Title: International Adoption: Challenges and Hope

Why Has International Adoption Declined?

International adoption has faced a sharp decline with the number of agencies dropping from over 300 to just 81. Stricter regulations, political change, and concerns about ethical practices have all contributed to the drastic fall in numbers.

As accredited agencies and hopeful international adoptive parents grow more sparse, the needs of those children without forever families remain the same. 

Why Is International Adoption Important?

Despite the decline, international adoption remains crucial. It...

• Creates nurturing environments for orphaned children.
• Provides stability for children in need.
• Builds forever families worldwide.

“We, who have so much, need to reach out to the orphans of this world and show them the care, hope, and love they deserve.” ― Kim De Blecourt, Until We All Come Home: A Harrowing Journey, a Mother's Courage, a Race to Freedom

How Can We Support Transracial and Transcultural Adoptions?

Adoptive families often face unique challenges in integrating different cultural identities.

In her TEDx talk, Susan Devan Harness discusses the challenges of transracial adoption, particularly the fear surrounding open adoption in a society that tends to see things in black and white. She advocates for a middle ground between closed and open adoption practices, emphasizing that "there is a whole world of possibility between yours and mine." Harness, an American Indian adoptee herself who holds an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology, highlights how embracing this nuanced approach can help adoptive families navigate issues of identity and belonging more effectively for the benefit of the adoptee.

Tips for Hopeful Adoptive Parents:

• Educational Resources: Seek educational material from your adoption agency, mental health professional, and transracial adoptees.
• Counseling Services: Seek professional help to navigate transracial dynamics.
• Community Connections: Join groups and forums for shared experiences.

What Does The Gladney Center for Adoption Offer?

Gladney Center for Adoption is dedicated to facilitating international adoptions that unite children with loving families across borders:

Hague Accreditation:
Gladney is accredited as a Hague-compliant adoption agency. This means that they are recognized for ethical practices and protecting children's best interests in international adoptions.

Support for Hopeful Adoptive Parents

• Adoption Education and Training: Workshops preparing for international adoption.
• Home Study Services: Comprehensive evaluations by licensed professionals.
• Post-Adoption Support: Counseling and groups for families after adoption.
• Legal and Documentation Assistance: Guidance on adoption paperwork and legal steps.

Advocacy for Waiting Children:

Gladney advocates for all children in need of loving homes. 

Through merging and growing with the assumption of Madison Adoption Associates, Gladney offers adoption opportunities from countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, alongside existing programs in Colombia, Taiwan, and China.

Despite challenges and declining numbers, international adoption remains crucial for providing nurturing environments and stable, forever families worldwide. Embracing openness in transracial and transcultural adoption is key to fostering identity and belonging for adoptees. Explore how to begin your journey and learn more about the international adoption process at Adoptions by Gladney.