Adoptions from Taiwan to the United States are handled by the Children’s Bureau (Er Tong Ju), Ministry of Interior. Children are cared for in orphanages; however, not all children in orphanages are adoptable. Some are placed there temporarily when their relatives are unable to care for them, or are under hardship.
For more up-to-date information on how to adopt from Taiwan, visit the Taiwan Adoption page on the U.S. State Department’s website. Get parent-to-parent advice and support in the Taiwan Adoptive Families group in our online community, Adoptive Families Circle.
Taiwan Adoption Fast Facts
- 2016 Adoptions: 59 children
- Hague Country: No
- Estimated Total Cost: $23,000 to $30,000
- Profile of Children: 43% of children are between 1 and 4 years old. 52% are boys (2014).
- Parent Ages: Adoptive parents must be at least 20 years older than the adoptive child. For married couples, one spouse must be at least 20 years older, and the other must be at least 16 years older than the child.
- Family Status: Singles may not adopt in Taiwan. Married couples may adopt, and both parents must adopt jointly. Taiwan does not specifically prohibit adoption by LGBT parents, but same-sex marriages are not recognized.
- Travel: Parents should plan to travel to Taiwan for at least a week.
- Timeline: Generally one to two years. Waits are shorter for older or special needs children.
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