5 Common Challenges And Problems Faced For Adoption

Adoption constitutes a legal procedure facilitating the establishment of familial bonds between the adopter (parents) and the adoptee (child). While embracing a child is a commendable act, uncertainties, reservations, and specific challenges related to adoption can complicate the process. Nevertheless, comprehending the nuances of the adoption process according to your country's laws can enable you to navigate and address these challenges effectively.

Adoptions generally fall into two categories: open and closed. In an open adoption, adoptive parents maintain communication with the birth parents or family, whereas a closed adoption involves no contact between birth parents and adoptive parents. Understanding the distinctions between these methods and the potential issues they may present is crucial for making well-informed decisions.

Explore further as we guide you through the various problems and obstacles that may arise during the adoption journey.

# Financial challenges

The financial considerations associated with adoption hinge on the chosen agency. Opting for a private adoption agency may entail higher adoption fees and additional costs compared to public agencies within your state or country. Expect increased expenses if you are adopting a child from another country.

Furthermore, if you are covering the birth mother's hospital or medical bills, your financial outlay may rise. The exact expenses will be contingent on your individual circumstances. Additionally, you will need to budget for attorney fees and any miscellaneous costs that may arise during the adoption process.

# Legal challenges

It is crucial to be well-informed about the legal aspects of child adoption in your country.

Ensure that both birth parents are aware of the adoption, whether it is an open or closed arrangement. If the birth mother decides to proceed with adoption without involving the birth father, who has not yet waived his parental rights, you may encounter legal challenges and objections.

# Inter country adoption

Inter country adoption presents distinct challenges, as these adoptions fall under the legal jurisdiction of both the child's home country and the adoptive parents' country.

Understanding the specific visa requirements and international adoption laws is essential. For instance, it is important to note that citizens of the United States are currently restricted from adopting children from certain countries such as Fiji, Senegal, Rwanda, and several others.

# Health challenges

In closed adoptions, obtaining comprehensive information about the child's health history may prove challenging. Even in open adoptions, the absence of the birth father or limited access to the child's complete medical history can create difficulties. This may subsequently pose challenges in providing proper care for the child. Adoptive parents may struggle to assess the financial aspects of the child's healthcare, a situation also applicable to international adoptions where obtaining a full understanding of the child's health may be elusive.

This issue can give rise to numerous challenges. Adoptive parents might find themselves unprepared, both financially and emotionally, to care for a child with an illness or serious medical condition. Access to the necessary funds for the child's medical care may be limited, and certain health issues related to adoption may not be covered by insurance. Job constraints or work commitments could further hinder the ability to dedicate time to a child requiring constant medical attention or the financial means to hire a nurse for home care.

Adoptive parents also have the right to be informed about any developmental delays resulting from the birth mother's alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy. Concerns may extend to potential neglect the child experienced in their early years or inherited illnesses. The inability to access such critical information can pose significant challenges for adoptive parents.

# Emotional challenges

Adoption introduces numerous emotional complexities for the child, the adoptive family, and the birth parents alike.

The adjustment process may pose challenges for the adopted child and the adoptive family, especially when welcoming an older child into the family dynamic. Discovering that you may not be equipped to address the unique parenting challenges that come with adopting a child is a realization that some adoptive parents may face.

Adopted children commonly grapple with abandonment issues, particularly stemming from past rejections, which can significantly impact their emotional well-being.

In the case of closed adoptions, where there is no contact between the birth parents and the adopted family, emotional strains may be present for the birth parents. This emotional distance can also pose challenges for the adopted child as they grow older and develop a curiosity about their birth parents and identity. The lack of access to such a significant part of their lives can lead to family conflicts and disputes. This may manifest in distress for the child, affecting the entire family. Identity issues can manifest as psychological problems, including depression, eating disorders, low self-esteem, fears, doubts, and more. Low self-esteem may contribute to feelings of alienation, isolation, or loneliness. The child may grapple with questions about the reasons behind their birth parents' decision to give them up for adoption, adding emotional stress.

Open adoption, while fostering connections, also presents challenges. The adopted child may feel torn between their two sets of parents, and birth parents might struggle with excessive bonding or second-guessing the decision to place the child for adoption.