Gladney consistently finalizes about 30 percent of the total adoptions from Taiwan to the United States each year! For the past 15 years, we have been working with two government-licensed child welfare foundations in Taiwan to offer adoption opportunities to families desiring to adopt a toddler or school-aged child.

The children eligible for adoption for international adoption from Taiwan need a permanent family due to neglect, abuse, abandonment, or other breakdowns in their family system that prevent appropriate care. The youngest children placed for international adoption from Taiwan, both boys and girls, are typically in the age range of 3-5 years old. Many elementary and middle school-aged children are waiting to be matched with an adoptive family. Many, but not all, children eligible for adoption from Taiwan have identified health, socio-emotional, or learning issues.

Adopting from Taiwan

Hopeful adoptive parents looking to welcome a child from Taiwan are needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet Taiwan’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 Taiwan 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

Taiwan Adoption Program

Since 2015, Gladney’s Superkids teams have made 10 trips to Taiwan to collaborate with our partners to meet children currently in need of adoption planning and perform developmental screenings. These in-person meetings allow Gladney to consider a child’s strengths, needs, and unique personality in matching a child with their adoptive parents. Be sure to follow the Superkids blog and join our private Taiwan Advocacy Facebook group so you don’t miss anything

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.

• Marital Status: Married heterosexual couples (must be married a minimum of 2 years; in some cases, must be married a minimum of 5 years, or prove committed relationship for 5 years). Singles are not eligible.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 25 years old and at least 20 years older than the child to be adopted. Parents over 50 may be eligible to consider waiting children.
• Background: A stable family environment and strong relationship history are considered. Families must have a combined annual income of at least $80,000 and a net worth of at least $80,000.
• Health: Families must be mentally and physically fit to parent. BMI should be less than 36. No major current or past health concerns (cancer, immune disease, degenerative conditions, etc.).
• Education: Minimum of high school education or GED/vocational equivalent.
• Citizenship: At least one applicant must be a US citizen.
• History: No alcohol abuse within the past ten years; no history of drug abuse. No history of child abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence. No criminal violations within the past ten years.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Parents should be open to and respectful of the child’s cultural background and heritage.
• Training: All hopeful adoptive parents pursuing adoption in Taiwan are required to complete pre-adoptive training.

Adoption Process

1. INITIAL CONTACT AND APPLICATION

Before submitting your official application, contact a Gladney adoption specialist to discuss whether the Taiwan 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. Complete an Adoption Home Study

Starting your home study promptly is crucial, as it can take several months to complete. A current, valid home study is necessary before you can pursue a specific child. If you reside in a Gladney licensed state, we will complete your home study. If you do not live in a Gladney licensed state, your caseworker will assist you in identifying an appropriate home study agency.

5. File for USCIS Immigration Approval

After completing your some study, apply for immigration approval by submitting USCIS Form I-600A along with your some study and supporting documentation. Submit Form I-600 after being matched with a child.

6. Transmit Preliminary Family Information to Taiwan

While completing your home study, work on a preliminary packet of information for Cathwel and/or Chung Yi. This includes the home study report, family photo album, “Dear Birth Parent” letter, and application. This information helps determine your suitability for their adoption program.

7. Proceed with Child Matching and Referral

Review the adoption files of waiting children and notify Gladney if you’re interested in being considered as the adoptive parents for a specific child. If chosen by the Taiwanese matching committee, you will proceed with the next steps.

8. Complete Adoption Dossier

Compile and notarize the necessary legal and dossier documents. Gladney will complete US government authentication and translation. Once translated, the dossier is mailed to your child’s welfare foundation for submission to court.

9. Undergo Court Adjudication Process

The Taiwan court process includes one court hearing and two court rulings: terminating biological parental rights and legally making you the child’s parents. The process takes about 6 months. You may need to travel to Taiwan during this period for bonding and court testimony.

10. Complete Adoption Processing and Final Travel

After the final court ruling, you will be notified of official travel dates to Taiwan. Travel to Taiwan to meet your child and complete finalization.

Gladney Adoption Specialists are dedicated to assisting families interested in adopting from Taiwan. To learn more about adopting from Taiwan, request a free, comprehensive Adoption Information Packet online or through email. For more information, call 817-813-6641.

Post-Adoption Reports

Post-adoption reports are crucial for demonstrating compliance with agency and country requirements, ensuring the child’s well-being, and maintaining transparency in the adoption process.

What Are Post-Adoption Reports?

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

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

When Are Post-Adoption Reports Due?

For adoptions from Taiwan, reports should be submitted at specified intervals as required by Gladney.

Submission Guidelines

Post-adoption reports must be detailed and specific to the child, providing reassurance to Taiwan’s adoption authority about the child’s progress.

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

Common Questions

1. What is the age range of children eligible for adoption from Taiwan?

The youngest children eligible for international adoption from Taiwan are typically aged 3-5 years old, with many elementary and middle school-aged children also waiting for adoptive families.

2. Are there children with special needs waiting for adoption in Taiwan?

Yes, many children eligible for adoption from Taiwan have identified health, socio-emotional, or learning issues.

3. How does Gladney support children waiting for adoption in Taiwan?

Gladney’s Superkids teams conduct developmental screenings and collaborate with local partners to assess and match children with potential adoptive families.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for adopting from Taiwan?

Hopeful adoptive parents must be married heterosexual couples or meet specific criteria, including age, financial stability, health, education, and a clean background.

5. Do single applicants qualify to adopt a child from Taiwan?

No, single individuals are not eligible to adopt children from Taiwan.

6. What is the first step in the adoption process for families interested in adopting from Taiwan?

The first step in the adoption process is to attend an informational session and orientation provided by Gladney.

7. What training is required to adopt from Taiwan?

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. What documentation is required for the adoption process?

Families must submit a variety of documents, including background clearances, reference letters, and a completed home study report.

9. How long does the court process take for adoptions from Taiwan?

The court process typically takes about six months and involves one court hearing and two court rulings.

10. What happens after the final court ruling for adoption in Taiwan?

After the final court ruling, families will be notified of travel dates to Taiwan to meet their child and complete the finalization of the adoption.

11. Can I host a child from Taiwan?

Yes, Taiwan often offers a hosting program; however, availability can vary from year to year. We work closely with our partners in-country to determine whether hosting opportunities are in the best interest of the children in their care at that time.  Please visit our Hosting page for the most up-to-date information on upcoming sessions and to learn more about the process.

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.