International Adoption: 5 Red Flags
Each year thousands of couples look into an international adoption. However, in the last couple of years major examples of international adoption fraud and corruption are surfacing. How do you keep from being caught up in a scam of some kind? Here are five red flags to look for when considering an international adoption.
1. Working with an international adoption is unpredictable. Unfortunately in many cases adopting from a foreign country is less secure and more unpredictable than to adopt in the US utilizing an adoption agency or state foster care program. Some countries have excellent children's records and adoption monitoring. Most do not have good government controlled programs. The ability to adopt also often hinges on the Country's political climate and/or political relationship with the US.  A few years ago China got upset with the US about something and put all their adoptions by US citizens on hold, dragging out the process for years. It is not uncommon to begin your adoption process only to find the country from which you are adopting your child has cut off all adoptions to the US and you've not only lost your time and money spent, but are heart broken.
2. Are fraud and corruption real? In 2010, a Canadian adoption agency scandal was uncovered which affected hundreds of families. This scandal revealed that the agency, working with others in the country, were adopting children who were not orphans, but taking children who didn't want to be adopted from their homes and families.  Money can be a great influence in the adoption process, not only from parents selling babies, but from government officials, adoption personnel and others. It is important to know the country, its adoption rules and regulations and get your concerns answered by your international adoption agency before you begin any adoption process. A recent report showed that US couples trying to adopt foreign children has dropped by 50% because of the scandals.
3. State Department alerts. The US State Department posts an alert web site to help adopting parents understand what is going on in certain countries. They provide an alert system about specific countries to avoid or watch out for, and provide a list of Hague Accredited countries. Hague Accredited countries are required to follow strict guidelines and those who don't adhere are listed on the government's web page. Countries such as Guatemala, Vietnam, and others that have once been popular adoption havens are now on the "beware" list because of corruption. Ethiopia has received cautionary notices this past year. Those adopting from Ethiopia might encounter orphanage fraud or delays in processing.
4. Check out your international adoption agency. Only use Hague-accredited international adoption agencies whether profit or non-profit, say State Department officials. Hague accredited agencies follow strict guidelines, use only approved orphanages, and safeguard the children. If you use an International Christian adoption agency, make sure it is Hague accredited. International Christian adoption agencies generally have long and positive ties to the Country. They not only provide well trained and well cared for staffing of orphanages, but are there to help the people as a whole. Many of the adults are given training and jobs to help them better themselves and to be able to care for their own families. Agencies that have cut corners or been careless are listed on a complaint section.
5. Health information questions. Recent studies have found that some non-Hague accredited agencies falsify health and age records. While correct health record-keeping is a challenge in any international adoption, false records can make a positive experience into a nightmare. Many Ethiopian children and infants have a good chance of being HIV positive. Your Hague accredited agency will do testing to ensure the accuracy of certain health conditions. While more and more US citizens are willing to adopt HIV positive children, finding your child is HIV positive when you take them for their first checkup after the adoption is finalized can be shattering. Working with the correct agency can, while not completely ruling out health issues, minimize the surprises.
Hopefully you will take a second and third look to ensure your international adoption agency is Hague accredited and is working in the best interests of you, their client, and the international adoption children.
1. Working with an international adoption is unpredictable. Unfortunately in many cases adopting from a foreign country is less secure and more unpredictable than to adopt in the US utilizing an adoption agency or state foster care program. Some countries have excellent children's records and adoption monitoring. Most do not have good government controlled programs. The ability to adopt also often hinges on the Country's political climate and/or political relationship with the US.  A few years ago China got upset with the US about something and put all their adoptions by US citizens on hold, dragging out the process for years. It is not uncommon to begin your adoption process only to find the country from which you are adopting your child has cut off all adoptions to the US and you've not only lost your time and money spent, but are heart broken.
2. Are fraud and corruption real? In 2010, a Canadian adoption agency scandal was uncovered which affected hundreds of families. This scandal revealed that the agency, working with others in the country, were adopting children who were not orphans, but taking children who didn't want to be adopted from their homes and families.  Money can be a great influence in the adoption process, not only from parents selling babies, but from government officials, adoption personnel and others. It is important to know the country, its adoption rules and regulations and get your concerns answered by your international adoption agency before you begin any adoption process. A recent report showed that US couples trying to adopt foreign children has dropped by 50% because of the scandals.
3. State Department alerts. The US State Department posts an alert web site to help adopting parents understand what is going on in certain countries. They provide an alert system about specific countries to avoid or watch out for, and provide a list of Hague Accredited countries. Hague Accredited countries are required to follow strict guidelines and those who don't adhere are listed on the government's web page. Countries such as Guatemala, Vietnam, and others that have once been popular adoption havens are now on the "beware" list because of corruption. Ethiopia has received cautionary notices this past year. Those adopting from Ethiopia might encounter orphanage fraud or delays in processing.
4. Check out your international adoption agency. Only use Hague-accredited international adoption agencies whether profit or non-profit, say State Department officials. Hague accredited agencies follow strict guidelines, use only approved orphanages, and safeguard the children. If you use an International Christian adoption agency, make sure it is Hague accredited. International Christian adoption agencies generally have long and positive ties to the Country. They not only provide well trained and well cared for staffing of orphanages, but are there to help the people as a whole. Many of the adults are given training and jobs to help them better themselves and to be able to care for their own families. Agencies that have cut corners or been careless are listed on a complaint section.
5. Health information questions. Recent studies have found that some non-Hague accredited agencies falsify health and age records. While correct health record-keeping is a challenge in any international adoption, false records can make a positive experience into a nightmare. Many Ethiopian children and infants have a good chance of being HIV positive. Your Hague accredited agency will do testing to ensure the accuracy of certain health conditions. While more and more US citizens are willing to adopt HIV positive children, finding your child is HIV positive when you take them for their first checkup after the adoption is finalized can be shattering. Working with the correct agency can, while not completely ruling out health issues, minimize the surprises.
Hopefully you will take a second and third look to ensure your international adoption agency is Hague accredited and is working in the best interests of you, their client, and the international adoption children.
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