PollenTree

Adopting From Overseas

The demand for overseas adoption has been given a boost by newspaper and magazine coverage of adoptions by celebrities such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie, but the practice of overseas adoption has been going on for many years and such applications are increasing.

The greatest number of applications come from countries such as the USA, France, Italy, Canada and Spain. Many people find that adoptions in their home country is often delayed by bureaucracy or heavy caseloads of local authorities or adoption agencies.

You must make sure you follow the proper channels and this will usually involve using an adoption agency in both your home country and the country from which you wish to adopt.

Adoption agencies charge for their services and will be either voluntary organisations or local government organisations, or approaching a government organisation within the country.

You should not attempt private overseas adoptions or approach orphanages directly as this is likely to breach the laws of the country.

You can start by seeking the help your own government as they will usually compile information on overseas adoption.

In the UK information is provided by the Department of Education - www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/families/intercountryadoption

In the US information is provided by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs - adoption.state.gov

In Canada the information is provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada - www.cic.gc.ca