every qualified CCAI family deserves the best of the best and all-inclusive China adoption service, regardless of their income or social status. Our most reasonable and no-hidden-charge program fees guarantee you personal and professional services of the highest standard when you chose to work with CCAI.
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Q: Do you have specific home-study agencies you work with?
A: CCAI will provide home studies for families in its licensed states (CO, FL and GA) and will provide a list of “network home-study providers” for prospective adoptive families in all other states. CCAI is responsible for ensuring that every prospective adoptive family’s home study is completed in accordance with federal, state and Chinese requirements. Part of this responsibility includes an Exempt Provider Agreement with the home-study provider. Prospective adoptive families who choose to complete a home study prior to choosing a placement agency assume the risk that the home study will not be in compliance with set regulations and may need to be modified to ensure compliance.
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Q: If I was ever arrested, do I need to disclose it on our application?
A: Yes. When an adoptive family applies to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the FBI will locate all past arrest records. If an arrest was not disclosed on the original CCAI application and the USCIS application, it will jeopardize the family’s approval. Non-disclosure of any arrests will result in CCAI closing the family’s file.
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Q: What if our family moves during the adoption process?
A: It is OK to relocate during your adoption process. If you move after their dossier arrives in China, you will need to have a home-study addendum written for USCIS to address any information that has changed since the original home study. If you might be moving during your adoption, please contact CCAI for more information.
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Q: Are twins available for adoption?
A: Yes, but only rarely. Please be prepared for the strong likelihood that twins may not be available and only one child will be placed with you.
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Q: Are healthy boys available?
A: Yes. The wait time is usually the same as when requesting a girl.
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Q: Do I travel with a group?
A: Yes, if at all possible. You will meet your group on the scheduled arrival date in the port city and travel together throughout China for your adoption trip. Families travel in groups for several reasons. First, families are grouped together if their children are from the same orphanage or province. Second, traveling in a group provides adoptive families with emotional support when they go to a country that is so different from their own. Third, families can benefit from group rates on hotels and airfare while in China when five or more families travel as a group. Any additional touring may be arranged by individual families before or after the group’s scheduled arrival and departure dates.
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Q: Do both parents need to travel?
A: No. China’s adoption law requires that at least one parent travels to China to finalize the adoption. CCAI recommends that both parents travel to China whenever possible.
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Q: How much notice will we have before we leave for China?
A: Because we depend on USCIS and China to issue your final travel approval, you will have about a week to 10 days notice before you leave for China. You can generally plan to leave about 10 - 13 weeks from the time you receive your child match.
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Q: Does CCAI arrange my travel?
A: CCAI, together with our staff in China, will arrange your in-China flights, hotels and ground transportation. You will need to coordinate with a US travel agency to arrange your U.S. domestic and international air travel.
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Q: Can I use frequent flier miles for my international travel?
A: CCAI supports you in using your frequent flier miles for your international travel. However, because of the short notice of exact travel dates and the need for adoptive families to be in China at specific times, families often find that their frequent flier miles program is not flexible enough to accommodate their international travel for the adoption trip.
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Q: Whom can we take with us on the trip to China?
A: CCAI recommends that, whenever possible, both parents travel to China for the adoption finalization. If only one parent can travel we recommend that you select a healthy, supportive travel companion. Many families have had great experience in taking their children with them on the adoption trip. We recommend that parents honestly assess whether their minor children will be able to handle the rigors and emotions of the adoption trip before making the final decision. A physician’s statement is required for all travel companions.
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Q: Can we wire the $5,000 (35,000 RMB) Orphanage Fee to China ahead of time?
A: Currently, it is an option to wire the Orphanage Fee to some provinces. We hope more provinces in the future will follow suit and consider this a safe and convenient option. Our Travel Department will update you with more information about your child’s province once you receive your child match.
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Q: Are physicians readily available for my child and me in China?
A: Yes. Whenever possible, CCAI arranges for our families to stay in major cities at five-star hotels. Every hotel has doctors and clinics available in case of emergencies. In some major adoption provinces we also contract experienced Chinese pediatricians to act as consultants.
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Q: Do I need to immunize my adopted Chinese child?
A: Yes, you will be required to sign a statement and make an oath at the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China, promising to begin immunizing your adopted Chinese child within 30 days of arriving in the United States.
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Q: When is the adoption finalized?
A: Your child’s adoption is finalized in China after completing adoption registration procedures (shortly after you receive your child), even if only one parent travels.
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Q: When does my child become a US citizen?
A: If both parents are present at the adoption finalization in China, then your child becomes a citizen when she/he returns with you to the U.S. However, if only one parent travels, your child will become a US citizen after your re-adoption in the U.S.
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Q: We are of Chinese descent — how does this affect our China adoption?
A: If one or both of the adoptive parents were born in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau (or if one set of the adoptive grandparents were born in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau) you may qualify for an expedited referral. Please contact CCAI about regulations and current timeframes for Chinese descent families.
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Q: What kind of support do I get from CCAI after I return from China?
A: CCAI helps you connect with various support groups in your area, and we have an Adoptive Parents Council in which you can participate. CCAI operates the Joyous Chinese Cultural Center that makes its curriculum available to families throughout the US and sponsors an annual cultural camp that your child is welcome to attend. CCAI also organizes annual reunions around the country and publishes a monthly online newsletter to keep you connected. Last but not least, our website has helpful resources on adoption and parenting that are available to all parents throughout their adoption. CCAI’s Post Adoption Department staff will join hands with your social worker to provide whatever support you need after you return home with your child.
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Q: How does the adoption tax credit work?
A: Following your return home, your family may qualify for a more than $11,000 federal Adoption Tax Credit through the Hope for Children Act. The tax credit is an amount you subtract from your tax liability for adoption expenses, including “reasonable and necessary adoption fees” and travel expenses, etc. Income limits do apply, and the credit may not be more than your total tax liability minus other credits, but the credit may be carried forward over the next five years. For more information, please contact your tax professional.
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