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Go the Distance

Exploring International Adoption

Part One

By Michele St. Martin

International adoption experts suggest that internationally adopted children be examined by a pediatrician who specializes in international adoption medicine. Some children may appear sicker than they are, and others may not exhibit symptoms. One thing to remember is that the sickest children are generally not adopted, as authorities in the child's home country usually try to ensure that only healthy children are adopted. There are, however, "special needs" children available for adoption in most countries, but these children are adopted by people who specifically request a special needs child. An experienced adoption agency can and should advise prospective adopters on potential health risks.

"After the selection of the country from which to adopt, the most important task for persons considering international adoption is the choice of an agency," says Harper. "Not unlike the relationship between a birth mother and her obstetrician, the relationship between adoptive parent and his/her agency is very intimate and requires trust and continual interaction. In essence, the adoption agency is the lifeline to the parent's child." An adoptive parent herself, Harper founded Dr. Dossier after her own experience adopting internationally.

John Harrah, the father of two daughters from China, agrees. "We feel that adopters should feel completely comfortable in asking an agency anything at any time," he says. "Communications must be assured before, during and after an adoption. It's vital that adopters have support for any issue, anywhere, whether at home in the U.S. or in the foreign country. Parents make the leap of faith, and no agency or social worker can do this for them, but an agency or social worker can and should be involved with the parents."

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• Check out our Article Library.
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• Transracial Adoptions: Outside Reactions to Your Family
• Talk about it!