Families grow through the birth of infants and the adoption of children. While some individuals seek to adopt children from here in the United States, others find that their children are living in countries far and wide. International adoption is an option for Ohio residents who wish to share their lives with kids who are residents of foreign lands.
The U.S. Department of State is involved in the international adoption process. Through the Hague Convention, certain rules and regulations are in place to ensure that children who are adopted out of their birth countries are protected and placed in appropriate homes. Additionally, the federal government imposes requirements on who may adopt a child from another country.
First, prospective parents who wish to adopt internationally must be citizens of the United States. Additionally, those who are citizens and wish to internationally adopt must be assessed for suitability as parents, which may include checking their criminal histories and subjecting them to home studies.
A person who wants to adopt a child on their own must be at least 25 years of age, and married people who wish to adopt a child must do so as couples. If a person is separated from their spouse, they may not adopt a child on their own as they are still technically married to their partner. However, separated spouses may still adopt a child jointly.
The international adoption process can be rewarding, but it can also be a long, frustrating process. There are many rules, regulations and laws that may stand between parents and the children they are called to bring into their homes. To get help with the process of completing an international adoption, readers may want to discuss their wishes with attorneys who support adoption clients.