Domestic Adoptions vs International Adoptions - Coursework Example

DOMESTIC ADOPTIONS VS INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS Introduction A domestic adoption includes a child who is a citizen of the same nation as the adopting couples, for instance couples hailing from the UK adopting a child born in the UK or adopting a UK citizen born overseas. Conversely, an international adoption involves a situation where the adopting parents and the birth parents living in different nations (Bartholet, 2005). For example, the child’s biological parents may be from the US while the adopting couples hail from the UK. When a couple or a parent starts to explore the idea of adopting a kid, it is easy to speedily become overwhelmed with information, questions and decisions derived. The parents considering adoption often encounter the challenge of deciding whether to consider adopting a child locally or from abroad. International adoptions have been put in the international media limelight recently, as notable Hollywood icons such as Angelina Jolie and Madonna decided to adopt children from abroad rather than domestically. However, this does not imply that domestic adoptions is on the edge; instead it keeps on increasing yearly as most people who are in need of children that they were not privileged to have decided to adopt a child domestically. When a couple decides on adopting a child, either domestically or globally they consider numerous factors. These factors may hinder or facilitate the process of adoption. Some of these factors favor domestic adoptions while others favor overseas venturing. The factors that most couples consider when adopting involve the child cost in the local market as compared to the international one, time the couples have to wait, the figure of children available for adoption, the, the collective and medical account of the baby to be adopted and also the legal provisions existing concerning adoptions (Beauvais-Godwin and Godwin, 2005) . Theory All domestic adoptions vary from intrastate to interstate. In an intrastate situation, the birth parent and adopting family stay in the same state while, in an intrastate adoption, the adopting couples are from a different state as the birth parent (Bartholet, 2005). The intrastate and interstate variations are critical because the laws influencing them vary. Many adopting couples, are fed horrifying stories about disrupted adoptions, in such situations, and about domestic adoption generally, thus forcing them to consider international adoption options. Majority of these shocking stories were the odd exceptions, or are distortions, or result from a private, contrary to an outfit, adoption. Families have to consider both local adoption resources and domestic charity as an option of their procedure in deciding to adopt abroad. An overseas adoption can permit a person to experience all the pleasures and emotions of being a parent, however, as with domestic adoptions; the procedure is burdened with probable tribulations and concerns. An international adoption is required to meet the provisions of foreign policies of the other country, as well as, The Hague Conventions (Briggs and Marre, 2009). Adopting couples should be aware of the set requirements, but all the details involved should be handled by the agency which the couples have registered. Inter-country adoption in the past was unmanaged and unregulated and only until recently it has been stabilizing. This allowed for escalating abuse and misuse of the adoption procedures within the system. It allowed for baby trafficking and selling of babies, and the babies were housed in less than acceptable orphanages, and without strong regulations documents were falsified, and numerous children kidnapped. This was curbed by the establishment of the Hague conventions. Research The comparison between domestic and international adoption research was in this case assessed by looking into the various adoption procedures conducted by both the local and international bodies. This section gives a comparison of the two methodologies of adoption, whether domestically or internationally. Various dimensions applied in the two cases are presented in the subsequent text. International adoption is just one of the numerous ways to put up a family (Dickerson and Allen, 2006). In nearly all cases, international adoptions are concluded in the country of derivation, so once an individual comes home with the child, officially the child becomes theirs. It is imperative for couples looking to adopt children to identify a country that works best for their preference as a first step in moving forward. Factors put up under consideration include gender, age, medical requirements and race when adopting internationally. When not certain about what would work best with an individual’s relations, a competent adoption expert should be able to help out in recognizing the most significant requirements, which will eventually assist in deciding what country plan works best for an individual. Potential parents frequently prefer domestic over international adoption for the following reasons: Desire for a baby from their society and ethnicity Desire newborns Have admittance to the health records and prenatal medical care