Why International Adoption Still Matters: The Ongoing Need for Families
Millions of children still need families. Discover why international adoption matters and how Children’s House International supports families through the journey.
The Need Hasn’t Gone Away: Why International Adoption Still Matters
Every child deserves the love and stability of a family. Yet around the world, millions of children are still growing up without parents to care for them. At Children’s House International, we believe something powerful and timeless: Loving a child has no boundaries.
As conversations around international adoption have quieted in recent years, the needs of vulnerable children have not. In fact, the global orphan crisis continues to grow. If you’re considering adoption, now is the time to lean in — especially for children who are most often overlooked.
“It’s natural for prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) to imagine what their future child might be like. But international adoption calls for something deeper: a willingness to ask, ‘Who needs me?’”
The Global Orphan Crisis Is Still Growing
Today, there are more than 150 million children worldwide who have lost one or both parents. Over 15 million are considered double orphans. Many of these children live in institutions, group homes, or unsafe conditions where they lack the care and emotional connection that only a family can provide.
In many countries, there are no functioning foster care systems or domestic adoption options. Children can spend years waiting — not for temporary care, but for a permanent family. Despite the decline in international placements, the need for adoptive families is urgent.
The True Need: Older Children and Children with Special Needs
While many prospective adoptive parents hope to welcome a young, healthy infant, the reality is that very few healthy infants are available for international adoption. In fact, for every such child, over 1,000 families are waiting.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of waiting children are:
- Over the age of 5
- Part of sibling groups who want to stay together
- Living with medical, developmental, or emotional needs
These children need families who are open, flexible, and willing to grow. Choosing to adopt a child with special needs or to pursue older child adoption is a beautiful, life-changing commitment — for both the child and the family.
At Children’s House International, we help families understand these needs, offering free adoption education, honest medical and support resources so that every adoption starts with preparation and confidence.
Where You Can Still Adopt Internationally
Though some countries have closed their doors to international adoption, many programs remain active and welcoming to families. At Children’s House International, we have strong, ethical partnerships in:
- India – CHI is proud to be celebrating 50 years of adoption work in India, serving children and families since 1975. Our India program offers opportunities to adopt children of all ages, including those with manageable medical needs.
- Latin America – Especially in countries like Colombia, many wonderful children are waiting — including older children and siblings who wish to stay together.
- Eastern Europe – Nations like Bulgaria continue to provide opportunities for families open to special needs adoption.
In addition to these core programs, CHI also works in other countries such as Hong Kong and Ghana, Portugal, Hungary, Mexico and more, where adoption is still possible. Every country has its own process, but our team will help you understand your options and guide you with compassion and clarity.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: CHI Supports You at Every Step
Beginning an international adoption journey can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone. At CHI, we provide more than placement services. We walk with you from your very first question to well beyond your child’s arrival home.
Our support includes:
- Free adoption education to help you understand the process
- Cultural training to honor your child’s heritage
- Detailed, country-specific guidance for every step of the journey
- Expert information on how to adopt a child with medical or developmental needs
- A dedicated, caring team that truly believes in your success
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be open — and we’ll be here to help with the rest.
Adoption Begins with the Right Mindset
At the heart of adoption is a question: “What child needs us?” Rather than focusing on finding the “perfect child,” families who find the deepest joy are often those who say yes to a child who truly needs a home — not a perfect one, but a loving and stable one.
Children’s House International works with families who are open to older children, children with medical needs, and sibling groups. These families often share later that their choice to say yes — even with some uncertainty — led to a relationship filled with growth, healing, and love.
“When families step forward not to “get a baby,” but to give a child a family, something beautiful happens. Bonds are built. Lives are healed. And children who once had no one now have everything.”
Take the Next Step — A Child May Be Waiting for You
The need for international adoption is still real — and so is the opportunity to change a child’s life forever.
If your heart is open to this journey, we invite you to:
- Explore our active country programs
- Read through our free educational resources
- Contact our team with your questions or to learn how to get started
“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. And that’s where something beautiful begins.”
With 50 years of experience, CHI has helped thousands of families grow through adoption. We’d be honored to walk with you on that journey — because we believe, now more than ever, that loving a child has no boundaries.