The papers collected together in this book will provide the reader with a detailed map of this fascinating world. Hans Van Loon, Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law
The issues surrounding intercountry adoption are complex, with probably 30,000 children moving every year between 100 countries. Is this in the child's best interests? What are the rights of the child in this situation? Who adopts from overseas, and why? And what are the outcomes?
The passing of the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999 has focussed attention on this - relatively rare - aspect of UK adoption practice and the UK is now expected to ratify the 1993 Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption some time early in 2001. This timely book provides information and raises a wide range of issues relating to policy and practice, informed by research and the experience of countries with a longer and more extensive experience of intercountry adoption than the UK.
The issues are placed in context by bringing together the findings of research into outcomes, the views of both States of origin and receiving States, the perspectives of the Hague Convention and the UK government and the voice of adoptive parents, adoptees and birth parents. The main focus is on the responsibilities of receiving countries in ensuring that intercountry adoption is carried out in the best interests of the child, but the book also looks at issues of race and gender, the position of relinquishing mothers, the implications of adopting an institutionalised child and at patterns of adoption world-wide.
Sections cover:
The development of overseas adoption: background including key demographic, legal, ethical and sociological issues;
Research into outcomes: children adopted into the UK from Romania;
follow up studies of children adopted from abroad in the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway;
The UK experience: the legal framework; the growth of parents groups;
the work of the Overseas Adoption Helpline (now called the Intercountry Adoption Centre) and other non-governmental organisations;
the approach of one local authority and the issue of home studies;
A world-wide perspective: experience from other receiving countries including the United States, South Australia, the Netherlands and Sweden and a sending country, India;
Personal perspectives on intercountry adoption: the direct voice of members of the adoption triangle including an adoptive parent, adoptees and birth mothers in the third world.
This unique anthology provides fascinating insights into a controversial and topical issue, as well as many possible lessons - both positive and negative - for those involved in developing services in the UK. It will be essential reading for social work practitioners and managers as well as for parents considering overseas adoption and for other professionals involved in the process.
