International Adoption
More and more Americans are creating families by adopting children from foreign countries. In 2003, U.S. families adopted 21,616 foreign-born children. Overall, China was the most-often selected sending country for international adoptions, followed in descending order by Russia, Guatemala, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and India. (For more numbers, see Trends in International Adoption: 2003.)
International adoption may be a viable alternative to domestic adoption for many families, especially those who want to adopt a younger child; however, the process can be complex, paperwork-intensive, and expensive.
Like domestic adoptions, costs and waiting time vary significantly depending on the country and child chosen. Costs can range from a low of $11,000 to a high of $40,000 or more, although most international adoptions average between $15,000 and $30,000. Special needs international adoptions may have lower fees and shorter waiting periods.
Visit the Adoption.com International Adoption Resource Center for country-by-country resources, agencies and information. Visit our Directory of Adoption Professionals to find international adoption professionals who can assist you.
- Getting Started with Adoption
- How Many People Choose Adoption?
- Is Adoption Right for You?
- Adoption Self-Assessment Quiz
- Which Children Are Available for Adoption?
- Sibling Groups
- Who Can Adopt?
- Qualification Requirements for Adopting Parents
- Your Adoption Options
- Agency Adoption
- Private (or Independent) Adoption
- Options in Independent Adoption
- Adoption Facilitators
- International Adoption
- Foster Adoption
- Stepparent Adoption
- Transracial Adoption
- Special Needs Adoption
- Military Adoption
- Making an Adoption Plan
- Selecting an Adoption Professional
- Getting an Adoption Homestudy
- Adoption Costs
- Why Do Costs Seem So High?
- Help Handling the Costs of Adoption
- The Adoption Tax Credit
- Adoption Subsidies
- Employer Adoption Benefits
- Networking & Networking Tools
- Legal Issues in Adoption
- Evaluating Adoption Risks
- Open Adoption
- Breastfeeding the Adopted Child
- Coping With the Wait
- Glossary of Terms
- Recommended Reading
- Conclusion
