• Korea has been involved in international adoption since the 1950’s.
  
• This program is open to ONTARIO residents only.
  
• The Social Welfare Society will only place 21 children for 2011 with our agency. This quota has already been met. Going forward, this number will be reduced by 10% each year thereafter.
  

Considerations:

• Single parenthood is a common reason that there are children waiting for families in Korea.
  
• The majority of the children will be up to 24 months of age at time of placement.
  
• All children reside in professional foster homes.
  
• Both boys and girls (mostly boys) are waiting for families but a family cannot specify gender.
  
• Comprehensive health information is provided with referral along with a history of the child and some familial information as well.
  
• Adoptive applicants are able to adopt a child with some minor, correctable medical health issues. The applicants are able to accept some recreational alcohol or cigarette smoking in the social and medical histories. The applicants are aware that the child may be placed with them from foster care in Korea. The applicants are aware that a child presented to them in an international adoption will have a limited medical and social history and are aware of the risks inherent in this.
  
• Adoption is finalized in Canada.
  
• Neither Korea nor the Ministry will permit placement of a baby if the couple is pregnant or has a baby less than 18 months of age.
  

Requirements:

• Applicants (both) must be under 45 years of age when the child is placed. Please consult with program manager prior to proceeding if applicant is in the 42-44 age category.
  
• Family Income: $25,000 minimum
• Must be married for a minimum of 3 years. NO single applicants accepted.
  
• Must have a minimum of high school education.
  
• No more than 4 children in the family already.
  
• All family members must have no serious physical or emotional disabilities (depression and/or anxiety included) and no criminal record.
  
• At least one of a couple MUST be a Canadian citizen.
  
• Cannot be notably overweight (no more than 30% of normal body weight).
  
• Only ONE divorce permitted for each partner.
  

Process:

• Completion of a home study and approval in Ontario.
  
• File sent to Korea and proposal received by The Children's Bridge.
  
• Paperwork can be no more than 6 months from the date on the paperwork when sent to Korea.
  
• Once child’s Visa is issued, family may travel to Korea.
  
• Six-month supervision of child by their Adoption Practitioner is required and finalization of adoption is processed in Ontario courts.
  

Timelines:

• Home study completion varies (average time 4 months).
  
• Approval in Ontario takes between 4 and 12 weeks.
  
• Referral can take anywhere from 3 months to 10 months.
  
• Issuance of Visa approximately 8 – 16 weeks after referral acceptance is received in Korea.