Flanders is a self-governing department in the north of Belgium. They’re about to join a number of other nations in ending international adoption of children. Flanders is different, though, in that they are ending adoptions by their citizens of children from other countries. China, South Korea, Ethiopia, and Russia are among the nations ending adoption of children from their country. In both cases, the reason for ending international adoption is the same: the difficulty of making sure that the adoptions are aboveboard and ethical.
International adoption scandals
Headlines in recent years have featured dramatic cases in which children were adopted from countries like Ukraine, South Korea, or Haiti without informed consent from their parents. In some cases, these have been for-profit schemes involving coercion or payment of birth parents.
While there have also been many legitimate adoptions of children from other countries who were available for adoption and needed safe homes, the large numbers of international adoption scandals have caused governments around the world to look closer at international adoptions. “The safety and well-being of children must always come first,” said the Flemish Welfare Minister. “However, even with the best intentions and thorough screening procedures, this cannot be guaranteed in the context of international adoptions.”
Many countries have by now discovered, just as Flanders did, that they can’t be sure international adoptions are conducted according to modern, ethical standards. Communication issues, difference in record-keeping, and limited regulation make it hard for one country to get full information about adoptions taking place in another country. In several cases, child trafficking has been discovered masquerading as adoption.
International adoption slows in the U.S.
Pew Research recently reported that international adoptions by Americans “have slowed to a trickle.” In part, this reflects the fact that the countries Americans usually choose for adoptions have restricted international adoption or banned it entirely. In other words, ending international adoption is taking place naturally in the United States.
But it also stems from misconceptions about international and domestic adoptions. Some would-be adoptive parents believe that international adoptions will be cheaper and faster than domestic adoption. In many cases, international adoption is much more expensive, especially considering travel costs. If the adoption is done correctly under the Hague convention, it will include all the usual fees. Often further legal steps are required for naturalization of the child once the new family reaches the United States. It can also be just as lengthy a procedure.
If you’ve been considering international adoption, it might be time to look into domestic adoption instead. At Heimer Law, we can answer all your questions. Fill out the form below and we will contact you for a free consultation.
Inquiry Form