Adoption preparedness, cultural engagement, and parental satisfaction in intercountry adoption

Intercountry adoption offers both benefits and challenges for people wishing to become adoptive parents. Survey data from 326 U.S. families with intercountry adoptees were gathered to assess parental preparation for the adoption process, satisfaction with their adoption services, and participation in activities that correspond to the adopted child's birth culture. Findings indicated that preparation was positively associated with satisfaction and negatively associated with medical, psychological, and developmental challenges. In addition, family involvement in cultural activities was positively associated with preparation and negatively associated with medical, psychological, and developmental challenges. Implications are discussed for social workers and other professionals involved in adoption-related activities.