U.S. Foreign Adoptions Decrease in 2009
Posted on Dec 17, 2009 1:45pm PST
According to a recent report, the number of foreign children adopted by Americans fell by 27% in 2009. The report indicates that foreign adoption reached the lowest level since 1996.
Adoption advocates are hoping to use this information to encourage Congress to reverse the plummeting number in the near future.
China, Russia and Guatemala all reported reduced adoption numbers. These countries provided the most adopted children in 2008 to Americans. In China and Russia, officials are trying to promote domestic adoptions for children. In Guatemala, the adoption industry was known to be corrupt and has been shut down until reforms are implemented.
The State Department released figures for the 2009 fiscal year. According to the numbers, 12,753 foreign adoptions happened in 2009. In 2008, the number of foreign adoptions was much higher at 17,438. The highest amount of foreign adoptions occurred in 2006 with 22,884 foreign children being adopted by American families. Since that time, there has been a 45% decrease.
If you would like assistance with a foreign adoption,
click here to find a family lawyer near you!