Why China?

I've had many people asking questions about why we chose to adopt from China. Truthfully, we would have adopted from anywhere. We did not have a preference, but once we saw Garrick's picture, we knew we didn't want just any child. We wanted him. It feels like he chose us. China chose us.

Once we said "Yes," we got a crash course in the history of China and it's adoption process.
More than 100,000 abandoned children from newborn to age fourteen (depending on the orphanage) are living a hard life in state and private-run orphanages across China. Over 95% of these unfortunate children are impacted by minor, major, or multiple physical conditions. As children with medical needs, they are considered "not adoptable" in a culture that has only, until recently, long rejected the practice of adoption.

However, many of these children are absolutely adoptable, and many of their physical conditions are either correctable or manageable through the advanced medical resources readily available in the US.

Why did we choose our agency CCAI?
When we contacted Show Hope about Garrick, we were told to contact CCAI, as most all the files of adoptable children in northern China will be designated just to them. Why is this? Well, CCAI was founded by two Chinese Nationals who saw a need and wanted to help fill it. More than 11,000 Chinese children have found homes since 1994 through CCAI, more than any other agency in the world. CCAI has been ranked #1 by the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA) for overall assessment and placements. The CCCWA is China’s highest authority for international adoption affairs. Basically, CCAI is who China considers the most "Trust worthy."

Isn't it easier to get a girl than a boy?
Absolutely not! That may have been the case years ago but no longer. Now that it has been 30 years since the one child policy went into effect there is now 4 boys to every girl. China is no longer offering girls for adoption unless they have medical needs.

Is it safe to adopt from China?
When people ask this question, I know right away what they are really asking is this: "Will the Chinese government honor the adoption when you get there and will they increase the fees at the last minute?" The answer is "NO." Unlike some other countries, China is part of the Hague convention. This means that China and the US have signed a treaty (an international agreement) to establish safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child (e.i. no human trafficking) and conform to both countries laws; this ensures that both countries follow set legal guidelines during the adoption process. China has been participating in international adoptions for decades, they have a very thorough standardized system that they are legally required to follow and have done so successfully.

As we learned more about China, its people and its culture, we have been given a glimpse of a wider world view and great respect for the agencies and individuals who make international adoption possible. We have a desire to continue to encourage Garrick's Chinese heritage as he grows. We hope that he will be proud to be Chinese and to be American.


To learn more about us and help us fund our Adoption you can donate here: http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/germany-family-adoption-fund/330417