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Americans have increasingly turned to foreign adoptions. This is because during the past approximately quarter century there have been fewer American infants available for adoption. The causes for the shrinking pool of American infants to adopt are the ease of contraception, the social acceptance of being a single mother and the financial aid available to impoverished, single, birth mothers.
2006 International Adoption Statistics
The United States Department of State recently published its 2006 International Adoption Report. In 2006, U.S. citizens adopted 20,679 foreign children. The top 20 countries of origin are: China (mainland), Guatemala, Russia, South Korea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Liberia, Columbia, India, Haiti, Philippines, China (Taiwan), Vietnam, Mexico, Poland, Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria, and Thailand.
Report on Selected Countries
China (mainland). Effective May 1, 2007 the Chinese government announced that prospective adoptive parents will be screened more carefully. More about the new criteria can be learned by visiting http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3110.html.
Cambodia continues to be closed for adoption by U.S. citizens. The Department of State continues to work with Cambodian officials to work toward Hague compliance.
Guatemala is also in the process of becoming compliant with the requirements of the Hague Convention.
Russia. As of January 19, 2007, 56 U.S. adoption agencies have registered with the Ministry of Justice as Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).
Ukraine. The Ukrainian government is again accepting new adoption dossiers from United States families as of December 19, 2006. |
