Responding to the Changing World of Adoption

March 2008

The Evolution of International Adoption

I began working in the field adoption almost 30 years ago when adopting internationally was just starting to become a recognized option. Initially, the challenge was finding prospective parents for needy children from other countries. Overseas adoption was not a common choice or widely understood among those interested in bringing a child into their lives. Over time, enormous changes have taken place.

By the early 1980’s our organization was working in a dozen countries and each year placing more than 200 children with U.S. families. We began to focus more attention and resources to support humanitarian aid projects in countries that needed our help. Members of our staff began to travel abroad regularly to assess the needs in orphanages and help with decisions regarding how funds raised could best be used to help children in orphanage care. We recognized the need to provide assistance for children waiting for a family as well as for those who could not be adopted.

By the late 1980’s and early 90’s, our services to families had grown considerably, including cultural and post-adoption work and activity. By the mid to late 1990’s we were placing approximately 500 children each year. With efforts made to publicize the needs of older children and those with special needs, an increasing number of prospective parents were adopting preschool and school age children as well as youngsters with special medical needs. In recent years we have placed 600-700 children annually.

The Evolution of the WHFC Domestic Adoption Program

Because the original focus of our adoption work was international in nature, our domestic program began in the 1980’s as a quiet offshoot of other work we did. Along with the growth of our international programs and placements, we began to be contacted by hospitals and expectant parents for counseling. Before long we were regularly counseling young expectant couples or women who were considering an adoption plan. Gradually this program became a well known resource for those who needed counseling around the decision of relinquishment. By the end of the 80’s our domestic placement program was as large as several of our overseas programs.

Increasing Challenges in the New Millennium

Many of the changes that have taken place over the past few years have made the prospect of adopting a healthy young child more difficult. Those who are only interested in the adoption of such a child, may run into new restrictions in countries that make this possibility questionable. For some people, it may no longer be an option.

In recent years many countries have had a growing concern regarding a shrinking youth population. In order to keep more children within their borders, there are governments now offering incentive programs to encourage adoption by their citizens. In addition, many countries have put greater restrictions on overseas applicants. The combination of both these factors has made the prospect of international adoption much more daunting than ever before. In particular, adoption by single applicants has been greatly restricted by many countries.

Age requirements from some countries have also became more restrictive and a cap on the total number of children in the home has become more common. In addition, many countries have become less accommodating to applicants with medical, psychological or legal issues.

While the issues of applying for domestic newborn adoption are quite different than those of international adoption, there are also developing challenges in this arena. Although there is an increasing number of unmarried pregnant teenagers in the U.S., most of these young people are not considering an adoption plan for their child. Our society now accepts the status of being an unmarried parent without the negative views that once were inherent in this choice. It has become more common for grandparents and other family members to accept and support young people who are having a baby. In addition, there are now many public services for pregnant teens and young parents. Therefore, although domestic infant adoption continues, it has not increased in proportion to the increasing birthrate among teenagers.

Coping with Change

The flexibility of prospective parents is more important than ever before. It is important to keep in mind that there are millions of children over the age of two who need a family. If you are starting the adoption process, it will be very helpful to spend time discussing all your options with your home study social worker. Our staff are well trained in helping applicants consider different program options. Initially, don’t eliminate any program where you meet the criteria. Also, if you have not yet done so, consider applying to more than one program with the understanding that you will adopt from the first option that works for you. Whenever possible to do so, take advantage of our pre-adoption education programs. These discussions and readings will answer many questions and help reinforce your long-range goal of adoption.

Talk through the possibility of adopting an older toddler (2-3 years), a preschool age child (4-5years) or a child who is over the age of 5. If you did not do so initially and you have already completed your home study, it may be to your advantage to go back and consider other options. Look at the possibility of adopting a ‘waiting’ child who needs a family that can cope with an older age age, risk, special condition unusual circumstance. Consider children from different backgrounds and cultures. The more expansive you can be in the type of child you are open to considering, the more quickly the process will move along.

Many families started with the intention of adopting one child but change their minds after learning about a sibling group that needs placement together. Others start with a plan to adopt a healthy child but during the process realize that they would be comfortable as parents of a child with a particular medical risk or need. Our experience leads us to believe that parents who look back on making such a decision cannot imagine their family in any other way.

If you are focused on adopting a baby and meet country-specific requirements for such an adoption, go into the process with a resolve to be patient. Keeping busy helps a lot! If you are currently working, don’t stop until you are further along in the process. This will make the waiting time a great deal easier. Your social worker and other adoptive parents can be a great source of support and encouragement during this period of time. Remember that you are not alone. We are experienced in dealing with unexpected changes and can help you consider all of your options.

How Can WHFC Help you Navigate Through Changes and Decisions?

Your Wide Horizons social worker or caseworker can keep you updated regarding changes, but you can also take more control by keeping yourself updated through our website. Program information changes are regularly posted here and it is easy to find current program information this way. Simply go to www.whfc.org and click on the program information located on the left side of our home page. Check it periodically for changes. You will also notice that WHFC offers on-line program-specific presentations and videos describing our international adoption programs.

What seemed like the best choice at one point in your adoption journey may be different at a later point in the process. Again, flexibility will be an asset throughout this process. If a decision is made to change the program you are applying to or add a application to an additional country, your social worker can make the required changes to your home study. Doing so may enable you to move through the stages of adoption more quickly.

Once you are further along in the process, you will receive monthly updates from your program team as well as other information that is relevant to your process. WHFC program teams stay closely connected to our colleagues and partners in other countries. In years past it may have taken days or weeks to receive and distribute new information from abroad, but now most communication happens instantly by e-mail and telephone. This enables prospective parents to quickly learn about changes and new information.

Networking with those who have already adopted can be extremely helpful when making decisions. Talking with parents who have adopted an older child or a child with a special need can be very useful if you are considering one of these options. It may be helpful to talk to those who have adopted from a country that you are considering. Your Wide Horizons social worker or caseworker can help you make those contacts. By talking to several families you can gain insight into what the experience of such an adoption has been like for different parents. In general, adoptive parents are usually very candid in sharing their experiences and happy to help others who are starting this journey.

Reaching Your Goal of Adopting a Child

Despite challenges that may lie ahead, adoption still remains a very successful way to build your family while providing a home for a child who might otherwise go without love and security. The wait for a child may seem to take a long time but it will bring many years of fulfillment. It is important to stay focused on your long-term goal of becoming a parent. While the process may be challenging, once your child becomes part of your family you will be their mother or father forever. Difficulties you encountered will quickly be replaced by the joy of having a child in your life.

We are helping to bring more children into families than ever before. Our adoption work regularly shifts as we respond to the children who need families all over the world. We have worked with thousands of families all over the U.S. who have successfully brought a child into their lives through this extraordinary process. Rest assured, if adoption is the right decision for you, we will help you during every step of the journey ahead.

Top