The US and Vietnam are currently under negotiations regarding the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries. FHSA is hopeful that they will reach an agreement. However, since we cannot predict or guarantee this, FHSA is not accepting new applications for an adoption from Vietnam.
The Country
Vietnam is slightly larger than New Mexico and is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos and Cambodia.
Although the country lies entirely within the tropics, North Vietnam has two basic seasons: a cold, humid winter and a warm, wet summer. The land is diverse and rich with its beautiful mountains, beaches, rivers, and green foliage.
Vietnam is recovering economically from war and over-population. They are now focusing on export-driven industries and job creation to modernize their economy.
The Children
Children of either gender are available. However, there are many more boys than girls available. Families must be open to a child of either gender. Special need and non-special needs infants, toddlers and older children are also ready to be adopted. More than one child can be adopted at the same time.
Poverty and single parenthood are the main reasons these beautiful children become orphans.
Currently we are working in several orphanages in and near Hanoi and HoChiMinh City.
Parent Eligibility
Couples and single men and women are eligible to adopt in Vietnam. If single, you must be at least 25 years old. Each parent must be under 55 years old. Parents older than 50 may be referred an older child.
Please see our agency information page for further guidelines.
Referral
The current projection for a referral is approximately 6 to 9 months after the dossier is submitted.
The family will receive a photo and medical information at the time of referral.
Travel
Families will travel approximately 4 to 5 months after referral. One parent must travel. Vietnam requires one trip of about 2 weeks. This time may vary due to CIS processing procedures. Once CIS has processed a visa for your child, you may bring your child home.
Post Adoption
You will be required to complete Post Adoption reports with your Social Worker when you return home with your child. In addition, Vietnam requires Letters at 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after you return home, then annually until the child is 18 years of age.
Vietnam Travel Info from the US State Department
Although we certainly want to respect an adoptive family's situation, our mission is to find good homes for orphaned children. Our Agency policy is to always first determine what is in the best interest of the child and it is difficult for us to watch so many wonderful boys wait for families while parents wait in line for girls. We are currently receiving predominately more applications from prospective adoptive parents wishing to adopt girls than boys.