While would-be parents are not compelled by law to adopt through international adoption agencies, most of them employ such services due to the fact that it makes the process smoother and less stressful. Some laws, however, do apply to international adoptions. U.S. immigration statues stipulate that prospective parents, in order to adopt from another country, must be married or, if single, over 25 years old of age. Foreign countries, in addition, set a mandatory age difference between child and parent (ordinarily 15 years) along with other guidelines. Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, and China are the most common sources of international adoption—many of these countries allow prospective parents to select children and infants from state-run orphanages.
International adoption agencies relieve significant amounts of stress associated with adoption. The services of these agencies range from home studies (a required interview and behavioral examination, as well as inspection of living arrangements), to providing translators, to counseling for birth parents, children, and adopting parents. Essentially, home studies are mandatory procedures for most international adoption agencies (the cost of which dawdles near $1,500) seeking to ascertain the compatibility between prospective children and parents—deep background checks, income appraisals, and psychological evaluations are normal facets. Oftentimes, single prospective parents or gay and lesbian hopefuls are considered “unfit” parents by these home studies ( Florida and Utah are the only two states that expresslyforbid gay and lesbians from adopting). If you find yourself in this situation, join international agencies that directly specify their impartiality towards sexual orientation or marital status.
Securing a translator (most foreign destinations for adoptions insist upon the independent providing of a translator) is a deceptively simple task. While conversing with adoption authorities, a child’s medical records must be discussed (children suffering from communicable diseases will ordinarily be denied admittance to the U.S.), therefore, it is of the utmost importance that a translator be familiar with medical terminology. The agency usually aid adopting parents in the search for a competent and affordable translator, if necessary.
Prospective parents should be aware of the cultural differences that routinely arise during international adoption—that is to say, children adopted (while generally inapplicable to infants) might struggle with issues of adaptation (as well as parents, themselves). Counseling and informational services help adopting parents fully understand the possibility of a rough transition and attempt to make said transition smoother.
Last year, 16,396 children were adopted from foreign countries. While potential parents can go-it-alone, professional help is good idea with something so important. International adoption agencies provide much-needed help to those with plenty on their mind—chiefly the prospect of becoming parents. Adoption services additionally provide parents with legal advice, since states have individual statues in regards to immigration and adoption. Going through the arduous process of international adoption, and then having your new child denied an immigration visa due to legal entanglements, seems both wasteful and unavoidable—not to mention utterly tragic. If considering international adoption, hopeful parents should solicit the services of an agency within their home state (in order that they’re familiar with state law). Otherwise, the process of international adoption could be a bigger pickle than you can handle.
By Jean-Pierre Lacrampe