International Adoption Declines as Millions of Children Wait

November marks National Adoption Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children around the world longing for the love and security of a family. Despite the celebration, the reality is dire: international adoption numbers have plummeted to a historic low. In 2023, the number of children adopted internationally into the United States decreased by 94 percent from its peak in 2004. This significant decline highlights a growing crisis, as millions of children remain in institutions or without permanent care.

The shift in international adoption is not merely due to a reduction in the number of children in need or a diminishing interest from adoptive families. It stems from a prevailing bias against the idea that a child might flourish in a home outside their birth country. Increasingly, many global organizations and governments assert that the “best” option for every child is to remain within their country of origin, regardless of their individual circumstances.

Changing Perspectives on Adoption

This perspective, often framed as culturally sensitive or anti-colonialist, frequently overlooks the fundamental need for permanency in a child’s life. While ethical oversight in adoption processes is undoubtedly crucial, legitimate concerns have been politicized to the point where international adoptions are now met with skepticism. Organizations such as the United Nations and UNICEF have advocated for policies that categorize international adoption as a last resort rather than a viable solution, which ultimately hampers the chances for children seeking families.

The motivations behind this shift are complex and not solely rooted in humanitarian concerns. They also reflect broader political dynamics, including international relations and ideological positions. This progressive mindset suggests that a child’s nationality holds more importance than their right to a family and a sense of belonging. Although well-intentioned, this view neglects the stark reality that children need parents, not policies.

The repercussions of this new approach are felt globally. In response to international scrutiny and political correctness, many countries have restricted or entirely closed their international adoption programs. Consequently, countless children remain in temporary or institutional care, despite widespread acknowledgment from governments that permanent families are essential for children’s well-being.

The Human Cost of Policy Changes

As the president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services, I witness the tension between policy and compassion daily. Our global partners frequently express a pressing need for adoptive families for the children in their care. The desire to find families for these children is palpable, yet policy barriers and a global reluctance often hinder progress. The tragic irony is that the very policies intended to protect children from harm are leaving them without families.

This narrative has also gained traction within conservative and faith-based communities. There is a growing acceptance of the notion that “staying local” is the best option, often without a thorough examination of whether this belief serves the child’s best interests. Political discussions surrounding sovereignty, funding, and international relations frequently obscure the human realities at stake. This issue transcends policy—these are real children waiting for families, caught in a web of systemic bias.

Across the globe, thousands of children are aging out of institutions without a place to call home. Governments hesitate to approve international placements due to fears of scrutiny, creating a culture of hesitation that has replaced a culture of hope. Even the U.S. Department of State has shifted its stance on international adoption from that of a champion to a scrutinizer, further complicating the landscape for prospective adoptive families.

National Adoption Month serves as a poignant reminder of the essence of adoption: love, belonging, and the belief that every child deserves a family. It also presents an opportunity to challenge the political and cultural narratives that have distorted this mission. We must prioritize compassion-driven policies that place permanency above politics and belonging above bureaucracy.

The call to action is clear: separate the politics of perception from the harsh realities faced by children in need. When ideology is placed above empathy, the most vulnerable among us suffer the consequences. Every child deserves a loving, permanent family, irrespective of political boundaries. Until every child finds a home, our commitment to this cause remains unfulfilled.