Mar 7, 2004
Long queues likely for babies, say agencies
by Joann Tan
PRIVATE adoption agencies were stunned by news that the China baby market will be closed to them.
They predict that the outcome will be long queues for babies given that only two agents have been appointed to handle the adoption process.
Greenhouse Adoption Agency's owner Low Soo Meng said it takes him just three months to match a Chinese child to a prospective parent. 'People come to us because we are fast. This new ruling just holds people back from adopting a child from China.'
With this new ruling, he has to look for other ways to continue his business: 'We have to consider adoption from other countries now.'
Mr Richard Teo of Adorable Babies for Adoption agreed it would lengthen the queue. Most of his clients are in their 30s and want children badly. 'I want to bring a bundle of joy to the childless couple, and to give the child a new lease of life with a better future,' he said.
There are 45 adoption agencies registered with the Registry of Companies and Businesses, but not all may be open for business.
They have some official guidelines to follow on the process and legal requirements for a foreign child to be adopted here. The Adoption of Children Act also states some conditions, such as the minimum age of adoptive parents, set at 25.
Touch Community Services, one of the two accredited agents, started a non-profit adoption placement arm at the end of 2002. They have helped eight couples so far.
The other is Fei Yue Community Services, also a non-profit agency offering social services such as counselling.
Asked if the Ministry of Community Development and Sports has plans to accredit more adoption agencies to bring in babies from China, its spokesman replied that it would only consider applications by non-profit agencies.
They would have to meet standards, such as the ability to assess if prospective adopters are suitable, medically fit and financially able to care for children.
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