Can you tell me about Over Seas Adoption?

Question

Hey, for as long as i can remember i always wanted to adopt a child from china or japan. I figure that i would like to give a child a chance for a better life if they aren't going to have on. There are so many children in the world that need parents and may not ever have them that i would rather help a child in need then bring one into the world myself when i know how many out there need the help. It would be nice to have a child with my spouse and give him a child that was made between us. But anyways, my question is, if any of you have ever adopted over seas or in your own country, how difficult and expensive can it get, and how long does it take for an adoption to go through, or any other information you could give me would be amazing! Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

There's much more to international adoption than can adequately be explained on this Q&A forum.  But there are a few things to be aware of

1. International adoption programs vary from country to country. Every country has different requirements, procedures, timelines, etc.  A PAP needs to research this, but bear in mind, all of these factors can change overnight.

2. There are definite issues with child trafficking involved in international adoption.  Particularly in question are country programs that have infants/toddlers available for adoption.  Bear in mind that most International adoptions are of infants/toddlers, but there are many more school age children, special needs and sibling groups available for adoption overall.  Research your agency and the country program thoroughly.  Check references, look for accreditations, certifications, etc.  Make sure you are dealing with a reputable and licensed agency.  

3. There are unique challenges to parenting a child from a different race/culture than yours.  An AP needs to research and educate themselves on this.  Fortunately, cultural needs, contact with first family, return trips to the country of birth, etc, are being much more common and encouraged by International adoption agencies.   Some country programs, by their nature, allow more contact and have more information than others.  

I'd recommend the book: How to Adopt Internationally (Make sure you get the most recent edition) for a good overview of the adoption process.

The website www.informedadoptions.com has some great information as well.  

Answer 2

i think that it is great that you want to adopt a child. i agree, these children arent "charity cases"  but, they are children in need of a good and caring home with a safe and nuturing enviornment. overseas adoption is very difficult, especially china adoptions. there are soooo many children in the United States that need homes and families. im in the processes of trying to adopt now.

Answer 3

Children from certain countries are being kidnapped, teens are being raped and used as breeders to supply the demand for babies for the US/Canadian markets, many woman have been coerced/manipulated in false relinquishment of their children.

Help a child in your neighborhood needing a family.  

Answer 4

Keep in mind that children would not like to know that you may (based on this question) or may not think of them as a charity case.

The waiting time for China used to be 1 year. Now it's increased to 4-5 years because it takes so long to process the applications and because there are SO many people wanting to adopt.

It probably costs around $30,000 just to adopt the child (I can't recall off the top of my head, I am not an amom but I've seen the costs mentioned on here) - not to mention travelling fees, hotel fees, homestudy fees, processing fees and when you get the child - medical issue fees, etc. The list goes on.

There are some blogs you might want to start reading before you dive into adoption, though. It is not black-and-white.

http://sisterheping.wordpress.com/

http://harlowmonkey.typepad.com/

http://notsocalm.wordpress.com/

http://misplacedbaggage.wordpress.com/

http://heartmindandseoul.typepad.com/

http://twicetherice.wordpress.com/