International adoption in the United States has become more prevalent in recent times due to the increased number of prospective parents seeking to adopt. Many parents interested in adopting are now open to as many viable options as possible to ensure their ability to successfully adopt a child. Apart from new and loving familial connections that are made as a result of adoption, by legally bringing children to the United States from other cultures and nations, we are also enriching our society’s understanding of the world, as well as potentially saving these children from hardship and danger in their country of origin.
With the above in mind, different nations have varying international adoption policies, often making it challenging for some prospective parents to appreciate the benefits of adopting a child from another country. Even in scenarios where international adoption policy is not particularly difficult to navigate, sometimes the initial physical coordination and arrangement of the adoption may be too overwhelming for applicants to reconcile, prompting them to seek out other plans. While inter-country adoption can be a wonderful experience for prospective parents, it can also encompass many potential hurdles. The following are several possible issues that may arise with international adoption:
Although some couples would be ecstatic with any adoptive child to call their own, many prospective parents are insistent on adopting an infant. Unfortunately, for various reasons, infant children are nearly impossible to acquire across international lines, primarily due to the fact that international adoption procedures take time.
- International adoption policies of foreign nations are susceptible to revision and change, just as American states may arbitrarily change their statutes. It is not uncommon for laws to be amended on yearly basis regarding the eligibility of foreign nationals to adopt from a certain territory. Sometimes, laws may be completely eliminated altogether.
- One of the most common obstacles facing prospective parents seeking international adoption is the overall expense involved. Although international adoption policy assists in determining fees for accredited adoption agencies, it is important to be aware that fees are often decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs and circumstances of each situation.
- Regardless of which country prospective parents adopt from, and no matter how flexible a country’s international adoption policies are, new adoptive parents should expect there will be costs involved in order to finalize the transfer of custody.
- Upon formalizing an international adoption, prospective parents must request the child becomes a naturalized citizen in the United States. Fortunately, under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, the attainment of citizenship became a more streamlined, seamless process.
- It goes without saying that when adopting a child from another country, prospective parents must meet that nation’s standards for adoption. However, prospective applicants must first ensure the adoption adheres to United States Government standards before even considering what is sufficient abroad.
Hopefully, certain potential realities of international adoption will not dissuade prospective parents. Many prospective American parents each year consider the process worthwhile and a total success. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware and as prepared as possible the potential challenges prospective parents may face when considering international adoption. Although international adoption policies can be time-consuming, challenging, and at times confusing, ultimately, it is well worth the effort spent. For prospective parents interested in pursuing international adoption, it is recommended that you consult both the Department of State and a reputable national adoption organization that specializes in placing international adoptive children.
If you are a prospective adoptive parent seeking to adopt an international child, call McDowell Chartered legal services at 316-269-0746 for more information on how to get started with the process today! Our staff of experienced adoption lawyers can assist you with all questions and concerns regarding international or domestic child adoption.