What is the difference between a domestic and an international adoption?

A domestic adoption occurs when a child is adopted within the country and an international adoption occurs when a child is adopted from another country. In Texas, the process for both types of adoptions is governed by adoption law. When considering a domestic adoption, prospective parents usually begin by finding an adoption agency. The agency will assist with the adoption process, including helping to find a child that meets the prospective parents’ criteria. There are several paths to adoption: through private agencies, direct placement with a child’s birth mother, and foster care. All of these methods require the prospective parents to go through the necessary steps, such as home studies and background checks, in order to be approved for adoption. International adoptions are more complex than domestic adoptions because of the need to follow both the laws of the child’s home country and the laws of the prospective parents’ country. In Texas, international adoption is regulated by the U.S. Department of State and the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Inter-country Adoption. When seeking an international adoption, prospective parents must become familiar with the laws of both the child’s home country and the United States, and comply with the regulations for international adoption. International adoptions also typically require a longer time period before the adoption is finalized. Domestic and international adoptions both involve the same basic requirements and are subject to the laws of the state of Texas. That being said, the differences stem from the multitude of laws and regulations that must be followed for each type of adoption.

Related FAQs

How do I find a safe adoption agency?
What is a special needs adoption?
What is required for a birth parent relinquishment?
Are there special considerations for LGBTQ parents adopting a child?
What is the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children?
What is a pre-adoption home assessment?
What is the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance?
How can I track an adoption?
How do I adopt a newborn?
What are the adoption laws in my state?

What is the difference between a domestic and an international adoption?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts