Universal Adoption Program Update
New TB Testing Requirements for Children Adopted Internationally Starting July 1, 2009
Official Statement
Starting July 1, 2009, new screening and treatment requirements for tuberculosis will become effective for foreign immigrants, including adopted children. For medical exams on or after this date, panel physicians will be required to follow the 2007 Technical Instructions for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Children between the ages of two and fourteen on the day of the medical exam will be required to have a tuberculin skin test. The test results must be read 48 to 72 hours after the test is administered. If the results are positive, a chest x-ray must be performed. Based upon the results of the chest x-ray, a physical exam, and the child’s medical history, the panel physician will determine the appropriate classification, if any, of tuberculosis. Further testing and treatment, prior to immigration, may be required. For further information on the new requirements, please contact the CDC or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/tb/. Please keep these new requirements in mind when scheduling visa appointments.
From: U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou, China
HIC’s Take on the Ramifications of the New Requirements
These requirements currently affect China and several African countries and may become worldwide in the very near future.
At a minimum, the tuberculin skin test will require an additional 48-72 hours in the country. If the tuberculin skin test is positive, it will be necessary for the child to have a chest x-ray, further delaying the family’s stay in the country. If the child previously received the TB vaccination, it is possible that the tuberculin skin test will be positive while the chest x-ray reveals nothing. If the child has any kind of cold or virus and does not have TB, it is possible that the chest x-ray will not be clear and further testing such as special TB blood tests or an examination of a sputum sample may need to be done, again with further delay. In the worst case scenario, if it is ultimately determined that the child is afflicted with Latent TB Infection (LTBI) or TB Disease, treatment consists of a regimen of medicine for 9-12 months. This treatment will need to be completed and the child re-tested in their country of origin before being permitted to board a plane bound for the U.S. In this event, clients would likely hire a foster family to care for the child while he or she is undergoing TB treatment. Rest assured that many adoption agencies and waiting families around the U.S. are all dealing with this same issue and we will not be managing these cases in isolation. If and when this were to happen to your adopted child, HIC will assist in all possible manners. Until that time, we urge families to remain calm and wait for factual information.
How Does This Affect Me?
Until your child assignment has been verified, there is no action that can be taken. National adoption advocacy organizations are proactively working on changing this state of affairs. We are all aware that this is an important issue and will disseminate any new information as it becomes available.
International Adoption Programs
Taiwan Adoption Program
HIC is now accepting applications to the Taiwan Adoption Program for children aged 3+. If you are interested in this program, please contact John Trowbridge at (808) 589-2367 ext. 202 or via email at john@h-i-c.org
Hong Kong Adoption Program
HIC is temporarily suspending applications to our Hong Kong Adoption Program. We will continue to operate the program and new referrals will be announced to interested parties.
International Adoption NEWS FLASH
USCIS announces a positive ruling concerning the I-600A renewal process.
Read the Joint Council Update here (PDF Download).
IMPORTANT UPDATE for ACTIVE ADOPTING CLIENTS
The USCIS has recently added an important update to its website regarding I-600A and I-800A forms. We recommend all active adopting clients read this update.
Hague Accreditation!
HIC is excited to announce that we have received Hague accreditation!
Click here for more Hague information.
Learn More about Adopting
General Information Sessions on Adoption
Hawaii International Child hosts its next Honolulu General Information Sessions on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, Tuesday, May 5, 2009, and Tuesday, June 2, 2009.
Click here for more information.
International Adoption Advisories
China Adoption Processing Dates
The CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs) has moved the information regarding Document Processing (regarding the assignment of log-in dates) to the CCAA work system. Only approved international adoption agencies are able to access this system. The information is updated during the first week of each month. In order to make sure that our clients have the most up to date information available, we will email monthly updates as soon as they become available.
URGENT Information Regarding
I-171 H and Fingerprinting Clearances
HIC urges all clients to renew their I-600A applications and fingerprinting prior to expiration in order to maintain consistent I-171H approvals and up to date fingerprints.
