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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Hong Kong S.A.R."

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/hk-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Hong Kong.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/hk-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/hk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Hong Kong.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/hk-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Hong_Kong_Skyline_Restitch_-_Dec_2007.jpg/800px-Hong_Kong_Skyline_Restitch_-_Dec_2007.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hong Kong skyline.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Hong_Kong_Skyline_Restitch_-_Dec_2007.jpg/800px-Hong_Kong_Skyline_Restitch_-_Dec_2007.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hong Kong skyline.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Hong_Kong_Isnald_Eastern_District_Buildings_200909.jpg/800px-Hong_Kong_Isnald_Eastern_District_Buildings_200909.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hong Kong Island, Eastern District Buidings.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Hong_Kong_Isnald_Eastern_District_Buildings_200909.jpg/800px-Hong_Kong_Isnald_Eastern_District_Buildings_200909.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Hong Kong Island, Eastern District Buildings.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Tian_Tan_Buddha_2013.JPG/400px-Tian_Tan_Buddha_2013.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Tian_Tan_Buddha_2013.JPG/400px-Tian_Tan_Buddha_2013.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Tai_O_%288%29.JPG/800px-Tai_O_%288%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Stilt houses in Tai O, Hong Kong.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Tai_O_%288%29.JPG/800px-Tai_O_%288%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Stilt houses in Tai O.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Vista_del_Puerto_de_Victoria_desde_Sky100%2C_Hong_Kong%2C_2013-08-09%2C_DD_10.JPG/800px-Vista_del_Puerto_de_Victoria_desde_Sky100%2C_Hong_Kong%2C_2013-08-09%2C_DD_10.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong.'''<BR/>Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Vista_del_Puerto_de_Victoria_desde_Sky100%2C_Hong_Kong%2C_2013-08-09%2C_DD_10.JPG/800px-Vista_del_Puerto_de_Victoria_desde_Sky100%2C_Hong_Kong%2C_2013-08-09%2C_DD_10.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Victoria Harbor.'''<BR/>Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Coat_of_arms_of_Hong_Kong_%281959-1997%29.svg/600px-Coat_of_arms_of_Hong_Kong_%281959-1997%29.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for Hong Kong.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Coat_of_arms_of_Hong_Kong_%281959-1997%29.svg/600px-Coat_of_arms_of_Hong_Kong_%281959-1997%29.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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=About Hong Kong=
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Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by [[China]] the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by [[China]] and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of [[China]] on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, [[China]] promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, [[China]]'s socialist economic [[system]] would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the subsequent 50 years.
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Hong Kong is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Hong Kong, you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Hong Kong is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Hong Kong, you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Hong Kong S.A.R.]].
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Hong Kong also has the following requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
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==Residency==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] currently living in Hong Kong must be residents of Hong Kong or should offer assurance to the [[Adoption]] Unit that they will be living in Hong Kong for a minimum of 12 months. There are no residency requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] residing in the United States.
 
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least 25 years of age. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] over the age of 45 will be considered if they are willing to accept older children or children with [[Special Needs|special needs]].
 
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==Marriage==
 
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Both single individuals and married couples are eligible to [[adopt]] from Hong Kong. For single prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], preference is given to single parents with special parental skills, such as nursing or social work skills. Some single parents have found their chances of being approved for [[adoption]] in Hong Kong increase if they agree to [[adopt]] a child with [[Special Needs|special needs]]. Single parents who already have a [[Special Needs|special needs]] child have a better chance of being matched with a [[Special Needs|special needs]] [[adoptee]].
 
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==Income==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will have to prove their income exceeds the Medium Monthly Domestic Household Income set by the Social Welfare Department. The Medium Monthly Domestic Household Income requires that after a family has paid all the necessary monthly expenditures (e.g., mortgage, loans, insurance, helper wages, tuition, etc.), a minimum level of funds are left over for incidental expenses. For instance, a family of three must show monthly funds of HK$18,700 and a family of four must show monthly funds of HK23,500. The Medium Monthly Domestic Household Income is not available publicly. The Social Welfare Department must be contacted directly for specifics. Couples residing outside of Hong Kong must submit their tax returns and complete a questionnaire detailing their financial assets.
 
