In Vietnam, children over 5 years of age (medically healthy or with special needs) as well as children of all ages with moderate to major developmental, physical or medical special needs, and sibling groups are in need of families. The most common reasons for children to be placed for adoption include poverty, family illness or other family crises, and lack of resources to care for children born with medical needs. Most of the children live in government-run childcare centers. Vietnam adoption authorities seek domestic families before declaring a child as eligible for an international adoption.

Adopting from Vietnam

Hopeful adoptive parents looking to welcome a child from Vietnam are needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. Adoptive parents are expected to meet Vietnam’s criteria for adoption to be considered for a match, however exceptions to the requirements are often made on a case-by-case basis. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact one of our adoption specialists who can help determine the right fit for your family and answer your questions. Gladney’s Vietnam 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 home study, a Vietnam dossier and complete pre-adoptive training as assigned by Gladney.

Vietnam Adoption Program

Vietnam is a new program for Gladney!

In February, 2025 Gladney was chosen to be an accredited adoption services provider In Vietnam. Vietnam and the United States are parties to the Hague Adoption Convention, and children from Vietnam must meet the requirements of the Hague Convention in order to be eligible for intercountry adoption. Acting in its role as an accredited adoption services provider, Gladney is authorized to recruit and submit prospective adoptive parents’ adoption application dossiers to the Central Adoption Authority in Vietnam for review and acceptance. There are currently only three U.S. adoption agencies authorized to provide adoption services in Vietnam, and Gladney is honored to have been recently chosen for this important work.

Adoption Criteria

Adoption criteria are based on the requirements of the country and program and may change over time. To ensure you meet the criteria, it’s best to contact one of our adoption specialists to discuss your specific situation and start making an adoption plan. Vietnam offers flexibility with its eligibility requirements and consideration is often granted on a case-by-case basis.

• Citizenship: At least one adoptive parent must be a United States citizen.
• Marital Status: Heterosexual singles and married couples (legally married for at least one year, no more than two divorces per parent) are eligible. Applicants with more than two divorces are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Age: applicants 25 – 55 years of age; must be at least 20 years older than the adopted child (or the oldest child in a sibling group); applicants who are 55 years of age or older are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• 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. Applicants with major arrest histories, please contact us before applying.
• Family size: Families with no more than four children currently in the home. Families with more than four children already in the home are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Health: Applicants must be mentally and physically fit to parent. Applicants with major medical histories, please contact us before applying.
• Education: High school degree or above.
• 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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

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. Preparing Your Dossier

Families create a dossier detailing the characteristics of the child (or children) they are eligible to adopt. The dossier to be submitted to Vietnam must include the necessary documentation required for an international adoption into the U.S. and by the Vietnam adoption authorities, all of which must be notarized, certified, and authenticated per Vietnam’s requirements.

6. Receive Official Referral

After your dossier is completed, Gladney submits it to the Central Adoption Authority in Vietnam for review and approval. Once your dossier is approved, it will be entered in the pipeline for a match. The Central Adoption Authority forwards the family’s dossier to the Provincial Adoption Authority for a potential match based on the chronological order of their dossier approval, family’s openness, and the list of children needing a family through international adoption. Children eligible through this regular process are generally over 5 years of age and without identified medical special needs.

Once matched, Gladney will receive the child’s file, including medical and social histories, and provide it to the family. You are strongly encouraged to have an international adoption medical specialist review the child’s file in order to better understand the child’s health condition and care involved. Upon your decision to accept the referral, acceptance paperwork needs to be completed and submitted to Vietnam.

Waiting Child List

The Central Authority in Vietnam issues a list of Waiting Children on a regular basis. Families may express interest in a specific child from the Waiting Child list by submitting commitment paperwork. Children of all ages with moderate to significant special needs, or older than 9 years of age, or in a sibling group are commonly seen on these lists. Families adopting a pre-identified waiting child are matched directly by the Central Adoption Authority and tend to have a much shorter wait time.

7. Adoption Travel

Families can travel to Vietnam once they have completed the Hague process post-referral acceptance, along with confirmed appointments with relevant authorities.

Vietnam requires one trip, typically around ten days to two weeks, primarily in Hanoi and the province in which the child resides.

For married couples, both parents are required to travel to Vietnam to meet and pick up the child. A rare exception for only one parent to travel may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Children will enter the US on an IH-3 VISA, with adoptions finalized in Vietnam. 

Post-Adoption Reports

Post-adoption reports are mandatory and essential for demonstrating compliance with agency and country requirements, ensuring the child’s well-being, providing support and resources, and maintaining transparency in the adoption process. The compliance of these reporting requirements also plays a crucial role in keeping international adoption as an option for children in need of a family in Vietnam.

When Are Post-adoption Reports Due?

For adoptions from Vietnam, reports should be completed by Gladney or submitted by our partner agency at the following intervals:

• 1 month
• 6 months
• 12 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months
• 36 months

Los informes postadopción son obligatorios. Estos informes informan a la autoridad de adopción vietnamita sobre el progreso del niño y contribuyen a mantener la adopción internacional como una opción para los niños que necesitan una familia en Vietnam.

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.