For nearly ten years, China has been the first choice of many Americans wishing to adopt children from abroad. In recent years, however, that trend has been shifting. Americans may still want to adopt Chinese children, but fewer children are being made available.
“Part of the reason for the decline is competition from a growing number of Chinese families that want to adopt… In 1996, about 19,000 Chinese couples sought to adopt; by 2008, that number had jumped to 42,000. There are, however, restrictions on Chinese families, as well. Chinese couples have to be married, 35 or older, have no other children and be financially stable to be approved by the government.” Source: Centre Daily Times (PA)]
Adding to the decline in American adoptions of Chinese kids are the stricter rules China enacted regarding foreign adoption. People seeking to adopt Chinese kids must be married, heterosexual couples between the ages of 30 and 50. They have to have been married for two years, and can have no history of divorce. The new restrictions have caused a 60 percent reduction in the number of Chinese children adopted by Americans. That number isn’t likely to rebound any time soon.
Labels: international, China
Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton
