Thailand

* * We are currently not accepting any new applications * *
SPENCE-CHAPIN HAS PARTNERED WITH Children's Home Society and Family Services (CHSFS) to help place children from Thailand with adoptive families in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. CHSFS works with Friends for All Children (FFAC), a private, nonprofit child welfare organization, to find homes for children from Thailand. Thailand is a largely Buddhist country with an ancient history dating back to 10 A.D. It is located on a peninsula in Southeast Asia, predominantly bordered by the sea. This beautiful country's diverse topography has recently drawn many tourists. Though Thailand is currently a stable constitutional monarchy, the country has had multiple political restructurings over the past few decades. Today, both social and economic factors have resulted in single mothers and families being unable to care for their children.

Program Criteria

Couples married for at least two years. No more than two previous marriages are permitted.
Applicants must be 25-45 years old, and under 40 years old to be eligible for a child 24 months or younger.
Applicants should be in very good physical health without diagnosis of a chronic medical condition, and be no more than 30% overweight.
Applicants should be in good mental health with no history of chemical dependency or abuse, or use of anti-depressants.
Applicants must have a clean criminal record.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary education are preferred.
No more than two children may currently be parented prior to placement of adopted child.
Applicants must be open to a referral of a child of either gender.

Children in Need of Homes

Thai children in need of homes tend to be infants and toddlers up to 5 years old of both genders, though there are generally more boys than girls. When both applicants are 40 to 45, the couple will likely be referred a child 24 months or older. Most children are generally medically healthy, though sometimes have correctible medical issues. While awaiting international adoption, Thai children either reside in an institutional care center managed by FFAC or in foster care.

Timing and Travel: From Application to Homecoming

Timing: The current wait for an adoption referral from Thailand after your dossier is sent to CHSFS is approximately 9-12 months; though it may be shorter, depending on your child request.
Referral: At the time of referral, you will receive photographs and a medical and developmental report on the child who has been matched for adoption with your family.
Travel: After you have accepted your referral, both members of a couple will travel to Thailand within approximately 5-12 months to be interviewed by the Thai Child Adoption Board (TCAB). The trip is typically 2-3 weeks and is spent in Bangkok and the region where your child is in foster care. You will stay at a hotel and be guided by CHSFS's overseas representatives though all aspects of your child's adoption.
Post-Placement: Thai adoptions are finalized in the U.S. court system approximately one year after placement, which will be facilitated by Spence-Chapin, an attorney and CHSFS. Prior to starting the finalization process, the Thai government requires three reports within six months of the adoption, which are written by your social worker and based on visits with your family. When these are complete, the TCAB will issue an adoption decree and the family can begin the re-adoption process in their state of residence. Ongoing support through the Spence-Chapin Adoption Resource Center is available throughout the lifetime of your family and is free for one year following the adoption of your child from Thailand.

Partnering Agency

Spence-Chapin partners with CHSFS, an agency that has an adoption program in Thailand through a relationship with FFAC. Spence-Chapin provides you with adoption education and support, home study assessment and preparation, and post-adoption services. All families who have their home studies completed by Spence-Chapin meet required training requirements on general adoption issues, child development and attachment.

Families Outside of the NY/NJ Metro Area

As Thailand is not one of Spence-Chapin's direct international adoption programs, we are unable to provide this program to families outside of the New York/New Jersey service area at this time. We invite you to explore one of our other international adoption programs offered through our networking partners. To learn more about networking and see a list of Spence-Chapin Network Agencies, click on the link or contact our International Inquiry Coordinator at 212-400-8150 or internationalinquiry@spence-chapin.org.

Cost Guidelines

There are several categories of adoption-related fees and expenses that adoptive families should anticipate when considering an international adoption. For an explanation of these, please refer to the Understanding Fees and Expenses page. Included in these fees is a separate foreign country program fee which varies. For adopting from Thailand, it is $7,500.

Celebration for Children Adopted Internationally

Every year, the agency hosts parties for Spence-Chapin families formed through international adoption. Families come together to celebrate with traditional food, crafts, and entertainment, which offers adopted children an opportunity to explore their common heritage. For information about our next celebration, please contact Nicole at 212-360-0291 or nfranklin@spence-chapin.org.

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