2008 Brings Changes to International Adoption

The face of international adoption is changing in 2008. Several new ordinances are leaving many hopeful parents-to-be with empty arms and aching hearts. Even worse, many children are being ordered to life in orphanages, without hope of ever finding a real family. Some of these changes have been covered in the news, but others are quiet and only noticed by parents whose worlds are hinging on the cooperation of international adoption agencies.

The most impacting recent change happened as 2007 came to a close. Guatemala slammed the door on all adoptions, devastating many families. Guatemala is one of the few countries which frequently pushed adoptions of babies and toddlers. Most parents want a very young child and so Guatemala was truly a hot spot for international adoption. The process has now come to a screeching halt as the Guatemalan authorities are seeking to create one central authority to handle all adoptions for Guatemala, in order to become Hague compliant.

Another change happened with Russian adoptions which were previously closed. Now the Russian government has accredited a few select adoption agencies which they will be willing to work with. There are only a handful of parents who will reap the benefits of this tiny opening.

Ukraine has called for a change in adoptions to the United States as well. In 2008, Ukraine will only process 460 adoption applications. It will primarily focus on finding adoptive homes for older children and sibling groups.

Chinese adoptions are also growing to be very difficult. There has been a dramatic drop in adoptions from China over the last three years, as their waiting period has increased to two years. They have also set very stringent stipulations of the families they will work with. The Chinese adoption policy excludes homosexuals, singles, and people whose weight falls into the obese category.

With all the recent changes in international adoption, there is not much American parents can do except sit and wait. Adoption policies can change from year to year. Hopefully more children will come available when Guatemala reopens their doors, just as Russia recently did. Though international adoptions brings many obstacles with it, it can be very rewarding. Parents are children are both blessed as new families form. Children are given the love and security that they need, and parents are given the gift they've always dreamed of... the gift of a child.