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Deborah:
We adopted internationally when we lived in Okinawa, Japan many years ago. Our first baby was born in Korea, the next in Japan. The info I can give you is, therefore, 'dated' to say the least. However, since then, I can tell you that I have known others (more recently) that have adopted overseas.....and, I'd tell you that we had seriously considered international adoption in Africa or China....before realizing it would take much more money than we could afford.
Each agency is different. I am almost certain you cannot conduct an adoption overseas, without an agency. I believe you MUST have an agency approval stateside before you could conduct an adoption. By this, I mean having the fingerprints, the INS approval, visas, etc. There is a lot of info and paperwork to do concerning an international adoption. It can be done quite successfully.......but it takes longer to do the 'homework and paperwork'. After this, though, often the waiting time is relatively short compared to the waiting for domestic adoptions. It will also depend on whether you are wanting an infant adoption, or older child adoption.
If you choose to adopt older children....please do considerable homework before venturing into this. Older child adoption carries many more challenges...and adopting overseas adds to this.
That said, many agencies have 'conditions' before you can adopt. Age, is a big one. Whether single or married, another. Some agencies (though I've not read of a lot) even consider your financial status greatly, before placing a child. You will need to have a homestudy conducted before doing anything.....and this has to be a homestudy for international adoption. A 'domestic homestudy' will not suffice. I'd call a local adoption agency, ask them what countries they adopt with, how many each year, how long they have been conducting overseas adoptions, etc. Call a local adoption support group (if you have one near).....especially if you live in a populated area, look in your newpaper or call an agency to ask about one.
If you aren't sure, call your local 'state child/family services' type agency. They can give you suggestions for agencies that may handle international adoptions.
Go to your local library and find books about this. Many times a good book will list specific agencies to work with, etc.
Very often, adopting overseas is much more expensive. BUT....if you were able to spend a larger amount on a domestic adoption, this may not be a problem, either.
If I can help you further.....please feel free to private message me. Like I said, it's been years ago....but we have friends who have adopted overseas from stateside within the last couple-few years. My 'babies' are now almost 21 and 22yrs old.
Sincerely,
Linny
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