Returning to one’s birth country is a deeply personal and potentially transformative experience. There’s no set time when adoptees should undergo this trip, and not all adoptees will want to. It’s important it is their choice, when they’re ready, if they want it. For those who do choose to return, it is best done with careful planning, emotional readiness, and a support system.
Our global community of intercountry adoptees is a phenomenal resource and offers much wisdom and insight about the complex journey we live. Returning to birth country is just one of many complex stages we navigate. Here we provide our latest ICAV Perspective Paper, a collection of intercountry and transracial adoptee thoughts on the topic of Returning to Birth Country. In this paper, we provide insight from intercountry adoptees from 18 birth countries (Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, Greece, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam) sent to 9 adoptive countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, USA).
Our paper aims to better equip adoptees with the knowledge and tools to navigate this journey. It also serves as a validation of the complex feelings adoptees may experience and provides a roadmap to help prepare for and process the return journeys.
A summary of what’s included and key suggestions:
- Emotional Preparation:
- Engaging with a trauma-informed therapist is recommended to process unaddressed grief, loss, and other complex emotions.
- Adoptees should be prepared for cultural differences and the potential emotional impact of seeing poverty or other challenging circumstances in their birth countries.
- Logistical Preparation:
- Practical steps include arranging accommodations, budgeting for daily expenses, and ensuring reliable transportation and translation services.
- It’s advised to bring more cash than anticipated, spread across multiple locations for safety.
- Connection and Support:
- Connecting with adoptee communities can provide invaluable support and advice. These communities offer a safe space to discuss feelings and share experiences.
- Adoptees should consider taking a supportive companion on the trip who understands the emotional complexities involved.
- Identity and Citizenship:
- Researching the possibility of dual citizenship or specific visas (e.g., the Ethiopian “yellow card”) can facilitate easier travel and a deeper sense of identity reclamation.
- Realistic Expectations:
- The return trip may not provide immediate answers or closure. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that the experience will add complexity to the adoptee’s identity and emotional state.
- Engaging in fun activities can help balance the emotional intensity of reconnecting with biological families and exploring birth countries.
- Personal Accounts:
- The paper includes insights and personal stories from various adoptees. These narratives highlight the diverse experiences and emotions adoptees may encounter, from joy and fulfilment to unexpected grief and identity challenges.
Huge thanks to the 44 intercountry and transracial adoptees who gave their time and effort to make this resource possible!
We hope you find it a useful resource! Enjoy the read!
To read the full paper, click on the image to access the Perspective Paper.
To read ICAVs other Perspective Papers on a variety of topics, click here.
Resources
Return to Birthland (2007 ICASN Perspective Paper)
Birth Country Travel and Adoptee Identity
Coming Home: why adopted kids find returning to their birth country so important
Emotional preparation for a birth country visit
Post Adoption Supports for intercountry adoptees
Search and Reunion resources for intercountry adoptees