• 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 30 children for 2007 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 are between 8 and 12 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.
  
• 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 nine 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.
  
• 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 8 – 12 months).
  
• Approval in Ontario takes between 4 and 12 weeks.
  
• Issuance of Visa approximately 8 – 12 weeks after approval of placement is received in Korea
• Referral can take anywhere from 4 months to 10 months