Who can adopt from Vietnam?

Couples over the age of 25, married at least 2 years and have no more than two divorces each.   Single women are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

How old are the children?

Children adopted through Holt's Vietnam program are usually between 12-24 months at time of placement.

What is the profile of children to be adopted?

Children adopted from Vietnam are generally considered to be normal in health and development.

What is a "waiting child"?

Any child who is legally freed for adoption and is waiting an adoptive family. They include older children, sibling groups, and children with disabilities or special needs. Some have minor conditions such as prematurity, low-birth weight or other problems they are expected to out-grow. Others have conditions, which require surgery such as cleft lip and palate, heart or orthopedic problems. Holt has a great deal of experience finding families for waiting children and will do all we can to answer questions and provide additional information.

Can we choose to adopt either a boy or girl?

No.

How are families selected for children?

Families are matched with children when Holt International receives the child’s information. The match can only be done once an approved home study is received.

What kind of information is available about the children?

Child information is one of the strengths of the Vietnam adoption program. This may include information about the child’s birth family and medical history. Families receive quarterly progress reports with updated information on the child’s health and development and photos

Where do children live while they are in Vietnam?

Children in Holt’s care in Vietnam are cared for in government-run orphanages or by foster families. Holt’s progressive work with childcare is known throughout the world and has been used by many governments as a model on which they base their own childcare policies.

What kind of medical care do children receive?

When children come into care, there is a medical evaluation and an individual medical record is established. All children receive quarterly health check-ups; appropriate immunizations and a Hepatitis B and HIV test.

How do children come into care?

About half of the children are relinquished by a birth-family member, usually the birth mother, and the other half are abandoned. Birth mothers who choose adoption for their children are cared for and counseled by a social worker. They have made the clear choice that adoption is the best option for their baby and themselves.

Can I adopt more than one child?

Yes, but usually this means going through the program twice. In rare instances twins or sibling groups are available for referral. Holt does not support placing unrelated children at the same time.

Do parents travel to Vietnam?

Yes. Both parents must travel to Vietnam for 12-18 days to complete their child’s adoption. While you are in Vietnam, the Holt Vietnam staff will assist you with all phases of your trip relating to adoption processing. Our staff is very experienced in working with American families and are available on the trip if any issues, concerns, or questions arise.

How do I arrange my adoption trip?

The only travel arrangements for which you are responsible are the round-trip tickets from your home. Any travel agent can make the arrangements you need for this portion of your trip. Holt can also recommend travel agencies who are experienced with adoption travel to Vietnam and understand the unique needs of adoptive parents. Holt has staff in Eugene and throughout Vietnam who will make all other arrangements for you, including intra-Vietnam flights, hotel reservations, and ground transportation.

What kind of information do families receive during the adoption process?

Families receive a Vietnam Program Adoption Guidebook after their formal application has been submitted. The guidebook walks families through each step of the adoption process. Holt staff members who specialize in the adoption process are available by phone or e-mail for consultation and advice to help you complete your application and dossier properly, discuss travel, advise you about your referral, and explain post-placement requirements.

Does Holt have any post adoption programs?

Because Holt believes adoption is a lifelong commitment, our mandate to adoptive families is to continue providing services and support throughout the lifetime of the child. For adoptive families, international adoption includes the complexities of ethnicity, culture and race. Holt’s post-adoption program provides on-going social work support to families even after the adoption is finalized. This includes clinical support and counseling and assistance with birth searches. Holt also provides adoptee outreach through Heritage Camp, Family Tours, Adoptee web page (with monitored chat rooms), and adult adoptee support network and parent support groups throughout the country.