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The Cons of International Adoption

There are some cons of international adoption as well as pros to bringing a child home from another country. I'm all for international adoption personally, and we brought our beautiful daughter home from Guatemala in 2005. But I also believe that anyone wanting to pursue this amazing adventure should go into it with both eyes open.



If anyone tries to tell you there are no downsides to an international adoption, they are either fibbing or have never experienced it personally. Yes, it is worth it, but you should know both the good and bad before jumping into the international waters.

With that in mind, here are some of the cons of international adoption.

It's Expensive

One of the cons of international adoption is the high cost. Unless you have a rich relative or have recently won the lottery, be prepared to do some budgeting and perhaps some fundraising if you want to adopt a child from another country. The process can be expensive.

Take into consideration the international fee, which will be thousands of dollars, travel costs, paperwork expenses and agency fees, and you're talking a cost typically ranging from $24,000 to $35,000 to adopt a child from another country. That usually is about twice the cost of a domestic adoption. High cost is definitely one of the biggest cons of international adoption.

You'll Likely Have a Child of a Different Race

It's not bad; just different. And from time to time, it can make life complicated. For one thing, everyone will know your child is adopted, and occasionally we have to endure total strangers walking up to us and saying, "That child isn't yours, is she?" cons of international adoption Trust me; you'll love her just as much as you would a child who has your same hair and skin color, but you will have to endure the occasional rude stare, one of the more annoying cons of international adoption.

Lots and Lots of Paperwork

It's one of the painful downsides of international adoption, especially if you are already struggling with feelings of inadequacy because you were unable to conceive a child naturally. Unfortunately, however, a lot of forms are necessary.

No sane country - or more specifically, no sane bureaucrat in said country - is going to hand over a child to you without making sure you're not going to abuse that child, force him into slavery or harvest him for his organs. It may sound ludicrous to you, but it's a very real fear among some people in foreign lands, and you will have to prove that not only do you want to parent this child, but you'll also be a good one.

So be ready to prepare a hefty amount of paperwork that must all be signed in front of a notary public.

Some Risks Involved

By admitting you want a child badly enough to be willing to pay for him, and handsomely, you are making yourself vulnerable to predators, one of the more unpleasant cons of international adoption. Not all people in the adoption industry are dishonest, but there are enough unscrupulous people out there to make your international adoption journey a potentially perilous one.

It is absolutely essential to do your homework. Research any adoption agency thoroughly before you hand over a penny. If you want to pursue an independent international adoption, take the time to learn all you can. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to international adoption.

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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