The Impact of Global Adoption on Children Without Parents

Growing socio-political tensions that lead to war, riots, or poverty, along with issues of diseases, accidents, natural disasters, and even abandonment have rendered a great number of children parentless. Over 140 million children worldwide are considered orphans, and the number may be greater because statistics too abandon some orphans. Those ignored by the statistics are often the ones who live on the streets. Without parental care, these children are exposed to neglect, abuse, indentured servitude, prostitution, etc. These children become socially invisible and are misunderstood or deemed dangerous by society. Adoption and foster care systems do provide some of these children with loving homes, but a large number of them are not eligible for adoption due to legal reasons. In some countries, adoption is accompanied by cultural criticism as caring for non-biological children is not recognised as a social responsibility, and these children are not treated with the love and respect that a biological child would have gotten. In this light, we see that global adoption becomes a complex, multi-layered, and complicated issue.

At present, global adoption involves over 40,000 children a year across over 100 countries. Studies show an increasing trend in the international adoption of children raised in foreign institutions. The reasons include medical cases like infertility in couples, social consciousness about the large number of children who are orphaned, and even the influence of third-party agencies. The process of international adoption is not easy on the children as they face numerous vulnerabilities, especially having to deal with the loss of their family, country, language, and culture. Corruption practised in the system has also increased the risks that children face because, since this method has gained popularity, it has become a business that satisfies Western demand for international or ‘exotic’ children. Such businesses engage in the trafficking of children.

Global adoption permanently removes children from their birth culture directly (through closed adoption processes) or indirectly (due to financial or geographic barriers). Policies and social welfare organisations encourage adoptive parents to provide their children the opportunity to learn about their birth culture, but very few families are able to execute this. One of the main reasons that sending countries are unable to exercise proper laws regarding global adoption is poverty. Poverty and financial hardships make birth parents or guardians of orphans vulnerable to giving up the child in exchange for money. Poverty also prompts parents or guardians to abandon their children when they are unable to provide for them.

Families with internationally adopted children find it challenging to adjust to family life. Although some children adjust well, many find the transition from their native lands to a new culture and surroundings difficult and may struggle with everyday activities like sleeping or eating. Having to learn a new language under communicative pressure too proves to be a difficult task, especially since many children without parents or guardians lack social skills. The psychological toll on the children is too high and most families are unable to facilitate an easy transition. The length of prior institutionalisation also factors into the ease with which they adapt to the new family; studies show that younger children find it easier to adapt to new surroundings than older children.

A great risk that internationally adopted children face is that of possible exposure to diseases or malnutrition. The adoptive parents may not be aware or equipped enough to deal with these issues. Suddenly being exposed to a foreign environment and food may result in developmental delays or cognitive deficiencies, depending on the age of the child.

Dealing with the issues of culture and identity is another impact of global adoption as it leaves the adoptees confused about their race, ethnicity, and cultural identity. The adopted children may even become victims of racism and discrimination. Self-esteem and ethnic identification play a huge role in a child’s personality development, and overall psychological adjustment serves as a protective factor against behavioural problems. Acknowledging the physical differences that an adopted child has from the adoptive parents in a safe and nurturing environment is crucial, and experts suggest that the children should be exposed to positive role models from their own race. This calls for cultural competence and consciousness on the adoptive parents’ part, which is, unfortunately, absent in most cases.

Rising trends in global adoption in the latter part of the twentieth century have led to the establishment of international policies and global conventions to regulate this practise, such as the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention), the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). These efforts aim to ensure that global adoption is carried out with transparency in a legal and non-exploitative manner and to discourage unethical practices such as sale and abduction, coercion or manipulation, and falsification of documents.

Although the idea behind global adoption remains a noble cause, over time the practise has been corrupted. Policies aiming to curb corruption and the business aspect of global adoption have been put in place but they have not been able to effectively improve the situation. Most countries have resorted to banning or significantly discouraging global adoption in order to protect their people, but black-market trading of children still continues. As such, global adoption becomes an important issue that needs high regulation and public awareness worldwide.

Q. What health issues may an international adoptee face?

Most children put up for international adoption require special medical attention. Poorer countries may not be able to provide the child with medical attention prior to adoption. Additionally, the child may not adjust well to the climate, food, and environment of the new country immediately, resulting in medical issues.

Q. How to ensure international adoption is ethical?

Parents interested in adopting internationally should take informed steps, to ensure the safety of the child. This can be done by making sure that they have a complete social, personal and medical history of the child. It is also important to find a trustworthy and ethical adoption agency.

Q. What is the Hague Convention and what is its role in global adoption?

The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an international treaty that safeguards the best interests of the adopted child and works to prevent illegal or unethical adoptions. It establishes a system of cooperation between authorities of the two countries involved, provides inter-government recognition of the adoption, and ensures the protection of the child and the families at all costs.

Q. What are the major challenges in the case of global adoption?

Global adoption is accompanied by certain regulatory challenges such as illegal practices, and issues of identity problems and negligence post-adoption. The lengthy process of international adoption also acts as a deterrent.

Q. What can be done to overcome these challenges?

Governments and international agencies have taken steps to combat illegal practises during the process of adoption. On a personal level, cultural socialization is required regarding racial and ethnic dynamics within the adopting family. The families should ensure that all members are mentally prepared to nurture and support the child. Additionally, the community should play an active role in promoting awareness, especially in schools and hospitals.