If you're thinking about adopting, we want to tell you about a workshop this weekend that could broaden your options. Thousands of Chinese orphans need homes.

Local Jefferson Elementary teacher Karen Jones is getting a room ready for her soon-to-be 7 year old daughter Abigail. Abigail was one of those orphans needing a forever family. She was abandoned when she was just 2 days old.

Karen said it's common for Chinese mothers to give up baby girls because of the country's one child policy.

"They do abandon them where they will be found very quickly so it's not anything unselfish. It's just that they're not allowed but one child and they want that boy," Karen said.

Through the Great Wall Of China Adoption Agency, they were paired up with Abbie. China has two routes you can go. She said the more popular one is what they call the regular referral route, which means adopting a newborn.

The other one is what they call a "Special Needs" match. Either the child is older like the Jone's case or they have medical needs. 

Karen said because it's an international adoption, it can be a lengthy process.

"I will say the wait has gone from about 2 to 3 years now for a healthy infant," Jones said.

For children on the special needs list, Karen said it can be quicker. Still it's been more than a year since the Jones first started paperwork.

But Karen said the outcome is knowing a child will never have to worry about being left again. Karen hopes she and her husband can pick up Abbie in June.

"When that call comes, it's a very good day. It'll be worth it," Karen said.

The Great Wall of China Adoption Agency will hold a free workshop this Saturday. It'll be at the Wichita Falls Public Library at Tenth and Indiana from 1-4 p.m. All you have to do is register on their website, GWCA.org.