At the invitation of the Spain and Belgium governments, the China Center of Adoption Affairs headed by Director Lu Yin, paid a working visit to Spain and Belgium in September, 2005.

In Spain, the delegation held talks with the Social and Labor Department, the governmental authorities of the 17 autonomous regions, and 6 adoption agencies that worked with the CCAA. The parties exchanges views on issues during the collaboration. The delegation visited the Council of Social and Family Affairs in Madrid Autonomous Region, the Council of Social Welfare and Equality and General Administration of Children and Families in Andalucia Autonomous Region, the Council of Social Welfare and Bureau of Families, and Children and Adoption Affairs in Valencia Autonomous Region. The visits were for the purpose of gathering information on regional requirements of procedures and standards for families adopting from China. The delegation attended the “Families Reunion in Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Adopting From China” organized by Anderny Association and the award ceremony of “Today’s Children Foundation” held by Children-Loving Association. The delegation also visited adoptive families to learn more about the adoptees’ lives.

In Belgium, the delegation held meetings with the Department of Justice, which is the central government in charge of inter-country adoption, and relevant governmental authorities in Flemish Language and French Districts. During the meetings, the parties discussed possible adjustments after the enforcement of “Hague Convention.” The delegation also visited some adoption agencies, attended adoptive family gatherings, and visited adoptive families. By doing so, the delegation gathered first hand information not only on the adoption agencies, but current lives of Chinese adoptees as well.

The delegation was impressed with both countries for their commitments to inter-country adoption, their comprehensive legal and organizational systems, the effective supervision of the governments, the standardized procedures, and the comprehensive protections of the rights of the Chinese adoptees. The adoption agencies of these countries not only provide services to the families but also bridge the communications among the relevant parties. The adoptive families were also very enthusiastic about adopting from China. The number of Chinese children adopted continues to increase with each passing year, as evidenced by some adoptive families, who have now adopted two, or even three, children from China. In closing, the delegation and their Spain and Belgium counterparts, were pleased with the cooperation they encountered. Everyone involved expressed their commitment to the principle of “all for the children” and their desire to strengthen cooperation and communications.