Domestic vs International Adoption?

Question

Does anyone have any links to websites that breakdown the differences?

Thanks!

www.galatians4.com

Answer 1

What kind of differences do you mean? Are you concerned about costs? medical issues? contact with birth family? time frame? paperwork requirements?

Answer 2

domestic adoptions have different guidelines than international adoptions. international adoptions generally have stricter rules than domestic adoptions (and if not you still have to qualify for domestic adoption-those rules are considered the minimum rules). for example, for domestic adoptions you have to be 25, but for chinese adoptions you have to be 30. international adoptions are more expensive than domestic adoptions. with a domestic adoption you can adopt a child as soon as they're born but with international adoptions the youngest a child can be adopted is generally 4 months. you'll get a better/more accurate medical history if you adopt domestically.

various helpful sites:

(the opinion of someone who adopted internationally and domestically)  http://library.adoption.com/internationa...

(different facts comparing them)

http://www.babyasw.com/domestic-adoption...

(different facts comparing them-i think this site would be the most helpful)

http://adoptionblogs.typepad.com/adoptio...

Answer 3

http://www.informedadoptions.com/

Answer 4

I was adopted internationally and my best friends adopted an older child about 2 years ago internationally and I got to know the adoption agency personnel quite well [almost married her].

International adoptions are usually faster, cheaper, and safer than domestic adoptions - the information from the above answerers to the contrary is wishful thinking - it is not true.

The exception is Guatemala, which is practically shut down for international adoptions to the US or Hague Convention countries because of abuses within their system.

Your best information is from the US State Department - each embassy has a website with information on adoptions from that specific country.

As for specific costs - contact adoption agencies and get them to tell you. The legitimate agencies have all that informaiton available on their websites.

Answer 5

I don't necessarily know any links to websites.  However, you may want to speak to a local reputable adoption agency that specializes in both domestic and international adoptions.  They should be able to provide you with the breakdown information that you are seeking.  You may want to contact Adoptions From the Heart.  www.adoptionsfromtheheart.org.  

Good luck.