How to Connect With Families of Chinese Adopted Children

Today, there are more than 55,000 children in the United States who were adopted from China. If you have a child adopted from China or are considering adopting a child from China, connect with other families in your area. Many cities have organizations and events which help bring families together, providing support for parents and children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Visit the Families with Children from China (FWCC) website. Click on "Find Your Nearest FCC Chapter." Scroll down until you see the map of the United States. Click on your region and then find a chapter near you.
2. Contact your local chapter by phone or email. Many chapters in larger cities offer membership with a newsletter detailing events. Some chapters have their own websites.
3. Look for playgroups in your area. Larger metropolitan areas may have several playgroups. Many playgroups also host dinners for parents to mingle.
4. Go to the FWCC website and click on "China Adoption Email List Servers and Message Boards." This brings you to a list of Yahoo! Groups specifically related to adoption of children from China. Apply for membership to the groups that appeal to you.
5. Call your local Chinese community or cultural centers. These centers often provide Chinese language classes for adults and children. While you learn the Chinese language, you may also meet other families with children adopted from China.
6. Attend adoption conferences in your area. Your adoption agency may have a list of upcoming adoption conferences.
7. Participate in charitable organizations benefiting orphans in China. To find a list of organizations, go the FWCC website and click on, "Charitable Initiatives Benefiting Chinese Orphans and Orphanages."