International Adoption
Running head: INTERNATIONAL AND INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION
International and Intercountry Adoption
The University of Akron
International and Intercountry Adoption
The birth of a child represents a milestone in the life of families. For those who are not able to conceive a child by natural means, adoption often comes as an alternative and rewarding way to build a family and fulfill individuals’ desire to experience parenthood. Whether for biological or personal reasons, many have taken the path to adoption despite the fact that they are able to have their own biological child. Others have taken this remarkable road based on values or altruism. Whatever the reason, family dynamics change with the arrival of a child and counseling poses a viable option to bring a healthy balance to life both individually and collectively. Thus, the importance of counselors being educated on the issue and the reason for this paper where we will discuss some important historical background of international adoption, current trends, as well as pivotal issues presented in the literature as it pertains to international and intercountry adoption.
The predecessor to international adoption in the United States was the first recorded transracial domestic adoption of an African-American child by white parents in Minnesota over sixty years ago. In fact, United States’ citizens started adopting children from other countries in considerable numbers after World War II. At that time, many of the children adopted came from Europe and Japan. These children were war orphans. Further adoptions followed after the civil war in Greece (1946-1949), the Korean War (1950-1953), and the war in Vietnam (1954-1975). However, we observe that war and its consequences are not the only factors leading countries to allow their children to be adopted by foreigners. Desperate poverty and social turmoil have also been significant factors in the adoption of children, as it is the case of those adopted from Latin
International and Intercountry Adoption
The University of Akron
International and Intercountry Adoption
The birth of a child represents a milestone in the life of families. For those who are not able to conceive a child by natural means, adoption often comes as an alternative and rewarding way to build a family and fulfill individuals’ desire to experience parenthood. Whether for biological or personal reasons, many have taken the path to adoption despite the fact that they are able to have their own biological child. Others have taken this remarkable road based on values or altruism. Whatever the reason, family dynamics change with the arrival of a child and counseling poses a viable option to bring a healthy balance to life both individually and collectively. Thus, the importance of counselors being educated on the issue and the reason for this paper where we will discuss some important historical background of international adoption, current trends, as well as pivotal issues presented in the literature as it pertains to international and intercountry adoption.
The predecessor to international adoption in the United States was the first recorded transracial domestic adoption of an African-American child by white parents in Minnesota over sixty years ago. In fact, United States’ citizens started adopting children from other countries in considerable numbers after World War II. At that time, many of the children adopted came from Europe and Japan. These children were war orphans. Further adoptions followed after the civil war in Greece (1946-1949), the Korean War (1950-1953), and the war in Vietnam (1954-1975). However, we observe that war and its consequences are not the only factors leading countries to allow their children to be adopted by foreigners. Desperate poverty and social turmoil have also been significant factors in the adoption of children, as it is the case of those adopted from Latin
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