What is International Adoption?
International adoption is the process of adopting a child from another country and bringing them into your family to provide a loving, permanent home. It offers families the chance to grow while giving children from around the world the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment. Children all over the world are waiting to be matched with their forever families, and international adoption is one pathway to make that dream a reality.
Where Does Gladney Offer International Services?
The Gladney Center for Adoption provides services in several countries, including:
There is also an active effort to expand these services to additional countries to ensure more children have access to forever families.
Who Can Adopt Internationally?
Eligibility for international adoption depends on the specific qualifications of each country. To protect waiting children and ensure the best possible matches, eligibility criteria may include:
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Age
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Family dynamic
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Health
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Financial stability
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Home study approval
While these requirements vary, many countries are willing to make exceptions to their standard qualifications if a family is determined to be the best match for a child. The best way to find out if you’re eligible to adopt internationally or from a specific country is to connect with Gladney’s international adoption team by completing our Prospective Adoptive Parent Form.
Why Are Children Placed for Adoption Overseas?
There are many reasons why children are placed for international adoption. These reasons often overlap with those for domestic adoption, such as:
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Poverty
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Health concerns
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Financial instability
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Lack of family or community support
In some countries, systems similar to U.S. foster care provide temporary care for waiting children. However, in others, institutional care such as orphanages is the primary resource for housing children in need of adoption. Regardless of the system, these children’s lives are marked by the need for a loving, permanent family.
How Long Does the Adoption Process Take?
There is no straightforward answer to how long the international adoption process will take. The timeline depends on factors such as:
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The country’s specific adoption process
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The child’s legal situation
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The prospective adoptive family’s readiness
Some families may wait several years to be matched with a child, while others find a match in a matter of months. Sadly, some children grow up in institutional care or foster care systems until they age out. Gladney’s international adoption team works diligently to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible for both children and families.
International adoption is a life-changing journey for both children and families. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of international adoption in 2025, Gladney’s team is here to guide you every step of the way.
