About Waiting Children

What is a "Waiting Child?"

A Waiting Child is a child who is in immediate need of adoption and is ready to be matched with an adoptive family. We regularly receive information from our international partners about children who are in need of immediate adoption. The child has been identified by their caretakers as a child who would thrive in an adoptive family. 

At Agape Adoptions we believe that unwavering advocacy for waiting children and highly personalized services for adoptive families are necessary for a successful adoption - and we are dedicated to both. Our staff is devoted to ensuring waiting children are placed with a family that is committed to them and their needs - and the families who seek to adopt them.

There are many reasons why children may be waiting for their forever family - medical and  behavioral needs, sibling groups and age may all be factors. Their common thread is that they are ready to be matched for adoption. Our partners in Bulgaria, China, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Hong Kong identify children who are need of a safe, permanent and loving family. 

Most Waiting Children have identified medical or developmental special needs. Some of these needs may be considered minor in the US; while other conditions may be more significant and even encompass multiple diagnoses. When adopting a child with special needs, Agape Adoptions strongly encourages families to research the medical needs they are open to, as well as consult with their family physician and/or an international adoption clinic for more information about the particular health issues their child may have.

How is the process of adopting a Waiting Child different?

Some countries are willing to waive some adoptive parent eligibility guidelines for families interested in adopting a Waiting Child. Other countries maintain the same family eligibility guidelines for all children available for adoption. Please feel free to contact us at 253-987-5804 or agape@agapeadoptions.org with specific questions about the country or Waiting Child you are hoping to adopt.

Traditionally in the intercountry adoption process, families receive information about a child after they have submitted all of their paperwork to the country they are hoping to adopt from. In the case of adopting a Waiting Child(ren), a family often begins the paperwork process after identifying a child they are hoping to adopt. Additionally, families often have access to more information about a child(ren)'s medical, emotional and behavioral needs. 

Why can't I see photos of the Waiting Children?

We  take the privacy rights of the children whom we advocate for very seriously. Therefore, we do not publicly use a child's photo unless we have permission.  We share information about the children available via our secure Waiting Child pages. Create an account to access our Waiting Child pages. If you have issues creating an account, please email rebecca@agapeadoptions.org.

Please feel free to contact us at 253-987-5804 or agape@agapeadoptions.org with additional questions.