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==Other==
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be in good physical and mental health.
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Because Hong Kong has implemented the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Hong Kong must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that Hong Kong attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to Hong Kong's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.  
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Because Hong Kong has implemented the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from Hong Kong must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Hong Kong S.A.R.]].
  
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Hong Kong also has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in Hong Kong unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.
 
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
 
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'''Age Requirements:''' Children between the ages of six months and 18 years of age can be [[adopted]]. (Statistics reflect that most children available for [[adoption]] are five years old or younger and some have health problems or are disabled.)
 
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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# Bring Your Child Home  
 
# Bring Your Child Home  
  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Hong Kong S.A.R.]].
  
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'''1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]:'''
 
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The first step in adopting a child from Hong Kong is to select an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that has been accredited. Only these agencies and attorneys can provide [[adoption]] services between the United States and Hong Kong.
 
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'''2. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]:'''
 
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After you choose an accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]], you apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]] (Form I-800A) by the U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
 
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Once the U.S. Government determines that you are "eligible" and "suitable" to [[adopt]], you or your agency will forward your information to the [[adoption]] authority in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's [[adoption]] authority will review your application to determine whether you are also eligible to [[adopt]] under Hong Kong law.
 
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The Hong Kong-licensed provider will submit the [[adoption]] application to the Hong Kong central authority, including any preferences the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may have about the child's age, sex, physical/medical condition, or region of origin within Hong Kong. The application package should also include a cover letter, written along the lines found at the following [http://www.gwca.org/adoption/faqs/p_faq.php?faq=30 website].
 
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The Hong Kong central authority reviews the documents and advises the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s), either directly or through their [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]], whether additional documents or authentications are required. In addition to meeting the U.S. requirements for [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], you need to meet the requirements of Hong Kong as described in the "WHO" tab.
 
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'''3. Be Matched with a Child:'''
 
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If both the United States and Hong Kong determine that you are eligible to [[adopt]], and a child is available for intercountry [[adoption]], the central [[adoption]] authority in Hong King may provide you with a referral for a child. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of the particular child and provide a permanent family placement for the referred child.
 
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Once the Hong Kong central authority approves the application, it matches the application with a specific child. The central authority then sends the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) a letter of introduction about the child, including photographs and the child's health record. This document is commonly called a 'referral.' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who still have questions about the child after reviewing this information may follow up with the Hong Kong central authority either directly or via their [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] .
 
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The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Hong Kong's requirements, as described in the "Who" tab. The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law. Learn more.
 
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'''4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]:'''
 
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) then either accept or refuse the referral and send the document to their agency, which forwards it to the Hong Kong central authority. If prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) are considering refusing a referral they should discuss with their agency the possibility of getting a second referral.
 
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After you accept a match with a child, you will apply to the U.S Government, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for provisional approval to [[adopt]] that particular child (Form I-800). USCIS will determine whether the child is eligible under U.S. law to be [[adopted]] and enter the United States. Learn how.
 
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After this, your [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] or you will submit a visa application for to a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer will review the child's information and evaluate the child for possible visa ineligibilities. If the Consular Office determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States, he/she will notify the Hong Kong [[adoption]] authority (Article 5 letter). For Convention country adoptions, prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) may not proceed with the [[adoption]] or obtain [[custody]] for the purpose of [[adoption]] until this takes place.
 
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'''''Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about the immigrant visa later in the [[adoption]] process.''''' 
 
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'''5. [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in Hong Kong:'''
 
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'''''Remember: Before you [[adopt]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of) a child in Hong Kong, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the [[adoption]] or grant of [[custody]] for the purposes of [[adoption]] in Hong Kong.'''''
 
