For the thousands of Americans who seek to adopt a child each year, the adoption process can prove confusing and overwhelming. Adoption is a major decision that involves much research, time, and funds. One of the first decisions a family must make is whether to adopt domestically or internationally. Both types of adoption have several benefits, and some drawbacks. In Part I of this two part series, we considered two important facts that can influence the decision of whether to adopt domestically or internationally: cost and wait time. We revealed that the cost between domestic and international adoptions is in fact quite similar. Likewise, we found that wait times between the two forms of adoptions are comparable and more largely influenced by the particularity of the family’s adoption plan. In this segment, we continue our look at international and domestic adoptions, focusing on the following relevant issues: available children, social and medical history, and legal concerns.
Available Children
Private domestic adoptions have continued to rise in popularity, with over 20,000 adoptions occurring each year. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. children are awaiting adoptive homes, and many of these kids will age out of the foster care system without ever finding an adoptive family.
International adoptions, on the other hand, have declined in recent years. This is attributed largely to increasing restrictions on international adoptions, in response to baby selling and other concerns. International adoptions still occur at large rates, and millions of children across the globe are living within the foster care system.
Children of all ages are available for adoption in the U.S. The same is true internationally, although the availability of children will depend largely on the country of origin and its adoption policies.
Medical Issues
One of the biggest differences between domestic and international adoptions is the availability of the medical history of the child and his or her birth parents. Generally, medical records of children adopted internationally are sparse. Information concerning the child’s birth parents, such as family medical history or possible exposure of the child to drugs or alcohol while in utero, is often unavailable.
Couples adopting domestically are often provided with the child’s medical records and the social history of the birth parents, as pertains to the child. Potential parents can often view this information prior to pursuing the adoption of a particular child, allowing it to impact their decision.
Further, adoptive parents should consider the medical care that the child has received thus far in life. Children in some countries may not have received the same level of medical care as a domestic child.
Legal Concerns
Legal concerns surround both domestic and international adoptions. Couples adopting internationally must consult with an adoption attorney well versed in this form of adoption. He or she can advise you as to the adoption process required by each country.
Those considering a domestic adoption should retain the representation of an adoption attorney in their area who will guide them through the U.S. adoption process, which will vary greatly by state.
Weighing the Options
Both international and domestic adoptions can provide a beautiful means of creating a family. Each type of adoption comes with unique considerations and concerns. Those approaching the possibility of adopting should begin the journey by scheduling an attorney consultation, in which their many options may be illuminated.
McDowell Chartered: Putting Children First
The Kansas Adoption Law Attorneys at McDowell Chartered have decades of experience assisting families in both domestic and international adoptions. Since 1992, our compassionate attorney team has provided quality legal services to families throughout Kansas, simplifying, explaining, and expediting the adoption process. Call us today at (316) 633-4322 for an initial consultation.