Myth: International adoption is more expensive than domestic adoption.
Here is the truth: It is a misconception that there is a large difference between the costs for an international adoption versus a domestic adoption. Both international and domestic adoptions have their own unique costs involved. Often the cost is not too far apart. Also within international adoption, the fees tend to be more spread out, making the process more affordable.
Myth: You can adopt from any country you want.
Here is the truth: It is not only not possible to adopt from any country, even if the country is open for international adoption, not every child in an orphanage or foster home is eligible for adoption. A terrific source to learn more about various countries and the possibility of international adoption is the U.S. Department of State’s Intercountry Adoption web site.
Myth: It takes years to adopt internationally.
Here is the truth: While striving for adoptive parenthood often feels like it takes forever, it really comes down to your experiences and how you define the wait. For many, infertility took years and adoption took nine months. Different country programs have different timelines and certainly the process is also related to how flexible and open prospective adoptive parents are to the type of child or children they are hoping to adopt. Many international programs take 9 – 18 months. What to do with your time is the question, allow your agency to assist you with how to handle the waiting process.
Myth: We won’t have to deal with open adoption or the birth family if we adopt internationally.
Here is the truth: Experience and studies have shown that in closed and international adoptions adoptive parents “deal” with the birth parent more frequently as it is hard to compete with the fantasy birth mother and hard to continuously share with your child that there is no information available to answer his or her questions. Be careful not to choose the international adoption path for this reason, but rather because international adoption. One way to figure out if your reasons are sound is to compare international versus domestic adoption.
Myth: Children adopted internationally have special needs I can’t handle.
Here is the truth: Most children available for international adoption come from high- risk environments that differ greatly from those of children born and raised in the United States. Such risk factors may impact their development. However with education, preparation, dedication and strong readiness to parent, adoptive families can effectively lessen children’s risk factor. It is imperative to receive background information including social and medical history so that you do not take home a child you feel ill-equipped to parent.
For more information on international adoption click here. To request an information packet click here.
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