Parents who wish to adopt a child are may choose to adopt a child who is born in the United States, or they may choose to adopt a child who is born somewhere else in the world. Overall, an international adoption can be a very exciting and interesting way to welcome a child into your family. However, it is more complex than domestic adoption because there are state, federal, and international laws involved, but when prospective parents work with adoption professionals, such as adoption attorneys and case workers, it is entirely doable.
International adoption has changed over the years, especially with regard to the selection of countries and their associated rules for adopting children from each country. Changing political climates can mean that countries become available and unavailable at various times depending upon what is going on. Overall, international adoption has become much more safe, ethical, and transparent than it was in the past. There are still some concerns about the reliability and availability of background and health information in some places, but this issue improves more and more as time goes on. The passage of the Hague Adoption Convention treaty and its subsequent adoption by many countries protects both prospective parents and children alike. Adoptions from countries that follow the Hague Adoption Convention are held to stricter guidelines, such as approval of the adoption facilitator or agency by the U.S. State Department, and disclosure of all fees and expenses up front.
There are many children who are available for international adoption who are born healthy. Others are born with physical or emotional conditions which will require special care. The international adoption plans for some families include bringing a special needs child from another country to America, where they can provide them with whatever care they may need. When children are adopted internationally, parents are able to experience the joy of learning about the culture of their child’s birth country and in teaching them about American culture.
Generally speaking, international adoptions are more costly than domestic adoption, but many families who want to make it work out are in fact able to do so. The adoption tax credit could be very helpful in making your international adoption dream become a reality, so be sure to look for information about how and when you could qualify for it. Prospective parents can expect to pay for the services of your American adoption facilitator and, fees to the U.S. government, fees to the foreign government, and travel expenses.
Adoption can be an emotionally trying process, but the reward of welcoming a child into your family can make it well worth the wait. As you work to prepare yourself for parenthood, your Kansas Adoption Attorney will be by your side, advocating for your best interest throughout the adoption process. Kansas Adoption Attorney Thomas McDowell has helped many families through the adoption process, and he would welcome the opportunity to help you. Please call (316) 633-4322 today, to schedule an initial consultation.