"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2181017/Story-Chinese-woman-saved-30-abandoned-babies-dumped-street-trash.html"

TV Preview: Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy, PBS, August 31 - Video - Blogcritics

TV Preview: Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy, PBS, August 31 - Video - Blogcritics

China Daily link "Brides and Prejudice in China"

China Daily published an article with an interesting glimpse of the impact the one child policy has on Chinese men of marrying age.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2010-08/23/content_11192404.htm

Use Google for China adoption travel calls

Whether deciding on Skype, phone cards, or email as a source of communciation while traveling on a China adoption, there is always buzz about the best way to contact home. Now Google is offering its domestic and international telephone service. Calling China from the United States costs just 0.02 cents per minute. http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/call-phones-from-gmail.html

NPR on China Adoption and 'Meant for Each Other'

A wonderful adoption story turned into book. Scott Simon discusses his book ' Meant for Each Other,' a China adoption story is discussed on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129301982

Hukou and China's Household Registration System - China Adoption

A hokou is China's registration system, originating in ancient Chinese culture for tax purposes. In modern day China, governmental officials use a hokou to maintain records of birth and parental information. A hokou is determined by an individuals place of birth. Without the proper documentation from a persons place of birth, it is difficult to gain employment, find a place to live, seek socialized medical care, or send children to school. The Chinese government grants permission to move outside one's original hokou which is typically the result of bribery.

Some estimates indicate over 200 million of China's residence are affected as migrants living in different regions of the country. This is largely a result of the Chinese economy opening up over the last decade. Some parallel this group of persons to illegal immigrants in the United States. This particular group is called "floaters."

In the early 1980's, a persons hokou was so restrictive, it bound them to the small area they were born. If they traveled to another location, they were not allowed to do things like purchase food with regular currency. Instead you were required to purchase "Liangpio" or govermental currency to use during your travels. If they moved, they were not allowed to work or live in another location. There was no point in migrating from their original place of birth.

After 2003, a person could no longer be stopped on the street and asked for an identification card when visiting another city. People were detained for not producing the correct documentation, so the system has relaxed for people visiting other areas.




Related articles
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/03/05/the_princeling_and_the_paupers?page=0,1
http://home.wangjianshuo.com/archives/20060610_hukou_system_in_china.htm

Highlights of China Marriage Law - China Adoption

As a parent of China adoption, I have been curious about how marital unions are formed in China due to traditions. I found the following information informative.


• 1950 – The year marriage laws were changed, allowing couples to marry outside of traditional arranged marriages. After the Marriage Law passed, it was “considered a landmark achievement for building a family, the basic unit of society, on the foundation of free will and equal rights since it formally ended the practice of arranged or forced marriages across the country.”


• 1980- The first time the Marriage Law was amended to include a ‘broken relationship’ as a precursor to divorce in modern society.


• In 2009, divorces increased by approximately 9%. The same year over 24 million people married and over 2 million people divorced. Extramarital affairs have become one of the most common reasons for divorce in the country. A higher number of people divorce in metropolitan areas as a result of an unfaithful spouse, while it is widely held that women in outlying rural areas are more tolerant with a lower rate of divorce for extramarital affairs.


• It is not common for women to remarry. Remarriage after divorce is considered socially inappropriate. A majority of women are not supported by community after remarriage. A high number of women report being mistreated by friends and neighbors after remarrying.

China Adoption and CCAA

None of us can forget the horrifying news that a child brought home through China adoption was killed at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect her the most. Her parents were a Tennessee couple and not the first parents, in the state, to receive media attention. Earlier this year, a Tennessee mother sent her Russian born son back on a plane having made arrangements for his arrival with a driver.


For this reason, the requirements of the CCAA will possibly change in the coming months. This will come in the form of more visits by caseworkers and eliminating the agencies involved in approving families involved in cases of abuse. “China has not yet officially determined what the new adoption regulations will be. But adoption officials do now confirm there will be more regular and complete reporting, along with serious penalties for failure to follow their guidelines,” according to WSMV TV of Nashville.

This story is being reported through the following online sites:
 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/?id=11881780&q=china+adoption&p=1&st=1&sm=user
 
http://www.wsmv.com/news/24501796/detail.html

The Economist and Views on Infancide/China Adoption

In March, the Economist published an article on female infacide. As a parent of China adoption, I am educated on this topic, however it never fails to surprise me. Author George Bullard, raised the following points as they relate in infancide in China:

 

• The number of male singles in China equals the total male population in the United States.

• In China, an ultrasound scan costs less than $15.

• Infancide is a result of following factors: traditional views in relationship to a male heir, the desire for less children by modern Chinese families, and ultrasound scanning.

• South Korea once had an equal imbalance as China. In the last decade, this number has started to change, as a result of education and lawsuits based on discrimination.

• Northern India has experienced the same widening gap between males and females.

