What are the basic rules for international adoptions? Is the cost very high? ?

Jennifer L

There is a huge variation between different international adoption programs. You need to look at each country program as a separate entity. It's difficult to make a lot of generalizations.

There are many countries with international adoption programs. However, each country program has its own process, requirements, timeframe, cost, etc.

Most international adoptive families use two agencies, one that is local which will do your homestudy and post-placement and the second is the agency that works with the country in question. If you live close to the office of the agency that does the international piece, they may also do the homestudies. Most of the time, however, two agencies are required.

Cost-wise, international adoption programs can range from a few thousand dollars to tends of thousands of dollars. It may, or may not, be less expensive than domestic infant adoption.

Most children adopted from overseas are infants/toddlers. However, most of the children available for adoption are school age or teenagers. Like foster care, there are many sibling groups available for adoption. Reputable international adoption agencies will not split sibling groups.

It's important to research both the country program and the agency thoroughly. Beware of internet scams. Beware of illegal and unethical practices, like child trafficking, paying for babies, etc. This happens in international adoption and it falls to the adoptive parents to make sure that they aren't a party to this, even unknowingly. Ask the agency how children become available for adoption and how they come to the agency for adoption by Americans. Beware of agencies that say they have "Birthing centers" or things like that. Chances are, they are also quoting a nine month wait time for an infant.

In case I didn't make my point here, do your homework!

I could write another book about things I've learned as a parent to my children. To touch on some important parts: culture and racial/ethnic identity and pride is extremely important. It's up to the adoptive parents to make sure this is respected and acknowledged in the home. There are resources to help you, but the parents need to actually do the legwork and get it done. Like any adoption, don't expect children to arrive as "blank slates" or to be grateful for not growing up in an orphanage. Be aware that institutionalization of any kind will affect growth/development. Parent to the child,not to the age.

Good luck to you.

Toto

Assuming you are in the US.....You would work with a local adoption agency. It is very costly, many countries have children that can be adopted. It is a huge responsibility. I couldn't have children, found out after 8 years of trying and many surgeries. One of my surgeons gave me very good advice "keep things in perspective" with regards to the cost of adoption and/or any other avenues we may look into to have our own. Adoption from another country or private adoption in the US can be very costly. My husband and I decided to go a different direction. We chose to adopt through a state agency. There are so many children right here in the US that need a "forever family" to give them a sense of belonging. We were a bit older when we started the process so decided an infant wasn't for us, a child a little older, about to start school might be best for us. We went through 10 weeks (30 hours) of classes. We were approved about a month later, found our son about a month or so after that and took custody of him within 3 months of being "approved". We didn't foster any children, however that is an option along with wanting to adopt. This adoption did cost us anything, only our time for the classes. We are very lucky to have found out wonderful son. He was 5 at the time we adopted him and now he is 14, about to start high school. Think about local adoption through your state agencies before shelling out thousands of dollars to adopt out of the country. Just a thought. Good luck either way!

dokta thorpe

why would u want 2 adopt from another country wen there r children that need parents in your own country. not being nasty just curious

Suzy Sunshine

Every country is different and there are only a handful of active international adoption programs. In other cases you can go directly through some countries if you're able and willing to spend a great deal of time there.

Here is a very useful link to a matrix of current programs:

http://www.theadoptionguide.com/options/international-adoption

Start there and then navigate to the program countries. Current costs are from about $20K to $40K. Note that the overview page lists Vietnam but that the program is not currently active. Requirements, timeframes and even whether adoption is permitted can change quickly in International Adoption so if you're gathering information for the future remember to be flexible and prepared to change course.

We adopted from South Korea and had an incredibly positive experience.

lion_sim_bob

Check here
http://international.adoption.com/

molam

Read the book The Complete Book of International Adoption.
Also the website creatingafamily.com is helpful.

Matthew M

Very very costly .... Around 30,000 thousands dollar for a adopting a kid from China. Yes , there are agents here that will help you threw the adoption process and everything.

You can adopt from any countryy to want , Unless its like North korea , or Cuba or something like that. =D

Don't let ANYBODY discourage , about adoption out of country.

It will probably cost you around 30 k or more to adopt out of country. Because Its a HUGE process you have to go threw.

But it's worth it.

Stephen G

Try ukraine and yes its expensive

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: