International Adoption - Is It for You?
International adoption is a very positive alternative for
couples who've endured disappointing fertility results and
failed domestic adoption attempts. International adoption
differs from domestic adoption because of the sheer number of
orphans available for adoption from around the world.
The availability of orphans means that you generally get to
exert more control over the process of adoption. Things also
happen much quicker, and tend to be more final once a decision
has been made. With international adoption you also have more
choice in terms of selecting a child based on your specific
preference of age, gender, race, and health.
In many cases, children have already been abandoned by their
birthparents, which means that international adoption procedures
usually have minimal input from the birthparents. In most cases,
this will be a plus. As an adoptive parent you really want to
get on with your life and your new child with as little
interference as possible. But in some cases, you'll want to make
contact with the birthparents even if for information, and it
won't be available.
With international adoption, you need to be deemed a qualified
parent, which simply means that you will need to meet the
requirements of the foreign government. Your privacy is always
protected in such cases, but international adoption is never
something to be taken lightly.
Some of the difficulties you will meet when deciding on
international adoption are based on the difficulty of
communication and the scarcity of information, which you will
need to make decisions about the health and developmental status
of your child. Do always consult an expert for advice on
international adoption agencies and orphanages. Locate an expert
pediatrician who has experience in international adoption. Many
of these experts have screened international adoption
organizations and can help you stay informed of risks and other
dangers.
By staying informed you keep your options open. By staying
informed, your international adoption experience will result in
a positive addition to your home and family life.