When families look to expand through adoption, some look outside the boundaries of the United States. In fact, the Adoption Institute reports that international adoptions doubled in the 1990s and that number continued to grow into the next century. Some people feel a calling to adopt an orphan from another country, while others want to adopt a child that shares their heritage. Whatever the motivation, there are many great reasons to adopt internationally.
Helping an Orphan
Children adopted internationally must be orphans. Many children available for adoption internationally have been living in orphanages since shortly after birth or as toddlers. Families believe that they are helping a child who would otherwise grow up in an institution.
Known Wait Times
Most countries have programs in place on a specific time cycle so that you'll have a good idea of when your child will be placed in your arms. In general, those wait times are less than two years from the beginning of the process, but because of changes in international adoptions and how countries process them, it's important to do research about each country's program, as wait times are subject to change.
Gender Choice
Since the children in international adoption programs are already born, it's possible to choose the gender of your child. In some countries, you may choose the actual child you will be adopting. Check with your local agency to understand the choices available to you.
Adoption Certainty
Many people choose international adoption because the chances of an adoption falling apart is quite low. Although sometimes disruptions happen, it is usually before placement of the adopted child in their new home.
Costs
If the international program you're choosing is established, you will know well in advance how much the adoption will cost, including in-country travel and other incidentals. Some domestic adoptions have unknown costs depending on what the birth mother may need during her pregnancy.
