International Adoption

If you and your partner have decided to end fertility treatments, you may be in the process of considering other options for adding to your family. There are a number of viable options available when it comes to becoming parents, including surrogacy and adoption.

Adoption does not always entail adopting a child from your home country, though. International adoption is rapidly becoming more and more popular throughout the United States. Couples often find that adopting a child from another country is extremely satisfying and helps to enrich their lives in wonderful and unique ways.

What is International Adoption?
International adoption refers to the process of adopting a child from a country other than your own. This child is then brought back to your country to live with you as a part of your family. International adoption, also referred to as inter-country adoption, is quickly becoming common practice in North America. In fact, in 2002, more than 20,000 foreign children were adopted by American citizens. Children are often adopted from countries experiencing political chaos, economic upheaval, or extreme poverty.

Why Choose International Adoption?
There are a variety of different reasons why a couple might elect to adopt internationally.

• International adoption allows for families to become more ethnically diverse.
• Couples sometimes wish to adopt a child of their own culture or ethnic background.
• The international adoption procedure is often much quicker than domestic adoption.
• Many couples enjoy the idea of adopting a child who otherwise would grow up in poor economic or social circumstances.

Methods of International Adoption

There are two methods that you can use to undertake an international adoption: agency adoptions and independent adoptions.

Agency Adoptions
Agency adoptions are performed with the help of private, non-profit organizations that help to match adoptive parents with prospective children. These international adoption agencies are usually highly experienced with international adoptions and therefore can help to see you through all of the legal aspects. Most international adoption agencies are monitored by state government authorities and must adhere to stringent legal standards and policies. Some agencies specialize in completing adoptions in specific countries while others offer adoptions in numerous countries.

Agency adoptions are often more straightforward then independent adoptions, because agencies already have designated social and legal contacts in the various countries. All agency adoptions involve a detailed homestudy, which will evaluate you and your partner’s financial, physical, and emotional stability. Some agencies as well as countries have specific prerequisite requirements that you and your partner must meet before adopting. These prerequisites may surround age, financial status, or religious beliefs.

Independent Adoptions
Independent adoptions are carried out without the help of a registered agency. You and your partner may decide to adopt a child using your own contacts in a particular country. Some independent adoptions are carried out with the help of an adoption attorney, who is familiar with a particular country’s adoption laws. Independent adoptions are not legal in every country, so you must check adoption laws thoroughly. Independent adoptions are often more difficult, unless you are already very familiar with the adoption process. These types of adoptions are typically more expensive than agency adoptions, normally because of the prevalence of black market adoption in some countries.

The International Adoption Process

The international adoption process is often very complex. It requires a lot of paperwork and can be very confusing, because there are so many different laws regarding foreign adoption. Typically, international adoptions take between one and three years from the time you sign on with an agency.

Once you have been matched with a child, you will have to go through a legal adoption process before you can bring your new child home. These processes vary from country to country. Some can take months while others only take a few weeks. Many countries require that you be physically present for the adoption hearing, while others will allow you to remain in your home country throughout the adoption procedures. Other countries require that you live with your adoptive child for at least three months before the adoption procedure takes place. Depending upon the country form which you have adopted, you may also need to undergo legal adoption procedures in your home country.

Legal Concerns
International adoption can sometimes be very difficult, particularly because of the complex legal procedures involved in this type of adoption. Every country has different rules and regulations regarding foreign adoption, so it is important that you become familiar with these laws.

Travel to and from the country from which you plan to adopt may also not be so simple. You may require travel visas in order to visit some countries. There will also be legal concerns in your home country. Moreover, before you can bring back your adoptive child, you will need to secure vital documents, including a passport or visa. In the United States, most adopted foreign children become citizens immediately upon adoption; however, it is important that you research these legal aspects before you complete your international adoption.

Social Concerns
International child adoption can be a wonderful thing for both you and your adopted child. It helps to bring two families, and often two cultures, together. However, there are some social issues involved with international adoption.

Many foreign children are in poor physical and emotional health. These health concerns may not be disclosed to you during the adoption procedure. Therefore it is important to make sure that you have your adoptive child assessed by medical professionals as soon as possible. It is also important that you be aware that your adopted child may have experienced some very traumatic events in his home country. Political and social upheaval often have a profound effect on children, so it is important to be aware of any particular emotional needs that your child may have.

We are unable to provide answers to medically related questions or other medical advice via e-mail. Our physicians look forward to addressing your medical needs in person. To schedule an appointment or for more information about this practice as well as the programs and treatments they offer, please complete the form below. Be sure to include a valid telephone number and e-mail address so that one of our patient services coordinators may contact you directly.

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