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10 Things to watch out for when...Planning to adopt or foster a child

Basics: To adopt or foster a child you must be a Hong Kong resident, single or married, in stable circumstances and with plans to be here for at least two years.

Financial stability: The minimum income for those wishing to adopt is HK$16,200 a month for a three-person household or HK$24,000 a month for a five-person household. The Government pays a fostering allowance of HK$4,294 per month per child and will also cover education costs. Minimum disposable income must be at least half the foster-care allowance.

Adoption costs: Hong Kong is unique in that the adoption process is free, bar a one-off HK$2,840 court fee. The investment is in time and emotion.

Home study: Before being allowed to foster or adopt, expect a visit from the Social Welfare Department who will inspect your home, interview your family and domestic helper and require referees.

Timing: It can take a few months to be approved as a foster parent. The Social Welfare Department screens all prospective parents and the process can be as long as a physical gestation period, according to Gretchen Ryan from local charity Mother's Choice.

Be flexible: Overseas adoptions can take up to a year. A local family with no children can adopt within six months, while expatriate families or those with children can wait between nine and 16 months. Special-needs children and older children are usually adopted by expatriates and overseas families.

Overseas adoption: An average overseas adoption will cost between US$15,000 and US$20,000, including agency fees, flights and accommodation. Permanent Hong Kong residents will have difficulty adopting from China due to the right-of-abode issue. Overseas passport-holders resident here who are wanting to adopt from China or elsewhere can work through an agency in their home country or contact International Social Services.

Educate yourself: Find out as much as you can about the child's background and health so that you are as prepared as possible. A new Web site at www.mchoice.org provides valuable information as well as book reviews and real-life stories.

Volunteer: Those who have already embarked on the adoption process cannot volunteer at children's charities and homes. If you are unable to dedicate yourself full-time, offer your services at establishments such as Po Leung Kuk or Mother's Choice.

Ask for support: Think about your own needs and expectations and don't be afraid to ask for help from other parents, social workers and educators.

Graphic: triggbgwz

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