International adoption is a complex process of bringing a child into a family. American families adopted an average of 21,449 children internationally each year from 2005 to 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although many families choose international adoption, there are pros and cons associated with the process.
Becoming a Parent
The most positive outcome from an international adoption is that a child joins your family. Some parents have waited a long time to have a son or daughter of their own, while others wish to add to their growing family. Adopting from overseas brings a child, along with the rewarding fulfillment of parenthood. Being a parent to an adopted child is a process of loving and caring for someone who may have a completely different background. It is working to build that child into a self-confident and independent person who has potential to succeed in the world.
Waiting Children
Many children in other countries who are waiting to be adopted are orphans without a parent to adequately care for their needs. They might be suffering from neglect or malnourishment, or they might have medical issues. You should not adopt internationally solely for humanitarian reasons, but if you do choose to adopt a child from another country, you can feel good knowing that your child does not have to grow up under such negative circumstances. However, be aware that these children might have medical issues and developmental delays as a result of these circumstances.
Travel
Often you must travel your child's homeland to receive her. Travel overseas for an international adoption can be both positive and negative. Many parents wish to travel to the country where their child was born and experience the culture and traditions. Traveling to the birth country shows your child that you understand and value her heritage. But travel also can be difficult for adoptive parents and their new child. You need to get your paperwork and immunizations in order. Also, it can take a lot of time and money to travel to a foreign country, and it can be difficult to bond with your child when you both are dealing with the rigors of international travel.
Cost
The cost of an international adoption can vary, depending on the agency and the country. You might need to pay for services such as processing paperwork or translating materials, as well as the cost of traveling to a foreign country. Some agencies charge fees for post-placement visits after a child has been home. If an adoption falls through, you still might be responsible for some expenses. Check thoroughly with your agency about cost before beginning the adoption process
Health Issues
Children who are adopted internationally sometimes have medical issues or developmental delays. Orphanage conditions and care in third world countries can increase the occurrence of various diseases, such as Hepatitis B, intestinal parasites or tuberculosis. You might receive limited health information before the adoption. Although all internationally adopted children must have a health exam by a physician in their birth country, you should take your child to a pediatrician within two weeks of arriving in the United States. There are pediatricians who specialize in treating children adopted internationally.
Uncertainty
Any adoption has a lot of uncertainty; you have to submit to a complete background check of your medical, financial and emotional well-being. International adoptions can have additional uncertainty, especially because policies in other countries can change quickly. You need to be flexible about the amount of paperwork you have to complete, the time it takes for the other country to make a decision, how much background information you receive about a child, and how long it takes to travel.
References
- Wasatch International Adoptions: Getting Started with International Adoption
- ComeUnity: Preparing Families for International Adoption
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: International Travel with Infants and Children
- Association for Research in International Adoption: Adopting an Institutionalized Child: What are the Risks?
- Rainbow Kids: Celebrating Parenthood
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