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Hi, we are beginning to research the adoption option and since my wife is Japanese and has citizenship in Japan still, we are considering our options in that country although I know the adoption laws over there are hazy.
I read through the info on this page and it was really helpful but I did have one question.
It mentions a 6-month trial where adoptive parents live with the child and are visited periodically by an agent. Does anyone know if both parents are required for this or just one of the adoptive parents? Since I work here in the states, a 6 month leave is very unlikely. My wife could though, and use her parents house as a residence.
Anyone have any insight on this?
Thanks
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There are two processes for adoption from Japan. The process to which you refer, which requires a six month trial period in which the prospective parents actually live with the child in Japan, is usually used only by Americans and other foreigners living in Japan.
There is another process for people living in their home countries, which does not require the six month trial period. Please go to the adoption website of the U.S. State Department, which outlines the process for adopting from Japan. The web address is: [url=http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=japan]JAPAN | Intercountry Adoption[/url]
In the second process, you don't actually finalize the adoption in Japan. You bring the child home under a decree of guardianship, and adopt him/her in your state of residence.
Sharon
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I am looking into adoption right now also and I have learned allot through reading about the different programs, agencies etc. I only know of one agency that offers japan adoptions. I will PM you the agency. The birthmother chooses you and from what I have gathered it is a very small program and if I were you I would look at other countries like China, Taiwan, Kazakhstan(when it reopens).
Thank you, I got that PM. Yeah the birthmother choosing make me nervous... It could go incredibly well, or be a total disaster. Probably rarely anything in between :)We may ask her family to do some investigating for us in Japan, her father has some lawyer friends, etc... just see what is there. See if it could be done sans agency, or through social services in the country.Thanks again!
There are Japan programs where the child is in an orphanage and legally relinquished. Also, the fact that your wife is Japanese will be a big plus. You will find a greater selection of agencies that are willing to work with you.
Traditionally, very few Japanese people actually allow their children to be fully relinquished for adoption, though this is changing a bit. Because there is a strong belief in the "blood tie", many Japanese distrust people -- even of their own culture -- who are willing to adopt a child who is not biologically related, and wonder if they might be pedophiles, recruiting for the sex trade, etc. They often let their children stay in orphanages instead, when they can't parent.
And even when a Japanese family is willing to relinquish a child for adoption, the family or the agency may prefer to place with a family that is also Japanese. It is not always easy for a non-Japanese family to adopt, though it's a little easier if the family actually lives in Japan and the orphanage staff get to know the prospective parents.
In your case, since your wife is Japanese, and I'm sure that your homestudy will emphasize your intent to raise a child to know and value his/her birth culture, you should have a much easier time adopting.
Sharon
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