Adopting Overseas

Many families choose to establish or grow their family by adopting overseas. Some reasons include; the adopting family doesn't meet the agency guidelines for domestic adoption but they qualify to work with an overseas adoption agency. Sometimes a family has an overwhelming concerned that the birth parents will come back and want their baby back, adopting overseas removes that fear simply because of the number of governments entities involved. Others simply want to give a family to a child who really has none.

If you are considering adopting overseas, the travel times and family requirements are something to consider. Check out several different international adoption agencies - fees vary even though the processes are similar.

The top three countries which adoption visas were issued were, China, Russia and Guatemala. Many times there are several countries that work with one international adoption agency. Of course adopted children come from many many countries.


China

China adoption program is one of the most reliable and stable, and China is the country from which most U.S. citizens have elected to adopt since the year 2000. In 2005, U.S. citizens adopted approximately 7,906 children from China. Children available for adoption are mostly girls, infants to 6 years of age. Older and special needs children are also available. These children reside in orphanages.

Travel required: Yes; one parent (if married) must travel; one trip, approximately two weeks.

Singles accepted: Generally, single women, heterosexual.

Other: Post-placement reports and supervision are required for one year.

Families for Children from China

Adoptive Parents China

More Great Resources.

Russia

There are about 600,000 children without parental care in the Russia. Most children are relinquished to orphanages from hospitals due to poverty. Some children are removed from their homes due to neglect. 51% of the adoptions are girls ages 1 -4.

  • Trave required: Yes, two trips. The completion trip requires both parents.

  • Singles are accepted. There are no limits on marriage or number of children.

  • Other: Post- placement reports are required.
    • Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoptions

    Eastern European Adoption Coalition

    Guatemala

    Important Updates 2007 Requirements: In 2005, U.S. citizens adopted approximately 3,783 children from Guatemala. Older and special needs children are also available for adoption. Children may reside in orphanages or foster care.

  • Travel required: No; if parents choose to travel, the in-country stay is approx. 4 days.

  • Singles accepted: Yes

  • Other: Prior to approval for adoption, a DNA test done by a facility authorized by U.S. authorities must be done to prove the relinquishing mother-child connection; post-placement supervision and reports are required for six months.
    • Great Site for adoption Guatemala

    Guatemala Adoptive Families Network

    Vietnam

  • Travel required: Yes; 2-3 week trip after refferal to bring child home

  • Singles accepted: Yes

  • Other: Prior to approval for adoption, a DNA test done by a facility authorized by U.S. authorities must be done to prove the relinquishing mother-child connection; post-placement supervision and reports are required for six months.
    • VietNam Adoption Resources


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