Getting Started with International Adoption
Chat Transcript with Sigal Shapira Director of International Adoptions at
Spence-Chapin Question: For someone just now considering international, how do they choose a country?
Sigal: Everyone has to think about their comfort level first of all. Think about how open you are to someone who is culturally or racially different - I've heard it suggested that if you wouldn't consider marrying someone from that background - should you consider parenting a child from that country? You should also consider who your friends and support system are (who is coming over Saturday night). In other words, how isolated will the child be in your community. Do you speak another language? Have you lived in that country? Do you think you could bring some of the culture and traditions into your home - what about visiting later on? People usually find a specific reason why a certain country is more appealing, for example a college friend or roommate, family roots, etc.
Question: Do you recommend that adopting parents develop a basic knowledge of the language or does it depend more on the age of the child?
Sigal: You don't have to have a basic knowledge - although it really helps to have basic words when you are traveling. It is helpful with toddlers. Many times we find that there are words used in an orphanage that the general community may not use. We try to give parents a basic word list whenever possible.
Next: Age Restrictions
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