So what exactly is in this dossier, and why does it take so long to prepare it? We won’t go into the details of what it takes to prepare this, but we will list what needs to be included. Suffice it to say that somebody who wants to adopt certainly has to go through a lot more than anybody who has biological children. We know that this is all to ensure the welfare of the adopted child, but who’s ensuring the welfare of the rest of the children in this country? That of course is a completely different discussion and one that’s outside the boundaries of what is discussed here.
The information sent to China has to include all of the following:
- Letter of application to adopt
- Original letter of approval/recommendation from Ministry of Community and Social Services
- Signed original home study from the adoption practitioner
- A guardianship statement advising who would be responsible for the child should something happen to us
- Letters from each of our employers stating occupation, terms of employment, annual income, length of employment and prospects for continued employment
- Letters of recommendation from family, friends, and co-workers
- A full financial statement
- Copies of physical examinations from each of our doctors, not more than 12 months old
- RCMP Interpol security clearance
- Copies of marriage certificate and both our birth certificates
- Copies of our passports
- Pictures, which at a minimum include passport size photos of each of us, picture of our house, and at least 6 lifestyle pictures of us and our family and friends
And that’s it.