China (MNN) ― Future adoptive parents will face tougher restrictions from China beginning in May. China's new rules require prospective parents to have more education, better physical health, and a stable home and marriage.
Specifically, China will require parents to be between ages 30 and 50, be married at least two years and have $80,000 in assets. In addition, they cannot be obese, have mental health issues or have any other medical condition. Prospective adoptive parents must have at least a high school diploma and single parents no longer will be allowed to adopt.
Published news sources estimate the new restrictions may affect as many as half of the families in the future. The waiting list for hopeful parents was getting longer and longer. For Bethany Christian Services, the current wait time from to referral is 17-18 months... and it continues to increase. The government's solution was to create a new economy. Tougher restrictions would effectively cull out the best candidates for the children available for adoption.
Bethany Christian Services' China coordinator, Jaclyn Skalnik says the changes also point to one thing: "I believe that they are moving towards domestic adoption. So, when we hear these new guidelines, I think we have a tendency to, of course, wonder what's happening with the children. I think the movement in China is that, their goal, and everyone's goal is to keep as many children in China, with Chinese families, as possible."
Skalnik says through a continued a positive relationship with the government, they'll keep the door open for ministry. "I believe, as a Christian agency, it's still our priority of course to care for the fatherless, and pray for those that we cannot care for. I think that we have somewhat of a trusting relationship and understanding with all of our countries, whether they are Christian countries or not, that, where we can help, we will."
There continues to be millions of orphans in China. Bethany staff believe they are privileged to work in China and serve all His children. Pray for the continued protection of the children, their caretakers, and for all the waiting families.
