Creating a ‘Global’ Family

International adoption is a rewarding and enriching experience

It’s a small world at the playground

These little ones adopted from China, the Ukraine, Vietnam and Russia have brought delight to the lives of local families: (top row, back) Bianca and Christopher of Kempton; (top row, front) Adriana, Slatington, and Maggie, Allentown; (middle row) Katie and Cathryn, Allentown; (on ground) Adam, Easton.

Their journey took 28 months and spanned four countries. But it was worth every minute for Kittie and Ed Boyett of Slatington. “The instant I held my adopted daughter, Adriana, for the first time, I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing with my life,” Kittie Boyett says. The Boyetts are among an estimated 15,000 parents from the United States who adopt children from overseas each year. They adopted Adriana at age 24 months from China, where a one-child-per-family policy means thousands of children—most often girls—are abandoned by their birth parents.

What does it take to adopt a child internationally? “You need the financial wherewithal, but your most important need is plenty of support,” says Elizabeth Goff, M.D., pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network and adoptive mother of two children from China. “If your family and close friends have a positive view on adoption and you and your partner agree it’s the right step, then you’re ready.”

If you’re considering becoming an adoptive parent, here’s what to know:

Where do I start? “A licensed agency will guide you through the process and provide a liaison in the country you’re adopting from,” Goff says. Many agencies host free education sessions to introduce you to their program.

What countries are open to adoption? While Chinese adoptions are the most popular, children in Korea, Russia, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Romania, Ecuador and the Ukraine also are available for adoption.

Is adoption different in each country? Yes. For example, Chinese adoptions require one flight to the country, while Russia often requires two separate weeklong trips (officials process paperwork in between). Korea is the only country that delivers adopted children to the United States. Some countries are more receptive than others to single-parent adoption.

How old are the adopted children? A majority of children are adopted at 6-18 months.

How expensive is it? Costs range between $16,000 and $25,000.

How long does the process take? From the time of your first agency application to the trip to pick up your child, it typically takes 12-24 months.

How much paperwork is involved? “This is the most time-consuming part of the process,” Boyett says. It can include a home study (agency personnel visit your home to ensure it’s fit for children), criminal background check, autobiography, financial statements and photographs. Each document must be notarized and sealed by several layers of government. All paperwork must be sent away for translation into the home country’s language.

Will I receive my child’s health records? Most countries provide the child’s very basic medical information—a physical and developmental exam and some immunizations. Still, all adopted children need special attention to help them feel attached to their new parents. “Each child responds differently to the change,” Goff says. For example, her own first child cried for eight hours, then became attached; the second refused to make eye contact until Goff began regularly carrying her wrapped to her body.

How do I cultivate my adopted child’s native culture? “When you adopt, you open yourself to a new world with other adoptive parents,” Boyett says. Often, families who adopt internationally travel together and create lifelong bonds. Groups like Families With Children From China give youngsters a place to explore their culture with others just like them.

Want to Know More? Find a list of local agencies handling international adoptions, listing of additional reading materials, or call 610-402-CARE. Click here to read stories from adoptive parents.

Want to Know More? Find a list of local agencies handling international adoptions, listing of additional reading materials, or call 610-402-CARE.

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