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International Adoption Surprises

Preparing for International Adoption

By Sue Marquette Poremba

Countries can and do change the rules at their own discretion. They might decide to slow down the adoption process, limit the number of children available for adoption or even halt adoptions altogether with little to no warning. For example, if a country isn't getting post-adoption reports as requested, it may cut off adoptions. Or countries can decide to change eligibility requirements, as China is doing, which could suddenly disqualify prospective parents who thought they were nearing the end of the adoption process.

To prepare for the possibility that the adoption might not go as planned in a particular country, Uekert recommends having a back-up plan. "Work with your agency to set up an alternative plan," she says. And if you have your heart set on adopting from a particular country and no other will do, realize in advance that the unforeseen may occur and the adoption may not happen.

Too often, parents expect to bring home a healthy child, but instead the child has attachment or sensory issues or may be developmentally delayed. This is where talking to other parents can be helpful. Talk to others who have adopted children from the country you are interested in and, if possible, from the same orphanage or adoption facility. Find out what emotional or physical ailments other children have and what the symptoms are. Not every child will suffer, but te transition becomes even more difficult if they are unaware. Uekert suggests parents take their child to a pediatrician who specializes in treating children of international adoptions. This doctor is more familiar with medical issues facing these children.

Want to see more?

• Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions: What Does It Mean for International Adoptions?
• Check out our Article Library.
• The Ideal Family: Changes in China Adoptions
• The Trip of a Lifetime: What to Bring When You Pick up Your Adopted Child
• Talk about it!

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