This article was first published by Resolve New England.
November is National Adoption Month. The month is marked by adoption-related articles and discussions. For members of the triad (adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families), it’s a time to remember our paths to family. For adoption professionals, it’s a moment to take stock of the past year and think about changes and trends.
In 2004, international adoptions in the U.S. reached an all time high with 22,990 visas issued to bring children home. Since 2004, each year has seen a steady drop. The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute and the Child Welfare League of America reports international adoption has fallen, reaching a low of 9,319 in 2011. Adoption professionals expect this number to decline further in coming years.
The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption and the subsequent Hague Treaty has impacted adoption. This international treaty is expected to result in better care of orphaned children and establish a higher standard of practice in adoptions. In the short term however, slower adoption processing is expected as countries struggle to comply.
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