In Hong Kong, children with moderate to severe special needs, older children, sibling groups, or children with difficult family backgrounds are waiting for their forever families. These children receive excellent medical care and are nurtured in loving environments, but their need for a permanent family is urgent. Adoption between the US and Hong Kong is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention, ensuring that all adoptions meet the necessary requirements. Only families who reside in a Gladney licensed state (Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas) are eligible for our Hong Kong adoption program, as Hong Kong requires that the placing agency conduct the home study.

Adopting from Hong Kong

Hopeful adoptive parents looking to welcome a child from Hong Kong are needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet Hong Kong’s criteria for adoption to be considered for a match. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact an adoption specialist who can help determine the right fit for your family and answer your questions. Gladney’s Hong Kong Team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Check your program eligibility by submitting the Prospective Adoptive Parent Form

Step 2: Ready to move forward? Complete the Placement Application to officially begin

Hopeful adoptive parents are required to complete a foreign dossier.

Hong Kong Adoption Program

Hong Kong has a stable and well-established Hague adoption program. Gladney works with three partners. Our Hong Kong partners share files of eligible waiting children with our agency. We then share requested files with potential families who have an approved (or soon-to-be-approved/recently expired) home study report. Once a decision is made, the family will update their home study (if required) and complete their dossier to submit to the partner for further assessment.

Children adopted from Hong Kong will enter the US on an IH-4 visa. Adoptions are finalized in the United States after required post-placement visits and reports are approved by Hong Kong. Families will finalize the adoption through their local family court system.

Adoption criteria

Adoption criteria are based on the requirements of the country and may change over time. To ensure you meet the criteria, it’s best to contact an adoption specialist to discuss your specific situation and start making an adoption plan.

Training: All hopeful adoptive parents pursuing adoption in Hong Kong are required to complete pre-adoption training.

Marital Status: Heterosexual couples married for at least three years and single parents with a strong support network are eligible.

Age: Applicants must be at least 25 years old.

Background: A stable family environment and strong relationship history are considered. Families must be financially stable and able to provide for the needs of a child.

Health: Families must be mentally and physically fit to parent. No major current or past health concerns (cancer, immune disease, degenerative conditions, etc.).

Education: High school degree or above.

Cultural Sensitivity: Parents should be open to and respectful of the child’s cultural background and heritage.

Adoption Process

1. INITIAL CONTACT AND APPLICATION

Before submitting your official application, contact a Gladney adoption specialist to discuss whether the Hong Kong adoption program is a good fit for your family. Gladney is currently seeking families who are willing to be flexible and patient as they navigate the adoption process together.

2. CASEWORKER ASSIGNMENT AND NEW CLIENT PACKET

Once your application documents and fee are submitted, you will be assigned a caseworker. This person will serve as your primary contact throughout the adoption process, answering questions and providing support. You’ll also receive a New Client packet that includes step-by-step instructions for the adoption process, information on the home study, pre-adoption training requirements, guidance on the US immigration application, and instructions for preparing your dossier.

3. Complete Pre-Adoptive Training

Training and preparation are absolutely essential for a successful adoption, and at Gladney, we’re proud to offer some of the most comprehensive and meaningful training opportunities available. As part of your adoption process, you’ll complete both pre-adoptive training, child specific training, and participate in Gladney’s exclusive Pathways training held at our Fort Worth campus.

These trainings are a true benefit—an investment in your family’s long-term success. They deepen your understanding of the adoption journey and the unique needs of children, while equipping you with the skills and confidence to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable home. Our approach is trauma-informed and child-centered, ensuring you receive the very best preparation possible. We take great pride in empowering our prospective adoptive parents with the tools they need to thrive as they welcome a child into their lives.

4. Home Study

4. Replace below with: Begin your home study as soon as possible. As per Hong Kong requirements, Gladney will conduct your home study. While families may utilize a

prior home study for consideration of a waiting child, you must have a home study completed or updated by Gladney in order to move to the next steps.

5. CHILD MATCHING AND REFERRAL

Review files of waiting children after home study completion. Submit request to adopt a specific child once identified. If chosen by Hong Kong partner, proceed to next step.

6. Preparing Your Dossier

Prepare a comprehensive dossier that matches the information in your home study report.

All documents must be notarized, or in the case of vital records, newly issued certified copies. Detailed dossier instructions and forms are provided in the New Client Packet.