Favorite China travel toys

Outside of spending mornings completing paperwork or touring while paperwork was completed, we spent many hours in our room. This was for many purposes. For one, we could not tour continously with a toddler but take in a site a day. Also, the province, to which we traveled offered a museum and factory both of which we saw. Outside of "movement in the morning," as our tour guide said, we were back in the afternoon to nap and play. Toys became an integral part of our bonding. Here is a list of my favorite toys, remembering there might not be any play going on at all. Some children simply aren't ready, but it is great to be prepared.

International Adoption Statistics

Adoption statistics were released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for 2009. Approximately 12,800 adoptions were completed in 2009. The highest percentage of international adoption came from the China adoption program with 23%.


Percentage of internationally adopted children according to country
China 23%
Colombia 19%
Ethiopia 17%
Guatemala 6%
Haiti 3%
Poland 4%
Russia 12%
Taiwan 2%
Thailand 5%
Ukraine 5%
Vietnam 4%

Female to male international adoptions
56% = Female
44%= Male

Internationally adopted children according to age
Under 1 Yr of Age=25%
1- 5 Years of Age =52%
More than 5 Years of Age=23%

‘Bare Branches’ make up 24 million of China’s male population as a result of the one child policy

24 million men in China are known as ‘Bare Branches’ or single as a result of the one child policy, having an obvious current and future socio economic impact on the country, according to the country’s leading think tank. This segment of single males are equally distributed throughout the country of China, however the largest discrepancy between males and females are the high number of males under the age of 5. In rural areas male to female ratios are higher with approximately 125 boys for every 100 girls. Preference for male heirs is common in rural areas due to a lack of social security in the country.


This imbalance is also a result of the one child policy, instituted in the 1970’s. This was China’s attempt to contain its increasing population. The late 1980’s saw the largest increase in sex selective abortions as technology became available in the form of ultrasounds. According to the laws of the government, sex selective abortion is illegal, however it is widely available and overlooked.

The obvious result of this gender imbalance and the one child policy is a large discrepancy between males and females is an increase in crime and a marginalization of males, in a culture which places importance on marrying. Laws are not expected to change, and further discussion will not take place until at least 2018.

China's one child policy is noted as having a social and economic impact in all areas of of the country. This New York Times article takes a look at how the one child policy will impact manufacturing. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/world/asia/13factory.html?_r=1

China and the Cultural Revolution

The New York Times presents an interesting article on the family of a woman killed for speaking against Chairman Mao in the 1970's.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/world/asia/23iht-letter.html?_r=1&ref=china

Benchmarks of Development and the Special Needs Toddler and China Adoption

When considering our daughter’s specific special need, in China adoption, there were a myriad of questions we needed to answer. It was impossible to completely assess our daughters overall medical and emotional health until she was home, there are a few simple benchmarks; in relationship ship to evaluating a special needs file. This is by no means a comprehensive list.


12 months
• A child can pull themselves into a standing position and take steps when holding onto something/someone
• Can indicate “yes” by nodding their head
• Has a pincher reflex to pick up objects with thumb and forefinger
• Will pay attention to a toy or book for about 2 minutes
• Has a vocabulary of 2-3 words
• Uses simple gestures
• Drinks from a cup
• Attempts to repeat simple words

15 months
• Can walk independently without holding onto something/someone
• Starting to feed themselves some foods
• Voice tone changes
• Has a vocabulary of 4-5 words

18 months
• Can walk independently
• Mastered climbing one stair
• Can use a pull toy
• Has the ability to make marks on a paper with crayons
• Can follow simple verbal directions
• Has a vocabulary of at least 10 words

2 years
• Will hand a toy over when requested
• Will turn a picture right side up that is upside-down
• Can kick a ball (large in size)
• Has enough fine motor skills to turn pages of a book. Probably not one page but several at a time.

3 years
• Can walk up the stairs independently with aid of a railing
• Can balance on one foot
• Can ask to use the bathroom
• Opens doors
• Responds to and asks simple questions
• Speech is understood



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Is H1N1 still a threat parents traveling for China adoption?

I read the World Health Organization is considering taking the label pandemic off of the H1N1 virus. This piqued my curiosity in relationship to the China adoption community and how this continues to affect travel. My husband and I were part of the wave of travelers under the threat of possible quarantine upon landing in Beijing last summer. Luckily, we were never pulled despite a man on the plane ahead of us having his temperature taken twice. It was the first time, in years, I have witnessed a medical professional whip out a mercury thermometer. Luckily, we were in the clear.


A year later, things have obviously changed significantly. First and foremost a vaccine is available. What my husband and I wouldn’t have given for that option as the planes interior dropped by at least 15 degrees. As I shivered, taking three ibuprofen and handing another three off to my husband, a needle in the arm, prior to travel, would have been blessed reassurance.

For those who do not get the vaccine, with a fever upon arrival, there are still a few precautions taken. Upon reading, I found that people are no longer quarantined. A health declaration is filled out on board the place, and temperatures continue to be taken. The system is less rigorous than a year ago, however those entering the country with a fever are asked to see a doctor.

