Adoption Abroad-5 Most Popular Countries from which to Adopt

If you’re thinking of adopting a child from a different country, you’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of American couples form international families by adopting children from practically any country. Aside from a genuine passion to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing home for these children, every couple has a different reason for looking abroad for a foster child.

That said, here are the five most common countries American couples adopt from.

1. CHINA

China’s highest recorded number of adoptions was 7,093 in 2005. The numbers may have dropped to less than half — 2,306 by 2013 — by now, but China still remains one of the more popular choices for international adoption. They only allow married couples to adopt, except for single women looking to foster a special-needs child.

2. THAILAND

Thailand makes it to the list as one of the countries with the easiest and cheapest adoption systems. Legal fees alone are less than a thousand bucks — already a point for Thailand — and anecdotal evidence suggests it takes half the time to complete all the necessary paperwork and documentation in Thailand than it does in the U.S.  

3. UGANDA

While Uganda’s adoption system is relatively easier than America’s, there are a number of specific requirements for the adoptive parents. For instance, there is a residency requirement that necessitates prospective foster parents to live at least three years in Uganda with their potential adoptive son/daughter. A judge may waive this prerequisite. Uganda also allows both married and single people to adopt.  

It’s important to note that gay/homosexual couples and individuals may find it more difficult to adopt a child from Uganda, due to the country’s prejudice and publicly negative views on homosexuality. Other than that, Uganda’s numbers have risen from an impressive 1 adoption in 2000 to 276 adoptions in 2013.

4. COLOMBIA

As of 2013, adoption numbers from Colombia were recorded at 195. The adoption process is governed by The Hague Adoption Convention, which means it’s a little more traditionally regulated compared to others. Regardless, hopeful foster parents can be found eligible to adopt, provided they meet the necessary requirements: at least 21 years of age and found to be “physically and emotionally” capable of fostering and raising a child. They must also meet basic income prerequisites in order to fully provide for their foster child.

5. SOUTH KOREA

Hailed as a country with one of the oldest and most efficient adoption systems — they started back in 1960 — there remains, to this day, a significant need for international adoptive families in South Korea. Children 6 months old and above are available for adoption — as are children with special needs. However, statistics reveal that boys age 6 to 9 are the ones most in need of foster homes.  

Some of the prerequisites for potential adoptive parents are: They should have been married (they do not approve single parents) for at least three years, and two parental visits per week before actual adoption is approved. South Korea also does not let children below the age of 2 leave the country.  

International Adoption - Understand the Risk of TB

Cliff Davis is an advocate for child welfare and adoption services. Because of his lengthy involvement with these services, he understands some of the challenges faced by adoptive parents. Domestic and international adoption each has unique advantages and disadvantages.

One of the concerns for parents adopting internationally is the health of a child coming from an underdeveloped country. Many diseases that are rarely found in the US are still prevalent in other parts of the world. Tuberculosis is one of the illnesses that is frequently seen in international adoptees. “At risk” children include those coming from institutional care. Upon arrival,1 in 5 children with high-risk backgrounds test positive on the Tuberculosis skin test.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection. It typically impacts the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. These symptoms often take time to appear. People who test positive for the infection but do not display any signs or symptoms are said to have latent Tuberculosis (LTB). It is important to note that these individuals are not contagious. However, it is crucial to treat LTB so that the person does not develop active Tuberculosis.

LTB is treated with a medication called isoniazid. Internationally adopted children who test positive will be given this medication. It is taken once per day for nine months. When taken as directed, this medication completely eradicates the disease.

Typically, internationally adopted children will be tested upon arrival and again in six months. This is because it can take several months after exposure before a child tests positive. If the child tests negative both times, they are in the clear and will need no further testing or intervention. If a child tests positive, they are treated and as long as they show no symptoms, will need no further treatment or testing.

It is helpful to speak with your pediatrician to understand all the health issues you may be facing as the parent of an international adoptee. While it may seem complicated, there are numerous resources available to assist adoptive parents. Regulations are in place to help ensure healthy children are adopted into loving homes.