Some Manx adoptive families may choose to adopt from countries outside the British Isles. This is referred to as Intercountry adoption. There are significant costs involved in Intercountry adoption.
Intercountry adoption remains complicated – depending on how advanced each country’s adoption procedure is, and whether the country of origin is a Hague convention country or not.
No two countries’ policies and procedures are identical.
1. Do I have to be within certain age limits to adopt?
There is a minimum age requirement of 21 years. However, many countries have specific guidelines on age bands – both upper and lower – and/or the age gap between adopters and child.
2. Are there health or disability factors?
There are very few health or disability factors which would entirely rule out applicants from approval. Some issues, however, may need to be addressed before your home study assessment begins. We may ask you to have a full medical assessment (carried out by your GP). This report will be sent to the agency medical advisor and may be discussed with the Adoption Panel to clarify whether your application can proceed.
Some countries also require both HIV/AIDS and hepatitis screening.
3. Do I have to be married?
Some countries (e.g. China) only allow married couples to apply to adopt. Other countries will accept single applicants (either on their own or as part of an unmarried partnership). It is rare for unmarried couples to be able to apply jointly to adopt.
4. What if I have a criminal record?
Again, different countries have different regulations. China, for example, excludes those with any criminal record.
5. How much will it cost?
It is difficult to predict costs accurately. There are a range of expenses associated with intercountry adoption – agent’s fees, the cost of the home study assessment, translation fees, notarisation and a number of other legal fees, travel and accommodation, sometimes a donation to the child’s agency or orphanage.
Most countries will expect to see some form of evidence of both financial status and security from adoptive applicants.
You must be in employment (or have an independent income). Entry clearance for an adopted child will not be granted if you are dependent on Public funds.
6.Which countries can I adopt from?
Some countries have a more active intercountry adoption policy than others. These currently include China, Russia, India and Thailand.
Countries are described as:
• Hague convention – where adoption is recognised between convention members.
• Designated countries – where adoption in the home country is recognised in the UK/IOM.
• Non-designated countries – where a further adoption order must be applied for when the applicants and child return to the IOM.
Different rules and regulations apply to each country and affect the Entry Clearance granted to the child to reside in the IOM.
7. Will I be able to adopt a baby who is fit and healthy?
Most children available for intercountry adoption are aged under 2 years. However, there is variable information provided about the child’s family background, genetic inheritance or medical history. Applicants will need to ask a range of questions when they first visit the child, and make judgements about the child’s current circumstances and any effects early life experiences may have on the child subsequently.
8. How long will it take?
Again, this varies from country to country. The homestudy will take around 6 months from the end of preparation groups to point of approval. Certification of your application and acceptance by the specific country may take a further 3 to 6 months. From here, the waiting time is fluid. Couples have waited 12 to 18 months before being asked to visit the country initially, and a similar period of time subsequently before being matched to a child.
9. Where can I learn more?
The agency holds information about adoption from a number of countries. We also have a more comprehensive handbook providing greater detail about the process of adopting a child from abroad. This can be obtained by calling into the office or by phoning 625161 to request a copy.
Further information can be found at:
www.dscf.gov.uk/intercountryadoption/
www.icacentre.org.uk
or by googling "adoption" followed by the country you are interested in. |
