Adopting Internationally

Children in a number of countries are available for adoption. Many foreign-born children adopted in the U.S. are from Russia, China, Korea, India, Romania, Guatemala, Vietnam, Ukraine, Cambodia, and Kazakhstan. Eastern Europe, Central America and South America send a great number of children to be adopted in the United States. Many international adoptions are done through private adoption agencies, though some countries will allow families to work directly with attorneys. Children from foreign countries who are available for adoption are often living in orphanages, and occasionally foster care. Considerations for international adoptions are: in – country and immigration requirements, agency fees, transportation costs, legal costs and medical costs. International adoptions can be overwhelming, so working with a licensed, experienced agency is strongly recommended.