Thailand Adoption

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Right now, we have an urgent need for families to adopt children in Thailand!

In Thailand, children waiting for permanent, loving families are typically 2-3 years old at the time they join their families and have minor to moderate physical or developmental special needs. Most of the children in Holt’s Thailand adoption program spend the first several weeks of their life with their birth mother, and then stay in the nurturing care of a Holt foster family while they wait to join their adoptive family. For more than 45 years, we have worked alongside our in-country partner, Holt Sahathai Foundation (HSF), to guide families through the adoption process. We will work closely with you to anticipate needs, overcome obstacles and support you throughout your journey to welcome a child into your family.

Did you know Holt does relative adoptions from Thailand?

learn more about the thailand program

Children in Thailand Who Need Families

Children are typically 2-3 years old at the time of placement.
Children have minor to moderate physical or developmental special needs. Learn more about Disabilities & Medical Conditions in Special Needs Adoption.
Most children stay in nurturing foster families and receive exceptional in-country care while they wait to join their families.

Meet the children waiting for a family

To preserve children’s confidentiality, you will be asked to log in or sign up before you access the waiting child photolisting.

Waiting Child Photolisting

Thailand Special Needs Adoption

There is a select group of children who are part of our Special Needs Project in Thailand — children who are older, have medical or developmental needs, and/or are part of a sibling group. Each of these children has had an in-person, one-on-one assessment with a Holt social worker! Family eligibility for this program can be more flexible than our standard program. You can view these children on the photolisting, or email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Eligibility Requirements & Fees

Eligibility Requirements to Adopt from Thailand

Parent’s Age

For the standard program, the prospective adoptive mother must be under 40 years old and the prospective adoptive father under 45 at time of application to Holt.
When adopting a waiting child, parental age requirements may be more flexible. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Length of Marriage

Couples must be married for at least two and a half years before applying to Holt.

Divorce

Each applicant may have up to one divorce.
Two prior divorces are accepted on a case-by-case basis for parents adopting children with special needs.

Children in Family

For the standard program, a family may have up to one child already in their home and the child must be at least 2 years old at the time of application to Holt.

Single Applicant

Single applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis for waiting children.

Travel

Both parents are required to travel and should expect to spend 2-3 weeks in Thailand.

How Long It Takes

From application to placement, we anticipate the entire process will take approximately 2.5-3 years.

Waiting Child Program

The majority of waiting children are 5 years old or older.
Eligibility requirements around adoptive parents’ ages, family size and length of marriage are flexible for families considering the waiting child program.
Please contact us for more information.

Additional Information

College degree preferred, high school education required.
Body mass index (BMI) cannot exceed 40 for each applicant. (This requirement can be flexible for families adopting a waiting child).
Any applicant with an arrest, medical or mental health history, or BMI between 35-40 must be pre-screened.
For the standard program, families may request the opposite gender of the child already in their home. Otherwise, families must be open to a child of either gender.

Note

Thailand is a Hague Convention country.

Fees for Thailand Adoption

We are open and transparent about our fees and want you to be aware of all potential costs involved in an adoption, including third-party costs and travel.

Holt is a Christian, private, nonprofit, licensed and accredited child welfare and family service organization. Our adoption work is entirely financed through adoption fees and donations. It is not government subsidized. We believe that children are the highest priority, and we want as many children as possible to have families. To that end, we strive to keep our fees within a reasonable range. All fees are subject to change and are charged at the rate that is current at time of billing. Holt may increase fees if adoption expenses in the foreign country increase substantially after time of application. Families will be notified in writing of any fee increase. Holt International accepts the following for adoption fees: check, cashier’s check or money order. If you would like to pay by credit card, there will be a 3% convenience fee added to your total. Fees due upon invoice.

download thailand fees pdf

Financial Assistance for Adoption

Holt believes finances should not stop a child from having a loving family. Although many resources exist to help adoptive families offset the cost of adoption, it’s not always clear where to start looking or what opportunities are best suited for your family. To help you consider all your options, Holt provides an outline of financial assistance, as well as a list of resources categorized by type.

Financing Your Adoption

couple sitting at home viewing virtual adoption financing webinar on their laptop

Need help funding your adoption?

Families adopting through Holt receive free, professional guidance and support from a one-on-one finance coach throughout their adoption process. Even if you’re just considering adoption, email us to set up your first consultation today!

email [email protected]

Stories About Adoption from Thailand

Boys in Thailand Special Needs Program wearing playful masks

Adoption

Their Last, Best Chance: Advocating for Waiting Kids in Thailand

Adoptive mom with her 5-year-old daughter, adopted from China, on the beach

Adoption

Letting Go: Finding Peace in the Wait

Family of four stands together outside in front of a mossy rock

Adoption

Little Nudges

Adoption

Top 5 Facts About Adopting From Thailand

Thailand Adoption FAQs

Why do children from Thailand need families through adoption?

As everywhere, children in Thailand are placed for adoption for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons in Thailand, however, include a cultural stigma against single mothers, poverty, family illness and crises such as parent incarceration. Most children are relinquished by their birth parents, though some are left at child caring facilities or in other public places

Who cares for my child during the adoption process?

Most children stay in the care of nurturing, experienced foster families while they wait to join adoptive families. At any given time, between 90-100 children, ages birth-6, live with Holt Sahathai Foundation’s 90 foster families. Waiting children — children who are older or who have more involved special needs — are typically cared for in government-run child care centers.

What does “special needs” mean?

How long does it take to adopt from Thailand?

What are the travel requirements?

Can I adopt a relative from Thailand?

Vietnam children in orphanage waiting to be adopted

Help Protect International Adoption for Children

Your gift today will help a child be adopted, care for them while they wait, and even ensure that they receive critical post-adoption help for life!

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Start Your Journey in Adoption

Whether you are considering adoption or are ready to apply to adopt, we have many free ways for you to explore our programs or get started.

Request Free Adoption Information

Click below to complete our inquiry form or email us at [email protected] to connect with one of our adoption specialists.

Adoption Info Meetings

Check out our free, virtual adoption information meetings open to families in all 50 states!

Learn more

Apply Online

Ready to start your adoption journey? Click below to apply, or email [email protected] if you have questions!

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Hear What Families Have to Say About Adopting Through Holt

Adoption Agency Reviews

Inquire About Thailand Adoption

Holt is ready to answer your questions! It only takes a few minutes to submit your inquiry. Our adoption specialists will be in touch with you within one business day.

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Holt International is a Hague-accredited agency with adoption programs in these locations: