International Adoption: Pros and Cons

International adoption offers many advantages to future adoptive parents, however, there are a few things you should consider before deciding to adopt a child internationally:

One of the main reasons many people would rather choose international adoption over domestic is the fact that the adoption is final and closed; once an international adoption is finalized, you can have peace of mind.

In most cases, International Adoptions are fast! Adopting a child domestically in some areas might take 2 years or more. Most of our programs currently allow adopting a child within 8 to 16 months. Of course, the timing will depend on the country you choose, the child's age, gender, etc.

The cost of the international adoption can be considered both pro and con. Due to the reason that you will know upfront the approximate amount of money you will need to spend makes international adoption appealing. And though international adoption can be rather costly, the amount of total expenses is more predictable than that of a domestic adoption.

You will get to travel to another country, and learn about another culture! Some of you might consider this as a disadvantage, but if you are going to give your child a sense of his cultural identity, what better way than experiencing it by yourself!

There are thousands of orphans overseas in need of loving and caring families. If not adopted by the age of 16, these orphans are put on the street with no money, no job, and no place to live. They have no family to guide them, and are devoid of financial and emotional support that is essential to the wellbeing of every child. You can make a difference in this world by giving a loving home to one of these children.

Unfortunately, in some cases, complete family background and medical history are not available with your referral. However, children are examined regularly in the orphanages, so before you actually appear at the court hearing you will have a current medical report of the child's health condition.

Children living in orphanages often experience developmental delays. Through the years we have learned that it is quite normal for a child to need a few months to catch up with other children their own age. And learning English in those initial months, even though it comes quickly, does call for a great deal of patience.

And finally, a lot of paperwork is necessary for an international adoption, but you will have an adoption couselor to assist you. The paperwork isn't necessarily difficult, but rather, tedious and exacting. But that is exactly why knowledgeable Faithful Adoption Counselors are standing by . . . to assist you every step of the way!