If you want to adopt a child today, you may want to explore the range of options that exist outside of the United States. There are many children around the world who are in need of stable homes and families. And as many adoptive parents will attest, raising a child born in another nation here in the U.S. can be a very unique and fulfilling experience.

Following The Trend

The U.S. Department of State’s latest data shows that more than 20,000 orphans born in other countries were given immigrant visas to come here in 2006. This statistic is reflective of a growing trend in America of international adoptions. This practice may be even more popular lately as a result of the celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Madonna who have welcomed children from other nations into their own families in a very open and public way.

Do Your Homework

While looking abroad can be a wonderful way to find a child to raise as your own, it is important to understand that there are some limitations, too, that go along with the concept of adopting internationally. First of all, not all countries even allow children to be adopted by parents who live in the United States, and even those who do allow it may have stringent guidelines. Further, the rules can vary greatly from place to place, making it necessary to do your homework. Experts in foreign adoption recommend that anyone considering this route be prepared to do some serious research and find the best cultural fit and situation for your specific family and needs.

Differences Between Domestic And International Adoptions

If you are considering adopting a child but are torn between whether to try to find one born in the United States or whether to look to one with roots continents away, there are some real similarities and differences to weigh.

Timeframe

First, the time the length of time the process will take can be in the same range in either case. Many adoptions today in the United States can take a year or two to complete (although there are some that can take longer). When adopting internationally, anywhere from six to eighteen months is often the norm. Of course the circumstances can vary in both scenarios and how the process plays out can be very different from country to country.

Age

The age of child that you will get can be very different with a domestic option than with one that happens abroad. For instance, in the U.S. through a private adoption you can usually get a newborn baby. But in looking abroad, the children are typically already born and living in an orphanage. Further, some countries have a set amount of time a child must remain without being adopted in their own nation before they are available for international adoption. Only then can the lengthy paperwork begin. As a result of these factors, in international adoptions the children are often at least several months to several years old. The age difference can be a significant factor because babies and young children who have spent time in an institution without a consistent and loving caregiver can face attachment issues that may need to be addressed, either immediately or down the road.