COUNTRIES WE SERVE
Adopting from Hong Kong
Hand in Hand International Adoptions
Hand in Hand’s Hong Kong program, launched in 2021, focuses on children with special placement needs in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Adoptions are processed through International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) and the Hong Kong Department of Social Welfare. One trip (approximately 7 days) is required. The process takes 12–18 months. Uniquely, final legal adoption is completed in your local U.S. family court after you return home with your child.
- Hague Accredited
- 10,000+ Families Served
OUR STORY
Program Introduction
Hand in Hand’s Hong Kong program is our newest, launched in 2021. It focuses on children in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who have special placement needs — children who may have medical health needs, developmental challenges, or complex birth family circumstances. Each month, Hand in Hand receives a list of children waiting for families and advocates on their behalf.
Adoptions are processed through International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) in partnership with the Hong Kong Department of Social Welfare, which serves as the Central Authority for adoption in Hong Kong.
One distinctive feature of this program: while guardianship is granted in Hong Kong during your visit, the formal legal adoption is completed in your local U.S. family court after you return home. Hand in Hand supports you through both steps.
OUR STORY
Who Can Be Adopted?
Children ages 1–15 with special placement needs
Special placement needs may include medical health needs, developmental health needs, or complex birth family circumstances
Some waiting children have moderate to severe special needs such as Thalassemia or Down Syndrome
Some older children are available with no apparent medical conditions
Each family completes a medical needs checklist; International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) uses this information to identify a potential match
Who Can Adopt?
Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 years of age
Married heterosexual couples with a minimum of 3 years of marriage are eligible
If either parent has been divorced, the minimum length of current marriage is 5 years
Single women with demonstrated child care experience and a strong support network may be eligible
Income requirement based on Hong Kong Median Monthly Domestic Household Income standard; tax returns and financial questionnaire required
Process
Travel Requirements
Both adoptive parents travel to Hong Kong once for approximately 7 days. During this trip you receive your child’s guardianship agreement from the Hong Kong court, a Hong Kong passport, and a U.S. visa for your child. Hand in Hand assists with all travel arrangements. Final adoption is then completed in your local U.S. family court.
Timeframe
From application to travel and placement: 12–18 months. U.S. finalization adds additional time after your return. Hand in Hand guides you through both steps.
Financial
What Does It Cost?
Fees for the Hong Kong program vary based on your state of residence. International adoptions through Hand in Hand generally range from $17,000 to $40,000 including agency fees, in-country costs, and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hong Kong
What does special placement needs mean in the Hong Kong program?
Special placement needs is a term used by the Hong Kong Department of Social Welfare covering children with medical diagnoses such as Thalassemia or Down Syndrome, developmental delays, emotional or behavioral needs, and children whose birth family circumstances make placement more complex. Hand in Hand provides full medical and background information on any referred child.
Why does finalization happen in the U.S. instead of Hong Kong?
Hong Kong grants legal guardianship during your 7-day visit, which allows you to bring your child home. The formal legal adoption — making your child permanently yours under U.S. law — is then completed in your local family court. Hand in Hand walks you through this domestic finalization process after your return.
What is International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK)?
International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) is the organization Hand in Hand works with directly to process Hong Kong adoptions. ISS-HK submits your dossier to the Hong Kong Department of Social Welfare, facilitates child matching, and coordinates all legal steps in Hong Kong.
How does the child matching process work in Hong Kong?
Once International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) receives your completed application, home study, and dossier, they review your family profile and your completed medical needs checklist. Within approximately 8–12 weeks, Hand in Hand receives a referral of a child whose needs match your family’s specifications.
Can I identify a specific waiting child before applying?
Yes. If you are aware of a specific child on Hong Kong’s waiting list, you can indicate this at the time of application and will receive that child’s full referral once your application is submitted.
Is only one trip to Hong Kong required?
Yes. Both adoptive parents travel once for approximately 7 days. During this trip the court grants guardianship, and your child’s passport and U.S. visa are issued. You return home with your child and complete finalization in the U.S.
Can a single woman adopt from Hong Kong?
Single women may be eligible if they have demonstrated experience in child care and a strong personal support network. Eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Single men are not eligible under current Hong Kong requirements.
[### Family story — approx. 150–250 words. First-person preferred. ###]
— The Sevillena Family
Countries We Serve
We partner with select international programs focused on ethical adoption and child-centered care.
Adopt from Brazil
The #1 U.S. program in Brazil — specializing in siblings, older children, and families ready to keep brothers and sisters together.
Adopt from Bulgaria
A transparent, Hague-accredited process with shorter timelines for children over three and those with special needs.
Adopt from Haiti
A program with deep roots — Hand in Hand has guided Haitian adoptions since 1990, including relative adoptions.
Adopt from Hungary
Hand in Hand’s newest country program. Contact us to learn about current openings and requirements.
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