7. Adoption Travel

Adoptive parents are permitted to travel to Hong Kong after the Hague process is complete, they have received Article 5, and have confirmed required appointments. Both parents must travel to Hong Kong to meet the child unless there are dire circumstances that prevent this. The stay in Hong Kong is about a week, depending on the child’s adjustment. Children adopted from Hong Kong will enter the US on an IH-4 VISA, and the adoption will be finalized in the US in your local family court system. Families find the trip to be a culturally rich experience.

Post-Placement Reports

Post-placement reports are essential for demonstrating compliance with agency and country requirements, ensuring the child’s well-being, and maintaining transparency in the adoption process. Post-placement reports are mandatory in order to finalize the adoption in the US.

What Are Post-Placement Reports?

Post-placement reports are updates completed by your home study social worker to ensure the adopted child is thriving. These reports include:

• 6-8 photos with captions
• Details about the child’s health and well-being
• Information on how the family is adjusting

When Are Post-Placement Reports Due?

For adoptions from Hong Kong, reports should be submitted at the following intervals:

• 1 month
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months

Submission Guidelines

Post-placement reports are mandatory before finalizing the adoption in the US. Reports inform the Hong Kong adoption authority about the child’s adjustment and integration into the family.

For any questions or additional guidance, fill out the form below.

Common Questions

1. Who is eligible for adoption in Hong Kong?

Children in Hong Kong waiting for adoption often have moderate to severe special needs, come from difficult family backgrounds, or are part of sibling groups.

2. Why is there an urgent need for adoptive families in Hong Kong?

These children receive excellent medical care and nurturing in their current environments, but the need for a permanent, loving family is urgent to ensure their long-term well-being and stability.

3. What adoption regulations apply to adoptions from Hong Kong?

Adoption between the US and Hong Kong is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention, ensuring that all adoptions meet strict requirements to protect the best interests of the children.

4. Who is eligible to adopt from Hong Kong?

Heterosexual couples married for at least three years and single parents with a strong support network are eligible. Applicants must be at least 25 years old. Applicants must be at least 25 years old, and must reside in a Gladney licensed state.

5. Are there specific health and background requirements for adoptive parents?

Adoptive parents must be mentally and physically fit to parent with no major current or past health concerns. They must also have a stable family environment and be financially stable. See more adoption criteria.

6. What education requirements must adoptive parents meet?

Adoptive parents must have at least a high school degree or equivalent.

7. What training is required to adopt from Hong Kong?

At Gladney, training is a key part of preparing families for a successful adoption. All prospective parents complete pre-adoptive training that covers the adoption process, common needs of children, and practical parenting tools. You’ll also participate in Gladney’s Pathways training — our in-person, trauma-informed program held at the Fort Worth campus — which offers deeper guidance and preparation.

These trainings, as well as child specific training, ensure you are well-equipped, supported, and ready to provide a safe, nurturing home for the child you will welcome.

8. How do I start the adoption process for a child from Hong Kong?

To start the adoption process, you will contact an adoption specialist to discuss if the Hong Kong adoption program is right for your family. If deemed a good fit, you will be assigned an adoption specialist, complete a home study, and prepare a dossier for submission.

9. What is included in the dossier for adopting from Hong Kong?

The dossier may include various documents such as the home study report, passports, marriage and birth certificates, medical reports, education qualifications, letters of employment, police clearances, financial documentation, and more. All documents must be notarized or certified.

10. What is the adoption travel requirement for Hong Kong?

Both parents must travel to Hong Kong to meet the child unless there are dire circumstances preventing this. The stay in Hong Kong is typically about a week, depending on the child’s adjustment.

11. What are post-placement reports, and when are they due for Hong Kong adoptions?

Post-placement reports are updates to ensure the adopted child is thriving, including 6-8 photos with captions, details about the child’s health and well-being, and information on family adjustment. For Hong Kong adoptions, reports should be submitted at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.

12. What is required to finalize an adoption in the US?

After meeting the post-placement reporting requirements, families must finalize the adoption in their local court, and provide the final adoption decree, US birth certificate and US Certificate of Citizenship to the adoption agency. 

Post-Adoption Services

Gladney’s post-adoption support is built on a “family for life” philosophy, recognizing that adoption is a lifelong journey and providing ongoing care well beyond placement. Their services include education and training for adoptive parents, access to nationwide support groups, and clinical counseling (in-person, virtual, and in-home) to address adoption-related challenges. They also offer specialized support for birth parents and adoptees, including lifelong counseling resources, support groups, and assistance with records, registries, and maintaining connections when desired. Many of these comprehensive services are provided at little or no cost, ensuring that every member of the adoption triad has access to resources, guidance, and community throughout all stages of life.