Is International Adoption Right for You?
The following questions might give you some indication of whether an international adoption might fit your expectations and desires for your family.
What are your ideas about race and culture? Can you picture a child of another culture in your home as a child, a teenager, or as an adult? Are you willing to be a trans-cultural family - forever? How accepting is extended family, friends and your community of different races and cultures? Be honest.
How do you feel about receiving a lot of attention, such as stares or questions from people? Are you willing to have an “open book” regarding adoption?
Are you willing to accept a lack of medical information (or undiagnosed or misdiagnosed medical information) regarding your child?
Are you willing to accept little background and/or family history information?
Are you willing to accept the risks and unknowns typical of an international adoption?
Are you willing to be educated, and to educate yourself, regarding the numerous issues related to international adoption? (Issues may include developmental delays, attachment and bonding, grief and loss, sensory integration, effects of institutionalization, cultural education, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.)
Are you willing to accept an older infant rather than a newborn?
Are you willing to accept a child with some issues that need to be addressed (i.e., developmental delays, adjustment issues, language difficulties, etc.)? Are you willing to seek out, and accept help from, the necessary community resources to facilitate the development and adjustment of your child?
Would you describe yourself as flexible? Are you able to commit with no guarantees?
If you’ve answered yes to most of these questions, international adoption may be of interest to you. CSSMV staff would be happy to explore this with you further. Contact Catholic Social Services at 937-223-7217 or 1-800-300-2937, or e-mail at beginnings@cssmv.org.
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Choosing an International Agency
Families often focus on issues of time and cost when choosing an international adoption agency. There are many additional factors to consider:
- Are they a licensed social service
agency?
- Are they a member of the Joint Council
for International Children’s Services or accredited with Council
on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children? These
memberships demonstrate commitment and respectability.
- Does staff from the agency travel to the
country and actually see the children?
- Does the orphanage complete routine
reports/updates on each child? How often? What information is
included?
- Upon referral, will you receive a video
or pictures?
- How much medical / family history
information will you receive?
- What support services does the agency
provide if you are having difficulty with your child?
- What missions / relief / humanitarian aid
work does the agency offer in the country?
- Do they have a referral list of families who have used their services? Ask for references.
Catholic Social Services is a partner agency with Holt International and Children’s Home Society and Family Services.
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Our Promises to You
You can anticipate a thorough and complete home study with attention to the details necessary to facilitate your adoption.
Catholic Social Services has more than 84 years of social services experience in the Miami Valley. We are a recognized leader in the provision of a comprehensive continuum of adoption-related services. Catholic Social Service’s Adoption Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children.
We provide on-going support before, during and after the adoption. The number and schedule of post-placement visits and reports will be determined by the requirements of the country you choose. Now and in the future, CSSMV is available for all your questions and concerns.
Information – CSSMV will provide education and information to address the myriad of questions and concerns you may have. It is important you learn about the unique issues of parenting a child adopted abroad.
We will meet your needs for timeliness, without overlooking the necessity of thoroughness.
Our adoption services are held to the highest ethical and legal standards. Careful attention is paid to ensure your adoption experience will be of the highest quality.
CSSMV is committed to serving families in a cost-efficient manner.
For more information, contact Catholic Social Services at 937-223-7217 or 1-800-300-2937, or e-mail at beginnings@cssmv.org.
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