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The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] (or gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Hong Kong generally includes the following:
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE [[Adoption|ADOPTION]] AUTHORITY:''' The Director of the Social Welfare Department reviews the documentation to determine if the [[adoption]] is in the best interests of the child. Upon approval, the Social Welfare Department will file a court order to pass the care and control of the child to the Director of the U.S. [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]]. (If the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are residents of Hong Kong, the child is released into their home for at least six months.) During the six months of living with the family, an [[adoption]] [[Social Worker|social worker]] makes periodic visits to determine if [[adoption]] by the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] is in the best interest of the child.
 
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*'''ROLE OF THE COURT:''' The District Court grants the [[adoption]] order and issues the final [[Adoption Certificate|adoption certificate]]. For non-residents of Hong Kong, the [[finalization]] of the [[adoption]] passes the care and control of the child from the U.S. [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].
 
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*'''ROLE OF [[Adoption Agencies|ADOPTION AGENCIES]]:''' The [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] arranges the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' [[Home Study|home study]]. The [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] works with one of the agencies in Hong Kong that have been accredited to facilitate [[International Adoptions|international adoptions]]. The U.S. [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] forwards the [[Home Study|home study]] report and supporting documents to the Hong Kong accredited body. The Hong Kong agency submits the documentation to the Social Welfare Department.  Currently the following agencies have been accredited in Hong Kong to facilitate intercountry adoptions: International Social Service (ISS), Po Leung Kuk, and Mother's Choice Overseas [[Adoption]] Service. The ISS works closely with Hong Kong's Social Welfare Department in placing children overseas. Mother's Choice specializes in placing children with [[Special Needs|special needs]] - ranging from vision and hearing impairment to [[Cerebral Palsy|cerebral palsy]], down's syndrome, and developmental delays.
 
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'''International Social Service Hong Kong Branch'''
 
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6/F., Southorn Center
 
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130 Hennessy Road
 
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Wanchai, Hong Kong
 
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Tel: (852) 2834-6863
 
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Fax: (852) 2834-7627
 
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Email: isshkbr@netvigator.com
 
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Website: [http://www.isshk.org International Social Service Hong Kong Branch]
 
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'''(U.S. Office)'''
 
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700 Light Street
 
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Baltimore, MD 21230
 
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Tel: (410) 230-2734
 
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Fax: (410) 230-2741
 
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]] Service'''
 
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Po Leung Kuk
 
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66 Leighton Road,
 
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Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
 
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Tel.: (852) 2277 8368
 
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Fax: (852) 2577 7380
 
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'''Mother's Choice'''
 
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Overseas [[Adoption]] Service
 
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10 Borrett Road
 
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Mid-Levels
 
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Hong Kong
 
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Tel: (852) 2537-4122
 
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Fax: (852) 2537-7681
 
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Email: adoption@motherschoice.com
 
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Website: [http://www.motherschoice.com/ Mother's Choice]
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] APPLICATION:''' The [[adoption]] application is filed with the [[Adoption]] Unit of the Social Welfare Department.
 
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*'''TIME FRAME:''' The average amount of time required to complete an intercountry [[adoption]] ranges from 12-24 months. The timeframe may be increased if the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have specific requests regarding the child's age and/or medical conditions.
 
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*'''[[Adoption|ADOPTION]] FEES:''' The Social Welfare Department's [[Adoption]] Unit provides an assessment of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]' suitability to [[adopt]] at no charge. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] based in Hong Kong are required to pay $2,840 HK for acting as [[Guardian Ad Litem|guardian ad litem]] while the [[adoption]] proceedings are finalized. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] residing outside of Hong Kong are not required to pay this fee.  In the [[adoption]] services contract that you sign at the beginning of the [[adoption]] process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your [[adoption]] process.
 
