Types of Children Available to Adopt Internationally

The types of children who are up for adoption vary widely by country and program.

Children in other countries that have been placed with waiting families can range from infants to teenagers. Much depends on the country from which you adopt and how swiftly its programs are moving. You may receive a referral for a child but be unable to travel for months. It can be difficult knowing your child is waiting for you and getting older as you wait for the paperwork to be completed, so be prepared to have patience with the process.

Waiting children are children whose adoptions the agency has chosen to subsidize. Most of these children have special medical needs—ranging from minor to severe—or are older. The adoption of a waiting child is often more affordable and sometimes moves more quickly than a traditional adoption because the potential parent doesn’t need to wait for a referral. Part of the homestudy and application process is to help you determine what sorts of special needs you feel prepared to handle.

When you first begin to explore international adoption and look at websites and brochures, you may fall in love with the picture of a waiting child. But don’t let emotion cloud your decisions; be honest with yourself about the issues you feel prepared to take on. If you’re considering adopting a waiting child, first speak with parents who have gone that route and seek help from doctors who are familiar with that child’s specific health issues. Educate yourself so that you can make the best, most informed decision. (Most adoption experts say that any child who has spent time in an orphanage has special needs; many children will qualify for extra services through your county’s or state’s early intervention program.)

Most children available for adoption internationally are staying in orphanages, but some may have spent time in foster care. It’s hard to gauge what your experience will be like with a child based on his or her past experiences. The quality of foster care varies widely by country and individual foster program. Orphanages also vary widely in quality: some provide adequate care, whereas others lack sufficient caregivers, toys, and food, or otherwise fail to meet the needs of the children in their care.