Taiwan


Spence-Chapin has developed a network with Family and Childrens Agency (FCA) in Connecticut to help place children from Taiwan in the New York Metropolitan area. Working together these two agencies provide the full range of services to adoptive families seeking to adopt from Taiwan.

Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and older boys are available. There are also special needs children and sibling groups available. Children reside at Jonah’s House at Cathwel Service located in Taipai-Hsien, Taiwan. Cathwel was established in 1949 and provides a full range of services for birthmothers and their families as well as the children awaiting adoptive families. Birthmothers are encouraged to help select an adoptive family, however, sometimes Cathwel will make the match.







Program Requirements and Specifics:

  • Couples must be married for at least 5 years (may be negotiable depending on situation).


  • Married couples under 45 years of age are encouraged to apply. Applicants under 30 and over 45 are considered on a case-by-case basis.


  • Applicants must be in good health and with the financial resources to care of a child.

From Referral to Homecoming:

Once families have completed their home study process with Spence-Chapin, applied to FCA Taiwan Program and submitted their dossier, they are ready to receive a referral. The wait for a referral is generally 18-24 months. The wait may vary depending on how quickly a birthmother chooses the adoptive family as well as the family’s preferences regarding the child. Once the referral has been accepted travel to Taiwan typically happens within 3-5 months. The child’s legal documents are processed through the courts in Taiwan during this wait time.

Families are encouraged to travel to Taiwan to receive their children, meet the birth family and caretakers, and visit the center where their child received care. Travel usually takes 4-7 business days. Birthmothers may request written correspondence with the adoptive parents through Cathwel Service and FCA.

Fees and Costs:

Spence-Chapin has a sliding fee for the services provided by the agency base on the applicants adjusted gross income. The Taiwan program fee ranges from $4,000-$10,000 (for single child adoption). In addition, there are U.S. based document preparation expenses and in-country expenses such as lodging, meals, and translation services.

For more information about the Taiwan Program, please contact our International Adoption Department at 212-400-8150 or internationalinquiry@spence-chapin.org. You are also invited to attend a free information session. We look forward to seeing you there!