The Global Decline of Intercountry Adoption: What Lies Ahead?

Abstract

This article examines the latest trends in intercountry adoption worldwide, based on data from twenty-three receiving countries. Trends in the number of children sent by states of origin are based on their returns to the Hague Special Commission or on estimates derived from country data provided by the receiving states. The analysis concentrates on the period from 2004 to 2010 when estimated annual global numbers declined from 45,000 to 29,000, fewer than those recorded in 1998. The article will also look at changes in the age -and other characteristics -of children sent. Discussion centres on changes in sending countries, exploring the declines in China, Russia and Guatemala, the rise in adoptions from Haiti after the earthquake of 2010 and the emergence of Africa -and in particular Ethiopia -as a significant source of children for adoption. The article concludes with a consideration of the implications of a continuing high demand from childless couples in developed countries on the intercountry adoption 'market'; and the prediction of David Smolin that, unless truly reformed, intercountry adoption will eventually be abolished and labeled as a 'neo-colonial mistake' .

A Systematic Review of Courses, Training, and Interventions for Adoptive Parents

“…We acknowledge that conducting studies on adoptive families is a challenging task, even more so after the dramatic global decline in international adoptions in the past decade (Selman, 2012). Therefore, it becomes all the more important to plan and conduct smaller, high-quality studies to build a knowledge base, which over time may contribute to the accumulation of knowledge and to meta-analyses.…”

“…Adoptive parents may also have to deal with issues that are unique to their situation such as long waiting periods (Baden, Gibbons, Wilson, & McGinnis, 2013), pressure to be outstanding parents (Daniluk & Hurtig-Mitchell, 2003), and a lack of role models as friends and relatives are usually parents to children of their own biological background (i.e., role model handicap; Juffer et al, 2011). At the same time, the number of children adopted internationally has decreased dramatically in Western countries in recent years (Selman, 2012), the children being adopted are now usually older at the time of adoption than previously and, more often, have special needs such as medical or developmental challenges (Miller, Pérouse de Montclos, & Sorge, 2016). Thus, adopting a child may represent unforeseen challenges to parenthood and, therefore, require supportive services both before and after the child has arrived in the family.…”

Special needs adoption in France and USA 2016: How can we best prepare and support families?

“…During this time period, the two countries which received the largest number of children are the U.S. (342,737 arrivals) and France (76,448 arrivals) [1]. In addition to being the "top two" receiving countries, France and the U.S. share some additional similarities.…”

Examining the primary school experiences of intercountry adoptees : perspectives of adoptive parents and children

“…A general trend in international adoption is towards the reduction of infants and an increase in older children and children with special needs being available for adoption (AIHW, 2015;Selman, 2006Selman, , 2010Selman, , 2012; see also Appendix B). Gindis (2005, p. 4) explains "this creates a challenge for both the adoptive parents and the school system".…”

“…Globally, the number of ICAs has declined (Selman, 2012). Historical and government perspectives, research abroad on adoption-related trauma, grief and loss, and changing societal attitudes have all influenced this decline in Australia.…”