Deciding which country to adopt from can be a weighty decision the first time around. Deciding where you will go for your second (or third or fourth or more!) adoption in your family can be an even harder decision. Now you already have a child or children at home and your family dynamic is much different than when it was just one or two adults starting out on an adoption journey. Taking into consideration what is best for your current family will help make your decision easier.

First off, I have to mention that I think Erin over at the transracial adoption blog said what is in my head best in her post here:

…I would never recommend a family to adopt another child if the only reason that they were doing so, was to have a same-race sibling for another child. No child should ever be adopted for any reason other than that the adoptive parents have a true desire to love and parent another child.

I agree wholeheartedly with Erin’s words and thought they were important to share in this discussion of where to adopt from after your first adoption. I feel very strongly that #1: families need to make the decision to adopt based on their wish to add another child to their family who will be treated as a unique, special, loved individual, and #2: adopting a child who is the same race as your other child(ren) can be very beneficial to all involved.

Depending on where you live, your non Caucasian child may go days without seeing a face that resembles theirs. I have read articles and blog posts by adult adoptees who grew up in transracial families who have said that having a sibling to come home to who looks similar will likely bring a sense of comfort and a greater feeling of belonging. So if you are thinking about adopting again, consider looking into countries that would allow you to adopt a child of the same race of your child(ren) at home.

Many parents feel such a connection with their child’s birth country that they are led back there when the time comes for another adoption. Sometimes that is just not possible, though. Countries close their doors to adoption, fees and requirements change, and the world of international adoption is always susceptible to problems and changes that will decide for you if you can adopt from said country.

Overall, it is a personal decision that is best made with your family. Look at all your options, talk to agencies and parents who have recently adopted from all countries that you are interested in. In the end, armed with vast information and research, you will be able to make the best decision for your current and future children.



More Reading:
Are you ready for another child?
Adoption Choices, Pride and Guilt
How to Choose a Country


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