China Population Statistics

• By 2015, the population of China is expected to expand to 1.4 billion people. For the first time, the population will be higher in urban areas than rural. The population of China is expected to decrease after the year 2015.


• In 1982, the population of China reached 1 billion persons.

• By 2008, the population had more than doubled since the late 1940’s.

• 1 out of 5 people in the world are Chinese.

• India falls behind China in total population with 2 million less inhabitants.

• In 2010, China will complete another census of its population.

• Ten years ago, the ratio of male births to female births was 120 males for every 100 females. This statistic is expected in increase to almost 130 male births for every 100 female births. A gender balance is not expected to occur until 2030. Statisticians estimate an imbalance between males and females of 20%.

• The largest segment of the Chinese population is between the ages of 15 and 64 years, constituting almost 75% of its population.

• Median age in China is 33 years old.

• Han Chinese constitutes the largest segment of the Chinese population making up approximately 92% of the population with the remainder belonging to ethnic minorities. Ethnic minorities make up approximately 107 million of the country’s population.

Avoiding a Digestive Disaster and Your China Adoption

Maybe it is the flu and germs flying around my home at present which are the inspiration for this particular entry. Maybe it is the memory of our trip a year ago for our China adoption. We were on the eve of leaving for our trip, FINALLY meeting our daughter. It is probably all the reading I have done this week with the desperate pleas of parents who are sequestered to their hotel room. I had one goal during our stay in China: health throughout the trip. I attribute a great portion of a healthy trip to careful eating.


First and foremost, we never drank anything which was not bottled or sealed. Obviously, this includes any type of bottled water or soda. This does not include drinking anything with ice that has been prepared with tap water. We avoided fruit juice on the breakfast buffet, knowing it probably contained tap water. We tested seals on water bottles before drinking. Paranoia, maybe. I know of people who have purchased bottled water overseas, only to find out someone was around the corner filling up the bottles in a faucet will understand.

Speaking of around the corner, I also laugh at those people who go off the grid to eat. Yes, I too love street vender food. The aroma of food lofting down the sidewalk, the look of something unique and tasty wrapped neaty in paper, in the palm of a friendly vender. Chose a time to experiment when you are not out of country for your child. A majority of adoptive parents have a lifetime to travel and discover cuisine. Take the boring route, and spare your intestines. Yes, I too was almost shamed eating at a Pizza Hut. When we travel to China again, we will eat off the grid, a bit more often. The places we ate in Beijing were good and outside of the hotel.

Yes, follow the tried and true rules. Eat nothing which is not cooked or peeled. If your travel arrangements like most China adoption trips include the breakfast buffet, eat a lot at breakfast. We found a variety of offerings which were a great blend of Western and Chinese fare. I had hoped this might be a means of losing weight. Not so lucky. When else can a person eat friend noodles and dim sum with their morning coffee?

If the worst does happen, come with an arsenal of Amodium AD. I feel so lucky that we never used it. We now have a lifetime supply. I have traveled elsewhere out of the country and needed it. At the very least, it keeps a person comfortable. Cipro is also a drug which many families are prescribed from their family doctor. Speak with your doctor to verify my information, but we were told that it will also work for curing stomach ailments.

If you follow these few simple rules, you will probably travel without issue. A majority of families travel and eat quite liberally with little to no stomach upset.

Heat and Beijing

I thought families about to travel for China Adoption might appreciate this particular post. I know we experienced extreme heat, and drank our weight in bottled water. Love the comment on umbrellas!!!


http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=chinaheat_julysix_06_07_2010?ref=ccbox_weather_bottom_title

Waiting and China Adoption

Over the past four years, leading up to the referral of our daughter, I have watched the wait times for China adoption begin at 12-18 months and continue increasing to a soaring 4 year wait. There is always speculation about the cause of the wait, and I hesitate to ever give misinformation. I have ideas and thoughts about the wait; however I would never voice those ideas. Instead, I will only say while it is great that so many special needs children are being placed through China adoption, my heart goes out to those families which are stuck in programs which do not have special needs available, upwards of four years from receiving a referral date. We were one of those families, in a small agency without a special needs program. Our small agency finally closed and sent us to an agency with a special needs program. Special needs was our hearts desire from the beginning, however we believe the wait was a kind of divine intervention which caused us to take the leap.

Here is what we have found out, in a nutshell, from the delegation representing the CCAA in the country of Australia:

• The adoption of nsn children will continue to decrease. Representatives advised reasons for a continued decline in numbers of nsn adoption include, but are not limited to, a rising number of Chinese domestic adoptions and tighter regulations on the trafficking of children. The high number of special needs children, including children categorized as older children were highlighted with representatives indicating a high number of qualified families will be needed for these children.

• There was no indication from the representatives on how many months the wait might increase, in China adoption, however a minimum was indicated of 4 years.

• Those families grandfathered under the new rules are supposed to meet the old requirements in China adoption. Recently we have seen a few families under the old eligibility requirements who were held under the new rules.