A Global Rights Based Introduction

This is an ICAV created resource designed to explain intercountry adoption clearly, while recognising its legal, ethical and lifelong complexity.

Intercountry adoption is often described simply as a way of forming a family. This guide takes a broader view. It understands intercountry adoption as a child-protection, migration and legal process that begins with the separation of a child from their family, country, culture and existing identity. It therefore starts with the child as a rights-holder and considers the responsibilities that continue throughout the adoptee’s life.

Why this guide was written

ICAV created this resource because intercountry adoption cannot be fully understood only through the moment a child is adopted or the question of whether they later grow up in a loving family. Drawing on decades of collective lived experience, peer support, education and international advocacy, the guide looks at the wider questions of family preservation, separation, identity, consent, culture, citizenship, records, safeguards, accountability, search, support and justice.

It provides a plain-language starting point for understanding how intercountry adoption developed, how it operates across countries, the international standards intended to protect children and families, where systems can fail, and why the responsibilities of States and institutions do not end once an adoption is legally completed.

Who can use it

The guide is written for a global audience and can be used by intercountry adoptees, first families and relatives, adoptive families, prospective adoptive parents, professionals, educators, students, journalists, policy makers and anyone seeking to better understand intercountry adoption.

It is not intended to tell adoptees how they should feel about their adoption, nor does it assume that every adoption was unlawful or harmful. Instead, it offers a framework for asking better questions about what happened before, during and after adoption, whose rights were involved, whether safeguards were meaningful, and what responsibilities remain today.

Access this guide by clicking on the image below: “Understanding Intercountry Adoption”.