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With International Adoption, you will need to travel, with the exception of several countries where you can have your child
escorted, such as in South Korea, Ethiopia, Liberia, India, and some others. You also will not be able to have contact with
the birthmother/ parents. Except in very special cases (such as the child is given up because of poverty and the parent(s)
want to stay in contact, (as I've seen with some children in Kazakhstan's photolistings), or in the Marshall Island adoption
program, will adoptive parents know the birthparent(s). Most of the time, however, you will never know the birthparents and
have little to no info. about them. Many countries allow adoption by singles, especially female singles (as well as those
who have been divorced).
Each country has different requirements and laws regarding adoption. The laws of both countries must agree to some
extent for one to be able to adopt. In the end, both countries must recognize that you are the parent of the child and the
immigration and citizenship of your child to your country is also a large part of the process.
There were and still are cases in adoption that involve child trafficking. Adoption is truly an excellent decision for
many, but prospective parents must know the illegal side to adoption that they may fall into.
Check out these resources:
Focus on Cambodian adoption, but important information for all international adoption.
Main page here.
Information on illegal adoptions from a site dedicated to helping street children.
The Adoption Guide; Resource to help you choose an agency.
Illegal Guatemalan Adoption.
Advocates Ethical Adoptions.
Adoption Agency Checklist by a man who fell victim to an adoption fraud.
Notice on adoption agencies and facilitators from the US Dep. of State.
General Tips for Choosing an Adoption Agency
-total cost
-types of expenses
-when established (years of experience)
-which state(s) it is liscenced in.
-how many completed adoptions.
-is it accredited by the COA? (Council on Accreditation)
-agency gives support to parents and children after adoption
-look for extensive knowledge of country you want to adopt from
-look for knowledge of laws and regulations as well as thorough explanations of the laws and regulations
-assistance agency offers to you when you travel to nation. (i.e. transportation + translation).
-agency philosophy.
-agency is in constant communication with both governments involved- the one of the child and your country of citizenship
-obtain and call agency references (through mailing lists and support groups, etc.)
-If the agency is based in the US, contact the Better Business Bureau and licensing office of the Department of Health and Human Services in the state where the agency is located.
-If the agency makes promises that seem too good to be true.... (you know the rest).
In the next couple of years, international adoption will be transformed by the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
More information about the Convention here.
Embassies
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