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International Adoption Risks

International adoption risks are a topic most adoption agencies don't like to discuss. But while most international adoptions will go through without a hitch, and the joy of holding your precious child for the first time is definitely worth the struggle, you still should be aware that there are risks involved with choosing international adoption.



It's always wise to go into any venture with your eyes wide open, especially when investing your hopes, dreams and thousands of dollars into an adoption agency. So what are some of the risks you may face when pursuing an international adoption? Here are a few:

Stolen Children

Although rare, one of the international adoption risks you might face is the child you adopt might not be freely given up, but instead taken through coercion.

The CBS show 48 Hours recently aired an episode entitled The Lost Children that covered the scandal involving Focus on Children, an international adoption agency that facilitated adoptions in Samoa. As it turned out, the children were not freely given up for adoption, but instead taken by dishonest means.

One of the employees callously referred to himself as a cattle driver whose job was to round up children for adoption. Sickening? You bet. Surprising? Sadly, no.

The fact is most Americans have more money in their bank accounts than most people in developing countries hope to earn in a year. Countless couples each year yearn to have children of their own and are willing to pay the thousands of dollars necessary to adopt a child. With all that money involved, is it any surprise that corrupt middlemen are willing to use unsavory techniques to get children away from their parents?

Reduce the international adoption risks of adopting a stolen child by finding a reputable adoption agency. Then research that agency thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

Unethical Agencies

In the same vein, another one of the international adoption risks you may face is placing your money and trust in an agency that will never give you anything in return. Unethical agencies will post pictures of "orphans" on their websites hoping to lure in unsuspecting parents. They take your initial fee, and then you never hear from them again. Again, do your homework and research the agency thoroughly before giving them a cent.

Hidden Fees

You sign with an agency, do your paperwork, get a referral and then travel to another country to pick up your child. While overseas, someone informs you that you must pay a certain official an additional fee of $1,000 before you can leave with your child.

A reputable agency will disclose all fees before you leave the country. Unfortunately, some scam artists won't even be associated with your agency. One of the more common international adoption risks are conmen who linger about hotels where adoptive parents stay and hit them up for extra costs. Combat this by discussing everything with your agency before giving out any money.

Reactive Attachment Disorder

One of the international adoption risks you might face is a child who has been traumatized by her treatment at the place she lived before she was placed in your arms. A reputable agency will try to ensure the children they place have the best care available, but this isn't always possible.

Your child may not bond with you right away. Be patient. Depending on the child, it may even take years before your child attaches to you, but it will happen.

Birth Mom Changes Her Mind

You get a referral and a picture. You start to fall in love with that child, and then the birth mother changes her mind and decides to keep the baby. It is both one of the domestic adoption risks you face, and it is also one of the international adoption risks that are out there. But if you are with a reputable agency, they will find you another child.

More Helpful Information

Think you can't afford the high costs of adoption? We brought all three of our children home without going into debt, and so can you! Learn more.

Private international adoption is possible, but be aware that there are a lot of steps - and - paperwork involved. Learn more here.

Are you single and want to adopt? Many countries will still allow you to adopt even if you aren't married. Learn more.

Curious about how many parents adopted from what countries last year? These international adoption statistics will provide you with the overall picture.

You're thinking about building your family through adoption. After reading about the big adoption picture, are you still undecided whether to adopt abroad? Here are points to think about when considering Domestic versus International Adoption.

So what are the positive aspects of bringing a child home from overseas? Read here about the pros of international adoption.

But be aware that there are negative aspects of adopting internationally as well. Here are some of the cons of international adoption.

Have you ever wondered why your international adoption fee is so high? Here are some of the expenses that are part of your international adoption fee.

If you are thinking about pursuing international adoption, you want to be sure and choose the right agency. Here are some tips on choosing an international adoption agency.

Adopting a child from another country isn't always smooth sailing. There are risks involved in international adoption. Learn more here.

Have you ever wondered how international adoption began? You can read the big adoption picture on the history of international adoption here.

Nowadays, most international adoption agencies post pictures of children on the web, knowing a picture is a powerful way to connect children with families. But you should always proceed with caution before looking at any photolisting. Learn more about it here.

If you are single and wanting to adopt, more countries will now allow you adopt a child, including a toddler, sibling group, older child or disabled child. Learn more here.

Pursuing an international adoption without the help of an adoption agency is not only possible, but a great way to save thousands of dollars and keep you in control of your international adoption. Learn more.

Why can't these children be adopted in their own countries? The answer usually has to do with culture and pressures from society. Read more.

The Hague Treaty has been in effect for a few years now, so how has it impacted international adoption? Read more

International adoption can be one of the greatest things that can happen to you, but if you fall into the hands of an unscrupulous agency, you adoption dreams could become a nightmare. Learn how to protect yourself by clicking here.

Many parents pursuing international adoption are asked why they don't pursue a domestic adoption instead. There are many reasons why a domestic adoption is not always possible. Read more.

The hardest part of international adoption is the long wait to bring your child home. Learn one adoptive mom's tips for enduring the wait by clicking here.



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