International vs. Domestic?

Question

Why do people adopt internationally vs. Domestic? Do you get your children faster than the other? Is one cheaper than the other?

I'm curious b/c my husband and I are thinking about adoption and I've been reading/researching. Right now it's pretty overwhelming. Just like some feedback. Thanks

Answer 1

We chose to adopt internationally because it was the best choice for our family.  We researched all of the adoption options carefully, all of them have their benefits and their drawbacks.  Each family must make the very personal choice for what is best for them.  I take issue with those who love to pass judgement on other people's adoption choices.

International adoption may or may not be less expensive or more timely than domestic adoption.  There are huge variations between different international adoption programs, in cost, requirements, timeframe,  It is certainly much more paperwork intensive than domestic adoption and presents its own challenges with cultural, racial and sometimes language issues.  With time, attention and involvement by the adoptive parents, these challenges can be met.  

If you are looking for a good book to outline the international adoption process, I recommend "How to Adopt Internationally".  It takes you step by step through the US side of the process (which is more or less the same regardless of which international program is chosen) but also includes snapshots of different international programs, country-by-country.  

I have nothing against domestic adoption or foster care adoption.  Each family must choose whatever option is best for them.  The route we chose isn't right for everyone.  Your family needs to choose what's right for you.

Ultimately, the purpose of adoption is to provide a home for a child who needs one, whether that child is an infant from the US, a child from foster care, or a sibling group from another continent.  Every child deserves a safe, loving and stable home.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If you are in the United States, adopting from the foster care system is basically free.  Adopting from a private agency (domestic or international) is expensive.  However, babies are rarely available through the foster care system and private agencies in the United States often have longer waiting periods then international agencies.  So it depends on what you are looking for as to what would be best for you.

Answer 3

To make a choice between international and domestic would require more of an indepth answer than I can give here.  My husband and I are doing both domestic and international.  We have had our dossier in China for a year now (and anticipate another 3-4 yr wait) and we are in the middle of a domestic match.  I would recommend you make a lists of things that are important in adoption to you and your husband and based on your list decide whether domestic or international (or both) is a good match for you.  Good luck, both paths are long but fulfilling.  And yes in the beginning it is overwhelming.  We are using a large china only agency for our china adoption and for our domestic an expectant mom went to a lawyer searching for adoptive parents and found us.

Answer 4

I am pro Domestic. My husband and I are on our way to getting certified to foster/adopt. There is a lot more in the way of getting certified/trained, paperwork, etc. But you do not have to lay out thousands of dollars for the opportunity to adopt a child.

I do not believe the process is more lengthy- if anything it's good to take your time and think it over and make sure this is the right step for your family.

Answer 5

I've heard that some people go international so that they don't have to deal with that "birth mama drama", you know, they don't want to every have to put up with the child's own family being in the child's life ever again.  

Personally, I think that's horrid.

International adoption and private, domestic adoption are both pretty expensive, 20 K or more, while adopting a child who's in foster care and in need of a home is relatively inexpensive, but of course you don't get that shiny new bay-bee either and people don't like that.  Most people want bay-bees or exotic pets from distant lands.

Answer 6

I've done both however at the time I adopted internationally I was actually living in the country I adopted from (worked there for 3 years).  We have also just started the adoption process here back home and hope to have it done by the end of the year.  We have our new daughter already in the home with us, it's just a matter of getting the court work done.

If asked which one was easier, I'd have to say they were both equally easy.  If asked which one was cheaper I'd have to say they were both about the same.  The international one was about $800 US start to finish and the domestic one is free since we are going through social services.  

Now, the realities of international adoption in normal circumstances is that it is very expensive compared to other ways but at the same time you have a much better chance of getting a baby which, unfortunately, everyone seems to want.  We've never asked for a baby but were blessed both times with happy, healthy baby girls.  

All I can suggest is that before you start either process you research, research, research.  And when you are done, research it again.