The Children

The Japan program is one to consider if there is a desire to adopt an older child, most likely over the age of 4 years.  Children with special needs are also available.  Children who are legally available for adoption from Japan live in orphanages, group homes, or foster homes.  The care of orphaned children is a priority in Japanese society and the children are provided with good nutrition, schooling, travel, and excellent caretakers.   

Adoption Requirements

There are no rules or restrictions for adoptive parents; however, ideal adoptive parents are between 30 and 45 years of age, have a strong marriage of at least 3 years, have stable employment, and live a healthy life style.  There is no family size limit, but parents must be able to show that they can provide adequate time and attention to each child in the home.  Please contact Sara Lang to discuss the requirements for your individual situation.  

Waiting Time

A very extensive home study will be completed for eligible adoptive parents.  This will serve as the application to be matched with a child in Japan.  The wait time can be very unpredictable because families are not necessarily matched in date order.  Japan matches children based on the best family placement for each child. 

Required Travel

Both parents must travel to Japan to meet the child, and the in-country stay is approximately 2 weeks.  Other children in the family are encouraged to travel with the family.  There will be an interpreter and a guide for the duration of the travel in Japan.  Madison will file the necessary paperwork to allow the child to return to the United States.

 Adoption Fees

The total cost of the program is approximately $24,000- $26,000.  This is a final cost estimate, including USCIS fees, home study, documentation & courier fees, visa fees, agency fee, and estimated travel costs for two people. 

Once you have decided to adopt from Japan

Getting Started...

The staff at Madison Adoption Associates guides families through every step of the process. We help families prepare and complete the dossier, answer questions, provide support and assist with travel arrangements. It is important to begin the home study and the USCIS immigration process as soon as possible because these generally take up to six months to complete.