Gladney Blog

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.

As we close out 2024, the Gladney Center for Adoption reflects on a year filled with unforgettable events, meaningful milestones, and unwavering support from our community. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights that made this year so special:

Adoption affects everyone in some way, yet it’s often a topic that goes unaddressed in educational settings. That’s why we created AdoptED, an innovative Gladney program that brings adoption education into schools, empowering students to develop empathy and understanding about adoption. AdoptED has made exciting strides recently, expanding resources to reach a wider audience and gaining support from inspiring advocates like Miss Oklahoma. Here’s a look at our latest efforts to broaden adoption awareness.

Time. It moves slowly but passes quickly. It is a thief. It heals all wounds. It has a way of really showing us what matters. It waits for no one. I could go on and on with quotes about time. The point is that it passes whether we like it or not. For Maleah, a hopeful teen in Thailand, it is passing far too quickly. Maleah turned 15 in October, giving her less than a year to find a family. Time is running out to adopt Maleah and give her the loving family she deserves.

In early November 2024, Misty Lucas and Adriana Chaves traveled to Ecuador as part of Gladney’s ongoing efforts to advocate for children and strengthen our international adoption program. Their time in Ecuador was filled with impactful meetings, collaborative planning, and cultural exchange. These trips are essential in supporting our mission to find loving families for children in need.

Adopting a child is a life-changing experience, and for Andrew and Hannah, their journey to adopt Matthew from Colombia was filled with hope, patience, and perseverance. After raising four biological children, they felt the calling to expand their family through adoption. They chose international adoption, and Colombia stood out as the right fit for them.

The latest episode of YOU GO MISS O, hosted by Miss Oklahoma 2024, Lauren Frost, dives deep into adoption advocacy and education with a very special guest: Mark Melson, the CEO of The Gladney Center for Adoption. This conversation is part of a mini-series highlighting adoption stories from various perspectives throughout Lauren’s year of service as Miss Oklahoma.

On September 5, 2024, China officially ended its international adoption program, allowing only adoptions by blood relatives. The decision, announced by China’s Foreign Ministry was made with social, demographic, and diplomatic considerations.

Bulgaria offers adoption opportunities through the Gladney Center for Adoption. Gladney collaborates with accredited organizations in Bulgaria to facilitate adoptions for children aged 18 months to 14 years. These children may have special medical needs, be older, or are part of a sibling group. These adoptions take place via the Traditional Program or the Waiting Child Program. 

Adopting a child is a huge decision full of joyous and challenging moments. It also demands a lot of preparation. For those who choose to welcome a child with special needs into their family, preparation will make a significant difference in the transition.