Millions of children around the globe have lost parents or sometimes entire family members and need a loving, caring home. But it is imperative for anyone looking at an international adoption to understand the process to find out as much adoption information as they can before an adoption occurs. International adoption is not an easy procedure, but a very personal and challenging one. Some people believe the myth that an international adoption is easier and faster than an in-country adoption. This idea is totally false. International adoption and in-country adoption are just different. Here are ten essential keys to keep in mind as you begin your process.
Don't try it alone! Adoption on any level should not be handled without the right legal and/or agency help. International adoption paperwork is specific, time consuming and must be filled in properly. In addition, all adoptions require a home study by a licensed social worker, and most countries require the adoption parents to be represented by an agency or lawyer who is licensed to work with adoptions in their country. Bottom line: Get help, you don't want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law in any country during your adoption.
Where to get help. You should utilize the services of a Hague Accredited or Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) member adoption agency. These agencies in these two groups have preferred background and strict rules of procedure for their members. These adoption organizations' first focus is on the children, and if you are seeking an adoption, that should be your first focus, too.
Agency, agency, who's the best adoption agency? There is no one "best" adoption agency, but there are "best management practices" for adoption agencies. Most countries license only certain Hague Accredited or JCICS members because they know that for the most part, these adoption agencies follow strict adoption rules and regulations and are focused on not only providing the best parents for the adoption children, but providing the best experience possible for adoption parents. The key to finding the best adoption agency for you is to study each potential agency: Make sure they are licensed, have Hague or JCICS affiliation, and have no major complaints filed against them at the Hague web site, or with the Better Business Bureau of your city or state. Talk with potential adoption agency personnel and their clients and understand their fee schedule, the adoption timing, who you will work with and how they propose to help you.
What paperwork? International adoptions are complex, paperwork-intensive. The adoption paperwork can be overwhelming. It is best to look at the paperwork, one step at a time and not throw up your hands in despair. Your agency will help you every step of the way and guide you so that in the end, you can bring your child back to the US as a citizen.
An international adoption agency should provide these basic services your adoption: Help with the paperwork, assistance with fingerprinting and FBI background checks, aid in finding an internationally approved home study social worker, and help in deciding where to adopt a child. If your adoption agency doesn't provide these services, look somewhere else.
Which countries can I be sure have careful and legal adoptions? This is where you need to rely on your Hague Accredited or JCICS member. Your agency will have up to the minute information on which countries are protecting their adoption children, and which countries have problems. The top five countries from which US citizens adopt are mainland China, Guatemala, Russia, Ethiopia, and South Korea.
How expensive is an international adoption. The costs associated with any adoption can vary from country to country and for a variety of reasons. An adoption can cost as much as $30,000+ or less depending on the legal situation within a country, travel expenses, payments to in-country government agencies, and services.
What questions should I ask myself? First and foremost, do I want an international adoption? Children from other countries have special needs and challenges as they are assimilated into the US culture. The adoption parents of these children also have specific needs, concerns and challenges. Ask yourself if you are prepared to have a child who is of a different race, and if you and your extended family are willing to go the extra mile to make the family work.
What age of child can I get? Adoption ages vary from country to country. Your agency can advise you on which countries have which ages of children, but generally the spectrum runs from baby to 14+ years old.
Patience, patience, patience. There are going to be numerous ups and downs along the adoption path. There'll be times when you want to bite your fingernails, and times you'll want to do away with all governments, but hang in there, patience is the key. Patience doesn't mean to sit idly back and just wait, it means, keep informed on what is happening with your documents, with your agency, with the country, and the political situations. Be patient but be involved.
Hopefully you will begin to understand the theadoptionnews.com/2010/12/adoption-articles-that-help-6 international adoption system so you can make an informed choice. Remember there are many excellent westsandsadoption.org/ws/countries adoption agencies ready and trained to help you with your choice.
As the grandmother of two and the aunt of one adopted children, I love the adoption process and spend many hours helping provide quality information so good adoption decisions can be made.
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