International Adoptions
Many families in the US are waiting to adopt a child, and many orphaned children in other countries around the world are in need of a family. This had led many US families to consider adopting a child from another country. Many families have chosen this route because of the years of waiting that is common in domestic adoptions, largely due to the dwindling amount of babies put up for adoption in the US. Other families have chosen to adopt internationally specifically because they want to adopt a foreign child that needs a new family. Every year thousands of children born in countries around the world are adopted by US families.
Countries Allowing Adoption
Whether or not an adoption of a child born in another country will be allowed is determined by the laws of the child's birth country. Each country has it's own laws regarding US adoptions. The willingness to allow US adoptions varies from country to country, and even within a country the laws can change over time. Potential adoptions may also be abruptly disrupted due to political and economic changes within a country. Some countries have fairly well-established rules and procedures for international adoptions, while other countries outright forbid it.
There are numerous countries that have children available for adoption by US families, including countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Central America, South America, and Africa. In recent years, the majority of international adopted children have been from China, Russia, Guatemala, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. A smaller amount of children have been adopted from Belarus, Bulgaria, Columbia, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Philippines, and Poland. Some countries used to allow more adoptions but are now much more restrictive, such as Romania, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Some countries do not allow adoption by US families, including Western European countries, Australia, Canada, and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
International Adoption Agencies
It is important to choose an adoption agency that is licensed and experienced in handling international adoptions. The steps and requirements involved in adopting a child from another country is lengthy and complex, making it a process that must be handled by someone knowledgeable in this matter. Many foreign countries require the use of a licensed adoption agency, while there are a few countries that allow attorneys to handle the adoption. In the US, there are more than 700 private agencies that handle international adoptions.
International adoption agencies not only help in matching a child to a family, but with all the other aspects involved in the process. This includes following immigration requirements of other countries, helping with travel plans, handling legal issues, passport and visa papers, and medical issues.
Advantages of International Adoptions
Certain factors may be considered advantages by some and not by others, nevertheless, there are many advantages that international adoptions offer to adoptive families. Availability of children is one important advantage - boys, girls, infants, older children, healthy children, special needs children are all available for adoption from many countries. Also, once you are approved thru the home study process for adoption, you are almost certain of getting a child. The match-making process is handled by either your adoption agency, the country's adoption committee, or sometimes during a visit to the country. The time frame is also more predictable than for domestic adoptions, averaging about 12-18 months. The time frame may vary based on the country or any specified preferences to age and gender of the child. The costs are also something that can be known upfront. Costs can vary, but a printed document showing the costs should be given to you by your adoption agency before the process begins. With international adoptions, there is not the possibility of the birth mother changing her mind. A child must have been legally declared an orphan in it's birth country before it was eligible for adoption. Another benefit is traveling to a foreign country and learning about the birth place of your child. Traveling is usually a requirement, and considered an advantage by most adoptive families.
Disadvantages of International Adoptions
Some of the listed factors may not really seem like disadvantages to many, but they are points to consider. Most children are not newborns, because of the time frame required to declare the children orphans and then work out the adoption. The youngest infants are usually at least a few months old, and many may be toddlers. It's most likely that the child's background and medical history is not known. Many times the birth mothers are from poor areas where prenatal care was not available. If the child was in an orphanage for some time, there may be developmental delays or other problems that can accompany institutionalization. These problems are often overcome once the child is in a loving home that can respond to his or her individual needs. Also, travel may be required. This may be enjoyed by some but not others, but it often accompanies foreign adoptions. There is also lots of paperwork - it may seem endless but it is usually not too difficult.
Is an International Adoption Right for You?
Many US families have adopted a child from another country, confident that is was the right choice for them. If an international adoption is something you want to know more about, there are many adoption agencies and support groups that can provide guidance, education, and encouragement in this matter. If you are wanting to adopt a child, you may find the one you want waiting for you thru an international adoption.