Adopting from Vietnam: A Journey of Compassion and Connection

Adopting from Vietnam is a heartfelt journey that offers children a future full of possibility, love, and belonging. Whether you are drawn to Southeast Asia through heritage, humanitarian vision, or simply feel called to grow your family through international adoption, Gladney’s Vietnam adoption program offers a thoughtful and deeply supportive path.

In February 2025, Gladney was selected as one of just three U.S. agencies accredited to provide adoption services in Vietnam. This honor reflects our commitment to ethical practices, family preparation, and child-centered care every step of the way.

Children Who Are Waiting

In Vietnam, children of all ages are in need of families—especially those over the age of five, those with developmental, physical, or medical special needs, and sibling groups. Many children enter care due to poverty, illness, or other family hardships. Most live in state-run child welfare centers that provide structure but cannot replace the love and stability of a permanent family.

Vietnam prioritizes finding adoptive families domestically before considering international placements. When children become eligible for international adoption, they are matched with families who can meet their unique needs and commit to honoring their cultural roots.

Who Can Adopt from Vietnam?

Vietnam’s adoption eligibility requirements are defined by both the country’s Central Adoption Authority and the Hague Adoption Convention. However, exceptions are sometimes made on a case-by-case basis. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a Gladney specialist can help you explore your options.

You may be eligible to adopt from Vietnam if:

• At least one adoptive parent is a U.S. citizen
• You are a heterosexual married couple (married at least one year, no more than two divorces per parent) or a single adult
• You are between 25 and 55 years old and at least 20 years older than the child you wish to adopt
• You are financially stable and have a stable family environment
• You are physically and mentally healthy
• You have a high school diploma or higher
• You have no more than four children currently in the home (more considered on a case-by-case basis)
• You are committed to honoring the child’s cultural heritage

What Adopting from Vietnam Looks Like

At Gladney, we believe that preparation and transparency empower families and protect children. Here’s what the adoption process entails:

1. Meet Your Gladney Vietnam Team

Once you apply, you’ll be connected with our Vietnam team. These dedicated professionals will guide you through every stage and provide the resources and training needed to begin.

2. Complete Pre-Adoption Training

Gladney provides Hague-compliant training tailored to the specific needs of children from Vietnam, including trauma-informed care and medical special needs education.

3. Complete a Home Study

If you reside in a state licensed by Gladney, we’ll conduct your home study directly. Otherwise, we’ll help you find an approved provider and review their report to ensure it meets our standards.

4. Prepare Your Dossier

This essential collection of notarized, certified, and authenticated documents represents your family to the Vietnamese authorities and outlines your adoption preferences.

5. Receive a Referral

Once your dossier is submitted and approved, you’ll be eligible for a referral. Children matched through the regular process are typically older than 5 and without identified special needs. You’ll receive a detailed file for review and are encouraged to consult an international adoption medical specialist.

Families can also pursue adoption of a child from the Waiting Child List, which includes children with significant needs, older children (usually over 9), and sibling groups. Matching in these cases often moves more quickly.

6. Travel to Vietnam

Vietnam requires a single 10–14 day trip to complete the adoption, usually involving travel to Hanoi and the child’s province. Both adoptive parents must travel unless otherwise approved. Adoptions are finalized in-country, and children enter the U.S. on an IH-3 visa.

After Placement: Post-Adoption Reporting

Vietnam mandates a series of post-adoption reports to monitor the child's transition and uphold ethical standards in international adoption.

Reports are due at:

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

Gladney supports families through each submission, ensuring compliance and providing encouragement and resources throughout the post-placement journey.

Why Families Choose Vietnam—and Gladney

As one of only three U.S. agencies accredited to work in Vietnam, Gladney is proud to walk this road with families. Our approach to adoption is built on trust, transparency, and a deep respect for Vietnamese culture.

What you can expect with Gladney:

• A specialized Vietnam adoption team that walks with you from the first inquiry to the final post-placement report
• Compassionate, consistent guidance tailored to your family’s needs
• A commitment to ethical practices and transparency in every interaction
• Ongoing support and resources post-adoption
• Grant opportunities to support the adoption of waiting children

Ready to Begin?

Adopting from Vietnam begins with a single, powerful step: reaching out. Whether you’re ready to apply or are still gathering information, Gladney’s Vietnam team is here to answer your questions and guide your path forward.

Contact an Adoption Specialist and Start Your Adoption Journey

Learn More about Adopting from Vietnam

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