Adopting a Child from Korea FAQs – old page

[accordion] [acc_item title=”Why Adopt from Korea?”]The Korean Program is an excellent option for married couples wanting to adopt a healthy toddler. Adoptions from Korea have a well deserved reputation for excellence. New Beginnings places children with the cooperation Eastern Social Welfare Society in Korea. We have successfully operated our Korean program since our founding in 1985. The child’s medical care is excellent and the medical information is full and complete. The children are cared for in foster care and have few developmental delays. Over the last few year, the number of available children from Korea has increased. Adoptive families are needed. If you would like to know more about the program, e-mail us or call us at 516-747-2204.[/acc_item] [acc_item title=”Children Available”]The Children Available are about two years of age at placement. Mostly boys are available and Korea does not allow a gender preference. The information present with the referral is detailed and complete. Information on the birth family is available and part of the referral packet. The children are cared for in foster care. In addition, ESWS provides day care to monitor the children and promote developmental milestones. Updates, photos, videos and often correspondence with the foster parents are normal and routine. We do see referrals of children that have medical concerns and recommend families entering the program to be aware and open to the children with minor correctable needs or concerns. [/acc_item] [acc_item title=”How Long Does It Take?”]New Beginnings will routinely complete the home study and secure USCIS approval within six  months. Because the amount of time it takes for a home study depends on the family and if a home study agency is used, estimating the length of time is often starts at USCIS approval. After this, the referral would be expected within three months. It will take another nine months before you will bring your child home. During this time, you will receive regular updates and photos. We encourage families to send small gifts to their child and photos. For returning families and families that have previously adopted from Korea, we can often expedite the process. For the Steps in the Process, click here, or see our left sidebar.[/acc_item] [acc_item title=”Is Travel Required?”] Travel is required for a Korean adoption, and the adoption is finalized in Korea. Your child will become a US citizen when he or she arrives in the United States. Parents will take two trips, each lasting about 5-7 days. The first trip is to meet their child and appear before the Seoul Family Court for the adoption. The second trip takes place about three weeks later when you will bring you child home. Korea is a modern, industrial nation. Western and American restaurants and amenities are readily available. While there, we strongly encourage our families to experience the wonderful foods and culture of Korea.[/acc_item] [acc_item title=”Korean Eligibility Requirements”]Eligibility requirements are specific in Korea. Visit our Programs at a Glance page to quickly see all requirements and compare between programs.

• Must be married a minimum of three years.  No more than one divorce per spouse.
• Both spouses must be under the age of 44.
• Special permission will be given up to age 49 at home study approval if one of the following are met:

At least one parent is of Korean Heritage, or
One parent is a Korean adoptee, or
Parents already have a adopted from Korea.

• Both spouses must have a body mass index (BMI) under 30%.
• Both spouses must be in excellent health without any medical concerns. Please call us or submit a Pre-Application if you have specific questions about this.
• There can be no more than four children in the family prior to adopted child’s arrival.
• We can work with couples that reside in the states where we are licensed: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.  We can work with couples in other states if it does no pose a conflict with another ESWS agency.
• There is no gender preference in this program. Typically, more boys are placed each year than girls. Infants are usually 18-24 months old at the time of arrival, but on occasion a child might be slightly younger or older.

[/acc_item] [acc_item title=”Is Korea Adoption Right For You?”]If there is a preference to adopt a child as young as possible, Korea is excellent. The children are in very good health. You will receive a thorough medical report on the child with a social history on the birth mother. Photos and updates on your child come on a monthly basis thereafter. There are also full progress reports every three months until arrival. There are many more boys placed than girls and very rarely is a gender preference permitted. The adoption process goes smoothly, but families will need to be patient while waiting to travel. Korean adoption costs are higher than average partially due to the two required trips. Regardless, Korea is an excellent program and for applicants who fit into the above mentioned guidelines, it should be seriously considered.[/acc_item] [/accordion]