International and Domestic Adoption: Going Forward

Posted by provplace on January 9th, 2014

Adoptions over the last few years have been more domestic than international, with a strong effort from American organizations to encourage local adoption. However, the decline of international adoption has some concerned, and many are trying to bring back the system.

The Push for International Adoptions

In the last few years, international adoption has seen a steady decrease in the US. Some countries, such as Russia, banned adoptions to American families. Other countries have a ban on adoptions imposed by the United States government for concerns over the systems in place.

Recently, a bipartisan bill has been drafted that would increase the number of intercountry adoptions. Proponents argue that there are countless children across the world that do not have good homes and are not well without families that love them. Unlike the United States, where foster children are given what they need to live, children in other countries have a higher risk of getting sick, being sold off to traffickers, or other heartbreaking outcomes.

Why Not Me?

Between September of 2012 and August of 2013, adoptions in Texas were up 6.5 percent, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services reported. This is the largest number of adoptions in Texas history. In an effort to encourage more adoptions, the DFPS created the “Why Not Me?” campaign, which worked with organizations to help host events for adoptions in the month of November, known as National Adoption Month.

In another effort to push adoption in Texas, Attorney General Greg Abbott announced $46,000 in grants to pro-life and adoption organizations across the state, the money coming from “Choose Life” license plates. In Alabama, a tax credit is being pushed in legislation by the Governor for families who adopt within the state and with state agencies. It is an incentive for families to adopt locally.

Some Misconceptions

While adopting any child from anywhere is a beautiful act of love and selflessness, it is best to remember the many misconceptions that some have about domestic adoption versus international adoption. One of the major factors that sway prospective parents overseas is cost, though it has been shown that adoption costs are basically the same. Another is the wait period for adopting a child, but that too has been shown not to be too different, although situations certainly must be taken into account.

It is important to remember that the children in other countries have very little, with few ever knowing the love of a family. Not only that, the futures of foster children in many countries simply is not as bright. Adoption is a wonderful decision and bringing a child into a loving home adds another brighter future to the world.

Providence Place of San Antonio, Texas is a nonprofit organization offering adoption services, vocational training for adults with disabilities and working with other nonprofit organizations in the San Antonio area. To learn more about the work they do or to schedule a tour of their 25-acre campus, visit their website or contact them today.