What are some of the medical issues of adoption?

Question

I was considering adopting and came accross this very interesting article....

http://medsocial.com/blog.aspx?blogaction=viewblog&show=652

Answer 1

I have read the article, and want to clarify an issue.  It is reported that if you adopt through an agency you "may" get to select the age and health of the child.  This is misleading.

During the homestudy process, the Social Worker makes a determination as to the age, s*x, number and health of the child or children you are QUALIFIED to parent.  Not every person who wants to parent a special needs infant is qualified to do so.  Not every parent who wants to adopt transracially is qualified to.  It is up to the Social Worker (if the homestudy is done correctly) to determine adoptive parent's strengths and capabilities, as well as learning about their preferences and wishes.  

And let me add, that many parents have the misconception that if they adopt an older child, it will be easier, because there will be no night feedings, diapers, etc.  But older children are in care for a reason.  They have needs that must be met by a very patient and caring parent who is an advocate for their child, and will stop at nothing in order to help them overcome or deal with the issues of trauma, negelct and abuse they have suffered.  Parenting an older child is a very special kind of love and brings a deep sense of accomplishment.  But it is not for everyone.

And when adopting an infant or older child from a foreign country, parents must realize that these children have been subjected to months of deprivation or alcohol even before they were born in many cases.  Then they are often institutionalized (live in a non-family environment) until they are adopted.  This takes a toll on children.  Some cannot  attach to parent, some cannot adjust to life in a family.  Many do, of course.

Am I discouraging parents from adopting older children or from another country?  No.  I just want the children to have a fair shake when they are adopted, and not have unrealistic parents and expectations put on them which are impossible to fulfill.  Parents have to know everything they can, for their child's sake!

Answer 2

Medical issues vary from country to country, child to child. My wife and I are awaiting a referral from Ethiopia. They send a questionairre asking what you will and will not accept, as far as medical issues are concerned. Down's syndrome children, children with cleft lips or palettes, addicted mother, etc etc. The list goes on and on. Learning the medical history of the parents AND child is important, but as the article states, you won't always be lucky enough to get that info. One thing you can do is find a doctor that specializes in adopted children. My wife and I found one (here in southern calif) and she's been great. If you're in the area, I can give you the info. Feel free to email. Good luck!

Answer 3

i was adpted many years ago. i am now 51 and having medical issues in my life unfortunately i have no idea of my medical background and can't find out. when i was adpoted my parents wouldn't give the adoption agency any medical history to the agency. i have recently found out that both my biological parents are dead. i think that when a child is adopted that a medical history of the family should be given as part of the adoption.

Answer 4

Well, when you adopt it is kind of "grab bag" style. You have no idea what kind of medical conditions may lie in that baby's future. When you have a biological child, you can pretty much understand that diabetes or heart disease or cancer runs in some families. With an adoption, you just don't know. Sometimes the bio Dad isn't even notified so he is a complete wild card. Granted most people are healthy but you just don't know with adoptions.

Answer 5

Mainly it is to know the medical history as much as possible so that you have an idea of the type/level of care that child will need in your home.

Among the most important information to have are allergies and other chronic conditions, physical disabilities, mental health history, medications, surgeries, ongoing treatments/theraputic, and immunization records. Having similar info on the child's family is helpful too.

Make sure you know how continued care will be paid for. Some states do not have medical subsidy money available for out-of-state adoptions. The basic things are to know what you are getting into before the adoption takes place and have a plan prior to placement to continue the same level of care including any additional needs that may rise.

Answer 6

It depends on where you adopt from and the background of the child(ren) you adopt.

In Eastern Europe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is an issue, in some countries drug abuse is an issue.  You'll need to research each country you'd like to look into.  You'll also need to get as complete information as possible on any children who are referred to you.

You should also take into account that any adopted child is going to have grief, loss and attachment issues to some degree.  Go into it with your eyes wide open, read as much as you can

http://www.tapestrybooks.com

is a great site to find books to read.

Take any referral to an International Adoption Clinic for their professional advice.

Answer 7

I got to meet the birth parents of my child and I wrote down his medical history as for as the birth family is concerned. Some times, like in other countries, that is not possible since they don't know who the folks are. But I just send a prayer on the wing of a dove

Answer 8

Many children available for adoption have special medical needs that are obvious from the start.  The biggest medical issue imo is that, in closed adoptions, there is pretty much no family history to speak of, making diagnoses more difficult.

Answer 9

I adopted through the state and you do not get that much information on the birth parents however if you request it they will give you what ever information they have.  Then I did foster to adopt and took my son to a special dr. who specializes in adoption babies also and you would be surprised what they can tell about the child by doing a FULL check-up.