When we started our adoption journey, ran across the all the acronyms related to Adoption in China.  Web sites related to China adoption seem to have these acronyms scattered across them and it can both intimidate and perplex the uninitiated.  Here is a breakdown of commonly found acronyms to help your understanding:

FTC - File to China: The date the adoption file is sent to China. More often referred to as DTC (Dossier to China).

AA - Adult adoptee

ACR - Age of Child Requested:  During the adoption process you request the age of child you would like to adopt. 

AYAP - As Young and Possible

CCAA - Chinese Centre of Adoption Affairs

DD - Dear Daughter

DH - Dear Husband

DOB - Date of Birth of Child 

DOR - Date of Referral

DOT - Date of Travel:  The time you will be travelling to China to pick up your child! 

DS - Dear son

DTC -Dossier to China:  The date the adoption dossier is sent to China. Some use the date it s sent, others use the date it is officially logged in at the CCAA.

DW - Dear Wife

LID - Logged In Date: Date dossier is logged in by the CCAA. This date is very important as you use it to track when you are expecting a referral.  The CCAA will process dossiers on a monthly (roughly) basis and then will announce that they have processed file up to a specific LID.  The closer your LID is to the date the CCAA completed, the closer you are to getting your referral!

LOI - Letter of Intent:  For waiting children.

SN - Non special needs

SW - Social Worker

SWI - Social Welfare Institution

TA - Travel approval

WC - Waiting child