Domestic and International Adoption Differences

The main differences between domestic and international adoption are typically the child’s age, health status, amount of available health and social information. And, of course, travel time.

Newborns are only available in infant domestic adoptions. Generally, older children and children with identified special needs are available for adoption internationally and through the U.S. foster care system.

Internationally, there is usually limited social and genetic history about the child’s birth parents. Domestically, prospective adoptive parents will receive all available social and genetic history about the birth family.

Children from the U.S. foster care system and children adopted internationally have many similar medical, developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Domestic adoptions may require a 2-3 week stay in the state in which the child was born. Internationally, prospective adoptive parents may need to make several trips of varying duration; it is dependent on the country chosen.

Length of the Process

Typically, the home study process takes 6-12 weeks. Then the wait time is variable depending on the country you are adopting from. Most people’s adoption process takes 12-36 months.

Where is the Greatest Need

All children need a loving, permanent home to grow up in. Children living in overseas orphanages have the most critical needs. They often lack clean water, nutritious food, a bed to sleep in, and a nurturing caretaker.

The best country from which to adopt depends on your family’s needs, abilities, and preferences.

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