The Chinese government has announced the end of its international adoption program, leaving some Canadians who were in the process of foreign adoption in limbo. According to a daily briefing by Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, the inter-country program will cease to exist immediately, effectively halting foreigners from adopting Chinese children.
Only those who are blood relatives or step-relatives of Chinese children are currently eligible to apply for international adoption. The decision to end international adoption is reportedly in line with relevant international conventions.
For Canadian families who were in the process of adopting from China, the news is disappointing and confusing. The Canadian government is working closely with contacts in China to review the changes and determine how many Canadian families will be affected by the decision.
Delia Ramsbotham, executive director of the non-profit Sunrise Family Services Society in British Columbia, said the rate of Chinese international adoption in Canada had already slowed significantly prior to the pandemic. Chinese children who were paired with Canadian parents were often older or had medical needs. Ramsbotham stated that any family that has not been issued their notice of travel, whether they are Canadian or from another country, has been told that their adoptions will not proceed.
International adoption can be expensive, with agencies or individually licensed agents charging between $20,000 and $50,000 for their services. It is unclear if Canadians who were in the process of adopting from China will receive any reimbursement from agencies or be returned any fees that have already been paid.
For adoptees who have already come to Canada, the news may also affect their search for information about their biological parents, familial history, and culture. Karen Moore, executive director of the Adoption Council of Ontario, said that the end of international adoption may cause loss and grief for those who are searching for their roots.
Canada and China are signatories to the Hague Convention, which aims to protect children and their families against the risks of illegal, irregular, premature, or ill-prepared adoptions abroad.
Conclusion
The Chinese government’s decision to end its international adoption program is likely to have a significant impact on Canadian families who were in the process of adopting from China. The lack of clarity around the fate of these families and the uncertainty surrounding their ability to receive reimbursement for services or fees paid is likely to cause significant distress and financial hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Canadians who were in the process of adopting from China receive any reimbursement for services or fees paid?
A: It is unclear if Canadians who were in the process of adopting from China will receive any reimbursement from agencies or be returned any fees that have already been paid.
Q: Will adoptees who have already come to Canada be affected by the end of international adoption?
A: Yes, adoptees who have already come to Canada may be affected by the end of international adoption, particularly if they are searching for information about their biological parents, familial history, and culture.
Q: Is it true that international adoption is often expensive?
A: Yes, international adoption can be expensive, with agencies or individually licensed agents charging between $20,000 and $50,000 for their services.
Q: Why did China end its international adoption program?
A: The Chinese government did not specify why it decided to end its international adoption program, but stated that the decision was made in line with relevant international conventions.
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