China Closes International Adoption Program

On September 5, 2024, China officially ended its international adoption program, allowing only adoptions by blood relatives. The decision, announced by China’s Foreign Ministry was made with social, demographic, and diplomatic considerations.

This change has left many hopeful families heartbroken. While the program had already slowed significantly in recent years, its closure solidifies the end of a chapter that began in 1992. Over the last three decades, more than 160,000 children found homes abroad—half in the United States. However, international adoptions from China had already been suspended back in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure raises concerns about the future for vulnerable children in China, particularly those with special needs who may face fewer opportunities for family placement. For families still eager to adopt internationally, options remain.

The Gladney Center for Adoption continues to support families in pursuing international adoption from other countries, including:

• Bulgaria – Focused on finding families for children with special needs or sibling groups.
• Colombia – Offers hosting opportunities and programs for infants, older children, and sibling groups.
• Hong Kong – Specializes in adoptions for children with medical needs.
• Dominican Republic – Helps match families with children needing loving homes.
• Taiwan – Offers hosting opportunities and Facilitates adoptions for infants, toddlers, and school-age children
• Thailand – Focuses on placing young children with loving families.
• Ecuador – Matches families with older children and sibling groups.
• Phillippines - Offers services to older children, sibling groups, and children with medical needs who await loving families to commit to them.

While China’s closure is a profound loss for many, there are still countless children worldwide waiting for their forever families. Contact Gladney to learn more about these programs and how you can make a difference.