Taiwan Questions and Answers (updated 10/23)

Q: Can single applicants adopt from Taiwan?

A: It is our understanding that Taiwanese Courts and child welfare institutes do not permit single women or men to adopt.

Q. Will Gladney work with couples from any state?

A: Gladney is able to work with families from any state. Gladney is licensed in multiple states to complete home studies for families. If a family does not reside in one of the states in which we are licensed, they will need to obtain their home study through an agency licensed in their home state. Gladney does accept home studies completed by other agencies. It is preferred that you contact Gladney prior to having another agency complete your study so we can ensure that all required elements are included to satisfy Gladney's licensing requirements, your home state requirements and country program requirements. Doing so will prevent any unnecessary delays in your adoption process.

Q: Is it required by Gladney that potential adoptive families have a positive net worth (more assets than debt)?

A: Yes. Families adopting do need to have a positive net worth of at least $80,000.

Q: My spouse was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Would we still be able to adopt a child from Taiwan?

A: The Taiwan program requires families to be healthy and cancer free. Certain situations may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon several factors and the amount of time the survivor has been cancer free.

Q: My wife has a criminal record from when she was a college-aged student. Does this disqualify us from adopting from Taiwan?

A: The type of charge and when the charge occurred will be the deciding factor. Once we receive and review your pre-Application, we will have a better idea as to whether your family can proceed with an adoption from Taiwan.

Q: What happens if I become pregnant during the adoption process? Would the adoption process be canceled or postponed? Would we lose any money already paid?

A: If you become pregnant while you are adopting, your Gladney case worker needs to be notified as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in the adoption process your family’s case may be put on hold. Placements cannot occur within 12 months after the birth of a child. Generally, payments are collected by Gladney as services are rendered and those are not refundable.

Q: What is the first step in adopting a child from Taiwan?

A: The first step to adopting is to complete the Gladney Adoption Pre-Application Form found in our information packet. If you need an information packet, you can request it by clicking on Get Started Today!

Q: How long is the wait to adopt from Taiwan?

A: The time frame to complete your application paperwork and home study is approximately 5-6 months. Depending upon the child welfare institute and child preference, it is estimated your adoption process will take an additional 12 months to 36 months to complete.

Q: If a family wants to adopt an older child, can they be specific about the age and request a 5-year-old for example? Are referrals for older children processed more quickly than for younger children?

A: Families interested in adopting an older child from Taiwan may select the age range and gender. The more flexible a family is, the more opportunities your family will have to be considered for. Families interested in adopting children over the age of 5, or children with medical needs, may have a very quick referral process. Please visit our Superkids blog for information about older children currently waiting to be matched with an adoptive family.

Q: I read that Taiwan rules state that family size is taken into consideration for matching. Can you share more about this rule? We wish to adopt a waiting sibling group OR male school age child.

A: Taiwan is open to working with families of various size, taking into consideration the age and need of child that may be matched with a family. For families with three or more children under age 18 in the home, Taiwan will consider placing a waiting child with the family, taking into consideration the age and need of adoptee, level of placement difficulty (male, school age, healthy/medical needs) and the contents of the finalized home study assessment of the family, which will explain the family’s dynamics and ability to care for additional member(s) in the family. Formal consideration of a family does not occur until after home study is complete.

Q: We’re thinking about adoption, and we are wondering about the impact on our family system which currently includes 2 children.

A: Adoption brings change and a time of transition to all families. Families should prepare for potential disruptions to schedules and family cohesion after placement. Pre and post adoption, your children may have BIG feelings and behaviors surrounding adding a sibling. It is important that they have a voice and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Post adoption adjustment can leave parents confused in the short term about their long-term goal of helping a child and growing their family. Gladney clinical staff emphasize the importance of pre-adoption training, realistic expectations, and post adoption support that is family systems based. We encourage families to locate local adoption competent counselors who are trained in trauma and available to support and walk alongside your family during this time of transition.

Q: Will we get to communicate with our child before placement?

A: Most adoptive families in the Taiwan adoption program are able to have several video calls with their child after formal matching and before placement. These calls are facilitated by our partner agencies in Taiwan and a social worker/translator will be with the child throughout the call. Families can also send care packages to their child before placement.

Q: What is the time frame from officially matching with a waiting child to travel?

A: The typical timeframe is approximately 12 months. This allows for the dossier to be completed and the court process to take place in Taiwan. The timeframe varies for each family, as there are many factors to take into account and many people involved in this part of the process.

Q: We are currently parenting two children. Can we bring them with us when we travel?

A: It is possible to take your child or children to Taiwan to experience the adoption process as a family.

Q: Will we be able to meet our child’s birth family and/or maintain contact with them?

A: It’s possible that you may be able to meet your child’s birth family while in Taiwan for either the court hearing or placement trip. The meeting will be arranged by our partner agency/social workers in Taiwan, and you will be accompanied to the meeting by the social workers. Post trip, rather than having direct communication, adoptive and birth families will send communication through Gladney and the partner agency in Taiwan.

Q: How many times do we have to travel to Taiwan as part of the adoption processing? Does someone help us with travel logistics in Taiwan?

A: Adoptive parents will travel two times during the process. The first trip to Taiwan is during the court process for a child bonding and observation period and to testify in court. Approx. 5-7 weeks later, after the final court ruling is issued, you will be invited to travel to meet and take placement of your child.

Gladney helps to coordinate all of your travel logistics. We have a driver and English-speaking guide to assist families while in Taiwan.

Q: How much notice will we have before we travel to bring our child home?

A: Your caseworker will help you prepare for travel with approximately five weeks' advance notice.

Q: How long is the second trip to Taiwan when we pick up our child?

A: Families will make a trip to Taiwan at the end of the process that will last approximately one week.

If you have additional questions, please email Gladney's Adoption Advisor.