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International Adoption

Requirements by Country
By Kelly Burgess

Many people decide to adopt a child from another country for a variety of reasons. While the process is always time-consuming and there is a lot of paperwork involved, the results are worth the trouble.

Except in rare cases, anyone wishing to adopt is strongly advised to find a reliable adoption agency certified by both the country of origin and the United States. By doing this, you protect the rights of both the child and the adoptive parent. These agencies can help parents find out which countries are currently open to adoption and if the parents meet their regulations.

This information is constantly changing, but the chart below may help prospective parents make an initial decision. It is based on the most recent figures from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the U.S. State Department and input from several reputable international adoption agencies.

There are always communication issues between countries of origin and the United States. These are often caused by language barriers, differing medical systems and natural suspicions across international lines caused by political issues beyond our control. However, the vast majority of international adoptions are successful, and every child deserves the chance to be placed in a loving home. Hopefully, this chart will help you through the process of filling yours.

Adoption Guidelines by Country
Please note: This list only includes countries where international adoptions are currently accepted, relatively common and where there has been an upswing in adoption in the past year. Some countries where adoption was common last year, such as Cambodia and Romania, have since placed moratoriums on international adoption. Many other countries either do not permit international adoptions at all or only approve them in very rare cases. All international adoptions require home studies, INS filings and documentations, and appropriate immunizations. Your adoption agency will help you obtain these.

Country
(2001 adoption statistics)		 Parental Requirements Children Available Time and Travel Information
Bulgaria
(260)		 Married couples age 21 and older. Single women may adopt. Infants to age 15. Sibling groups OK. Once the paperwork is in Bulgaria, potential parents wait approximately three to six months before an initial approval. Then, two trips to Bulgaria are required. In the first, they will meet the child. Then, after a six-month waiting period, one parent must return to pick up the child.
China
(4,690)		 Married couples and single females ages 30 to 55. Single men 40 years older than the adoptive child. Minimum annual income of $30,000 for a childless couple or $10,000 per person in the household. Primarily females 6 months to 2 years old. Most of these children have been abandoned, so there is no available medical information; however, they are generally in good health. Waiting time from filing to referral is generally 12 to 18 months. Then, at least one parent must travel to China for seven to 10 working days to finalize the adoption, although it is recommended that both parents go. If only one parent makes the trip, he or she must bring a power of attorney for the other parent.
Columbia
(266)		 Columbia allows adoption by both married couples and individuals. Those ages 25 to 37 may adopt children under 12 months. Those ages 37 to 40 may adopt a child 12 to 18 months old. Those over age 40 may adopt children ages 3 years or older. Boys and girls from infants to 12 years. Sibling groups are also available. After the papers are in Colombia, adoptive parents usually wait 12 to 18 months for an infant, less time for older children. Both parents then travel to Colombia for three to six weeks until the adoption is finalized.
Ecuador
(50)		 Both married and unmarried individuals may adopt a child in Ecuador. Single parents must be over 30 and may adopt only a child of the same sex. Married couples must be over 25. Males and females ages 8 months to 15 years. Some sibling groups or two unrelated children may be adopted at the same time. The prospective adoptive parent(s) must appear in court in Ecuador to begin the adoption process. The entire process usually takes six months to a year.
Guatemala
(1,609)		 Married couples and individuals. Flexible age requirements. Infants to age 12. Sibling groups or groups of unrelated children OK. Referral process takes four to eight months, and the final adoption process takes five to eight. Parents are not required to travel to Guatemala, but if they chose to do so, the time frame is three to four days. If the parent(s) cannot travel, escort service can be arranged.
India
(543)		 Individuals and married couples may adopt. Those over 40 years of age may adopt a child that is 3 years or older. There are also special programs and exceptions for non-resident Indians. Infants to age 12, primarily females. Six to nine months for a referral, three to four months for completion. Both parents must travel to India to pick up the child.
Kazakhstan
(672)		 Can vary by region. In general, parents must be between 25 to 55 years old, married or single. Infants to age 12. All children are in orphanages, and developmental delay issues may need to be addressed. Rather quick. Referrals often come in a few weeks, with travel commencing within six weeks. Both parents must travel and plan to spend at least two weeks getting to know their child.
South Korea
(1,770)		 Couples only, married for a minimum of three years, ages 25 to 45. Parents must be in good physical health and no more than 30 percent overweight. Infants are proposed shortly after birth, and usually arrive as toddlers. Six months to receive a proposal, then three to four months before a child is referred. Parents may travel to pick up their child or request an escort.
Philippines
(219)		 Couples and individuals must be 27 years old and 16 years older than the child to be adopted. Couples must file jointly. Infants to age 12. The waiting period is long in the Philippines – one to three years. Then, the parent(s) may choose to travel to pick up their child or may assign an escort.
Russia
(4,279)		 Couples or individuals. There must be at least 16 years difference between the parent and adoptive child. Infants to age 15. This varies somewhat by region. In general, adoptive parents should plan to spend about two weeks in Russia. Laws in Russia change frequently, sometimes while adoptions are in progress.
Ukraine
(1,246)		 Couples or individuals at least 25 years old. One year to age 15. Adoption agencies are not allowed to operate or act as intermediaries in the Ukraine. Couples interested in adoption must personally contact the Adoption Agency in Kiev at:
27 Taras Shevchenko Boulevard
Kiev, Ukraine 252032
Phone Number – (380)(44)
246-54-31/32/37/49
Fax Number – (380)(44) 246-5452/62
Vietnam
(737)		 Married or single people up to age 55. Infants to age 15. More boys are available than girls. Often, parents give up children for economic reasons. Referral takes four to five months. Plan to travel to Vietnam after that time and to spend two to three weeks traveling.

For more information, visit the International Adoption page of the U.S. State Department.

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About the Author: Kelly Burgess is a Pennsylvania-based contributing writer for iParenting Media.

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