International Adoption: A Big Fix Brings Dramatic Decline

In recent years, increased publicity has both heightened demand for adoption and exposed the sometimes-dark underbelly of international adoption agencies. The ongoing case of American missionaries accused of trafficking children in quake-stricken Haiti serves as a prime example of the shadier side of an often unregulated industry prone to corruption. Overall, the trend is for adoption hubs like China, Russia, and Guatemala to begin implementing the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. This convention stresses in-country placements first; only then followed by tightly monitored, transparent and legitimate international adoption. Indeed, as economic development led to rising middle classes in China and Russia, domestic demand for adoption has increased. However, in-country adoptions have thus far failed to make up for the decline in international cases resulting from tighter regulation. While the Hague Convention guidelines undoubtedly protect vulnerable children from international exploitation, they also create barriers to international adoption that mean more orphans need the state's care. Ultimately, even though global regulation intends to improve the adoption system and protect children, it may be transforming the industry in ways that impede the opportunities for orphans to find a home in the "global village." – YaleGlobal