International Adoption Rates Fall

International Adoption Rates Fall

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Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 @08:13pm CST

International adoption rates are the lowest they've been since 1999, and according to a local adoption agency, it's not due to a shortage of children.
FTIA's Keith Wallace says: "We think the trend will continue for awhile and there are many factors.. the government used to play a small role in international adoptions now they are very involved in international adoptions."
The government put regulations on adoptions in order to eliminate corruption and to make the process more transparent..
But Wallace says it's created more obstacles for agencies and halted adoptions in third world countries.
In 2007 more than 19,000 international adoptions were complete. This year it's down 12%, at just over 17,000.
As a result, Wallace has let go about one-third of his staff. He says nearly 200 domestic agencies are struggling too.
Wallace hopes to introduce legislation next year that will help unify child service programs and make international adoption an easier process.