which is more gladly available compared to the poorer nations Have the alternative for either open or partly-open adoption Domestic and international adoption methodologies present their advantages as well as disadvantages in their utilization. An individual should carefully weigh the pros and cons, prior to deciding on whether domestic or international adoption suits best their relations. In a confidential domestic adoption, an individual will not require to meet factors such as age or any other requirements. Hopeful parents are more expected to choose conventional married pairs over solos, gay duos or adopters beneath the age of 25 or above the age 45 in their adoption plans. If an individual is solo or grown-up and supple regarding which countries he or she will consider, it could be simpler internationally adopting. In an international adoption an adopting family and the birth parent, reside in different countries. An international adoption can permit an individual to experience the pleasure and emotion of being a parent although, as with domestic adoptions, the adoption procedure is burdened with impending problems and apprehensions (Dickerson and Allen, 2006). An individual has to be aware of the existence of the adoption requirements and all the elements involved should eventually be handled by the agency with which an individual has registered. International adoption can be extremely costly, but the fee to be faced is known up front. Domestic adoption can cost incredibly little, especially if the individual adopts from the structure of foster homes. The cost of a confidential adoption is dependent on agency fees, legal representative fees, and the child’s race, and whether or not an individual has to take of an expectant mothers care. International adoptions repeatedly require adopting parents to go to the country that they are adopting from for more stay that ranges from 1-3 weeks. This may be exceptionally tricky for some couples to cope with job and other kids at home. With various international adoptions, more than a single trip is mandatory. When adopting domestically, there is little travel involved, except when adopting from a region other than an individual’s own. Relations will never obtain a newborn through an international adoption. This is does not depend on the duration it takes to finalize paperwork and receive a transfer, but the reality that some countries cling to children with the hope of an adoption likely to occur within their own country. Once the child attains a certain age, the child is entitled for international adoption. With domestic adoptions, whether private or public, a person has a better prospect of being placed with a child (Pati, 2009). Conclusion Child adoption gives individuals an opportunity to enjoy the joys of, parenting. It also affords an opportunity for children who are not in stable homes or are in situations that are not conducive for their growth, to grow up in a normal family setting. The adoption can be carried out domestically, or the process can break the geographical boundaries and involve different nations. The situations can either be economic or social. Adoption provides an excellent avenue for these groups to satisfy their needs in the area of family. However, the issue of adoption has been a course of controversy in that the motives of the benefactors are questioned. There are also political barriers in that the potential families are barred from being together due to political relationships. In order for adoptions to be successful, it is imperative that the parties involved have clear motives. Parents seeking to adopt should carry out an extensive research to determine the best avenue to use. The prospective parents should be able to determine the best adoption type in their situation since, international adoption is unique from domestic adoption. The individuals seeking to adopt should look at the challenges and benefits of both types of adoptions before making a decision. Parents who look into adopting a new born child to their family should opt to adopt domestically. In cases where the parent seeks to add cultural diversity to their family should look into the options present in international adoption. The potential parents should look at an adoption plan, which satisfies their adoption needs. The parents should also be comfortable in the process and should not feel as if they are forced into the issue. These factors are crucial in ensuring that the potential family will be a happy one. References Bartholet E. (2005). International Adoption, chapter in "Children and Youth in Adoption, Orphanages, And Foster Care." Greenwood Publishing Group Inc. < http://www.law.harvard.edu/faculty/bartholet/pdfs/IAChapter5FINAL.pdf> Beauvais-Godwin, L., & Godwin, R. (2005). The complete adoption book: Everything you need to know to adopt a child. Avon, MA: Adams Media. Briggs, L., & Marre, D. (2009). International adoption: Global inequalities and the circulation of children. New York: New York University Press. Dickerson, J. & Allen, M. (2006). The basics of adoption: A guide for building families in the finding your child. New York: Broadway Books. Pati, J. (2007). Adoption: Global perspective and ethical issues. New Delhi: Concept Pub. Co. Read More