The Center | Taipei Taiwan | Counseling | Information

Thu September 9, 2010
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Adoption/Custody Home Study
Community Services Center
Taipei, Taiwan

Adoption/Custody Home Study

Congratulations for deciding to adopt a child. While international adoption can be a confusing and timely process, parenting an adoptive child brings its own rewards.

An important first step in the adoption process is the home study. Many Center counselors are qualified to conduct these. If you are interested in this service, please contact The Center at (02) 2836-8134.

Prior to commencing the home study, however, we would strongly recommend you become familiarized with the international adoption laws and regulations of your home country. It is likely that several agencies in your home country will need to be involved including a court of law and immigration services. Please also contact local agencies that you plan to work with; they may have specific requirements that the CSC counselor needs to be aware of.

When you are ready to commence the home study, a counselor from The Center will be assigned to make a formal assessment. The objective of the study is to assess your fitness and readiness for the role of adoptive parent. The study will include an initial pre-adoptive counseling session and a minimum of three visits, including one visit to the home. The interviews will focus on family history and dynamics, parenting practices, and cultural awareness. In addition to performing an assessment, the Center counselors will provide information and education to families around adoption issues and concerns as well as emotional support.

When a report is complete, one original copy will be prepared and sent to you by registered mail, along with an invoice. In the case of American citizens, three additional copies will be sent to an adoption agency in the USA for review and approval. This agency will then send one copy with an approval letter to you and one copy with approval letter to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can expect the entire home study process to take approximately two to three months, depending upon the time required to obtain all necessary documentation.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Copy of birth certificates (for all residents of the home)

Copy of marriage certificate or license

Copy of divorce certificates ( if applicable)

Copy of previous home study ( if applicable)

Statement of employment verification : signed by employer with letterhead

Statement of income verification (contract, tax forms etc)

Statement of assets and liabilities (mortgage, investment statement, etc)

Current medical statements (within preceding 12 months) to include comment on your status in regards to TB, Syphilis, and HIV

Proof of medical insurance and type of coverage : (show copy of the card for files see original or receive letter of intent for coverage)

Proof of life insurance and amount of coverage

Police clearances for anyone over 18 years of age living in the home is required from their home country and all other countries of residence . ( American citizens require an FBI background check)

Copies of any documents relating to criminal history (arrests, warrants, etc.)

Three references from persons able to comment on the following from at least a two-year perspective:

Family history and values

Patterns of interacting, including conflict, roles, etc.

Readiness for adoption/custody

Concerns (e.g., suitability, timeliness, dangers, etc.)

ANTICIPATED COSTS

Pre-Adoptive Counseling Session NT$3,200 *

Home Study Fee NT$42,000, half to be paid in advance.

Notary Services (AIT) approximately...US$40 1st copy; US$30 each additional copy **

For US Citizens only; US$500 approval fee from US adoption agency

Travel Expenses (e.g. taxi within and airfare outside Taipei)

Additional visits or documentation required by individual states or countries NT$3,000/hour

*To be applied toward the home study fee.
**Fee set by American Institute in Taiwan, January 2003

Web Sites to Trade offices and immigration information

US Adoption Laws
http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/adoption_485.html
http://atraveldirectory.com/state/family/adoption_country.html

Canadian Adoption Laws
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/adoption/index.asp

New Zealand Adoption Laws
http://www.cyf.govt.nz/adoptions.htm

Australian Adoption Laws
http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/36adopting.htm

British Adoption Laws
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Adoptionfosteringandchildrenincare/
AdoptionAndFostering/index.htm