The Process
Each year over 20,000 foreign-born children are adopted by families in the United States making international adoption a very viable option for prospective parents to consider. The below selected books aides in the adoption process including progressive steps of paperwork and parent education; making careful choices about an agency and an adoption professional will help ensure a successful outcome, and will help parents learn about the very personal aspect of adoptive parenting.
Suggested Books
The Decision: Transracial or Same Race Adoption
Before deciding to adopt internationally across racial lines, parents need to understand the importance of helping a child “claim” his or her cultural and racial heritage, in a relational, authentic way with others of the ethnicity. Children being raised within a Caucasian family will experience issues with racism; making the decision to adopt transracially involves the parents’ willingness to help the child face these challenges.
Suggested Books
Family Issues in Transracial Adoption
Adoption is a lifetime process. An international adoptee needs to feel supported by his or her family, and family discussions about adoption and racial issues need to updated and revisited on a regular basis. Prospective moms and dads should assess their abilities to be open and flexible, as transracial international adoption requires parents to become educated advocates for their children.
Suggested Books
Quick Facts
Adoptions ’06 | Time | Children < 1year | Gender | Estimated Cost | Childcare System | |
China | 6,493 | slow | 25-49% | mostly girls (95%) | $20-25,000 | orphanage |
Russia | 3,706 | average | <25% | even | $30,000+ | orphanage |
Korea | 1,376 | slow | >75% | more boys (60%) | $20-25,000 | fostercare |
Ethiopia | 732 | average | 25-49% | even | $15-20,000 | orphanage |
Haiti | 309 | average | <25% | even | $15-20,000 | orphanage |
Vietnam | 163 | fast | 50-75% | more girls (60%) | $20-28,000 | orphanage |
Adoption information on sending countries changes frequently, please verify.