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*'''DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:''' The following is a list of documents required to [[adopt]] a child from Hong Kong:
 
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::::1. Copy of U.S. passport;
 
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::::2. Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable);
 
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::::3. Evidence of termination of previous marriage (if applicable);
 
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::::4. Proof of income;
 
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::::5. Copies of school credentials;
 
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::::6. Evidence of prior adoptions (if any); and
 
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::::7. Satisfactory [[Home Study|home study]] report and medical examination reports of the adopting parents. (These documents are not required by Hong Kong to be authenticated. The agencies in the U.S. engaging in adoptions submit notarized [[Home Study|home study]] and physical exam reports in [[adoption]] cases.) '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
 
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'''6. Bring Your Child Home'''
 
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Now that your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for several documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:
 
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::1. Birth Certificate
 
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The Social Welfare Department will obtain the child's [[Original Birth Certificate|original birth certificate]] (or certified duplicate) from the Hong Kong Birth Registry. This document will then be passed to the agency that is caring for the child. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] can apply for their names to be added as annotations to the child's birth certificate.
 
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::2. Hong Kong Passport
 
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Your child is not yet an American citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Hong Kong.
 
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
 
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Consulate General for your child. After the [[adoption]] (or [[custody]] for purpose of [[adoption]]) is granted, visit the U.S. Consulate General for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the "Panel Physician's" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage.
 
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On November 3, 2008, the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong's panel physicians began using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2007 Tuberculosis Technical Instructions (TB TIs) for the TB medical screening for all immigrant visa applicants from Hong Kong and Macau, including [[adopted]] children. The 2007 TB TIs include new requirements that affect the pace at which some [[adoption]] cases can be concluded. Please visit the CDC's [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/panel_2007.htm website] for further information regarding the 2007 Technical Instructions for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment for Panel Physicians.
 
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.
 
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'''''For adoptions finalized in the United States:''''' The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your new child to acquire American citizenship automatically when the court in the United States issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
 
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Hong Kong. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which Passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Hong Kong. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in Hong Kong S.A.R.]]
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Hong Kong, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information]. 
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [ http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Hong Kong, registration assists the U.S. Consulate General in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
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=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  

Revision as of 06:00, 3 December 2014

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Hong Kong skyline.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hong Kong Island, Eastern District Buildings.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Stilt houses in Tai O.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Victoria Harbor.
Wikipedia.org.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

About Hong Kong

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the subsequent 50 years.

Hague Convention Information

China is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Since Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a territory of China, all adoptions between Hong Kong and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.


NOTE: Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.


The Government of Hong Kong tends to prefer that prospective adoptive parents are ethnic Chinese. However, non-ethnic Chinese may also adopt if willing to consider an older child or a child with special needs.

Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Hong Kong is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Hong Kong, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Hong Kong S.A.R..


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Hong Kong has implemented the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Hong Kong must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Hong Kong S.A.R..


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Hong Kong's Adoption Authority

Adoption Unit of the Social Welfare Department


The Process

Because Hong Kong has implemented the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Hong Kong must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.


NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Hong Kong before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.


The process for adopting a child from Hong Kong generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child in Hong Kong
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Hong Kong S.A.R..


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Hong Kong. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in Hong Kong S.A.R.


After Adoption

What does Hong Kong require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Hong Kong does not have any post-adoption requirements.


What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons

North American Council on Adoptable Children


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau

26 Garden Road Central, Hong Kong Mailing Address: U.S. Department of State Hong Kong Immigrant Visa Unit 8000 Hong Kong Place Washington, DC 20521-8000 Tel: (852) 2841-2211 Fax: (852) 2845-4845


Hong Kong's Adoption Authority

Adoption Unit Social Welfare Department Room 201, 2/F., North Point Goverment Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3595 1935 Fax: (852) 3595 0025 Email: grau@swd.gov.hk Internet: Hong Kong Adoption Authority


Diplomatic Mission for Hong Kong

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China 2300 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 328-2500 Fax: (202) 588-0032 Email: webmaster@china-embassy.org


The People's Republic of China also has consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, New York City, and Chicago.


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).


American Citizens residing in Hong Kong and Macau are served by the USCIS District Office in Bangkok, Thailand.

E-mail: bkkcis.inquiries@dhs.gov Phone: +66-2-205-5352 Fax: +66-2-255-2917 Mail: DHS/USCIS Sindhorn, Tower 2, 15 th Floor 130-133 Wireless Rd. Lumpini Pathumwan Bangkok Thailand 10330

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]