Medical Issues

Children waiting for adoption in other countries often have health conditions that are common in those countries but that can be prevented or easily treated in the United States. This section provides information on health and development issues relevant to children adopted from other countries.

Health and developmental considerations for children adopted internationally

Health Consideration
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Provides information about the health of children adopted from other countries and the health information that is provided to prospective adoptive parents. Describes the medical exam required for all internationally adopted children.

International Adoption Project
University of Minnesota
Describes a clinic that specializes in medical services for children who were adopted internationally.

Medical, Developmental, and Mental Health Considerations
Henry & Pollack (2008)
In Adoption in the United States: A Reference for Families, Professionals, and Students
View Abstract
Addresses physical and mental health considerations for children adopted internationally. Provides tips for travel preparations, the trip home, working with pediatricians, and behavioral health considerations in intercountry adoptions.

Medical Issues in Adopting from China (PDF - 4,042 KB)
Ochs (2006)
Discusses adoptions from China, orphanage life, risk factors in orphans, referrals, and common postadoption issues in children adopted from orphanages in a two-part webinar. 

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Preadoption and postadoption medical assessments

Adoption Medicine
Adoptive Families Magazine
Lists articles about adoption medicine, including information for both before and after the adoption.

Comprehensive Health Evaluation of the Newly Adopted Child
Jones et al. (2012)
Pediatrics, 129(1)
Addresses the elements of a complete health evaluation of a newly adopted child, including the preadoption visit, current and past medical history, and referral for diagnostic evaluation.

International Adoption
Howard & John (2012)
In CDC Health Information for International Travel 2012
Presents information on overseas medical exams, follow-up postadoption medical exams, and recommended screening tests upon arrival in the United States.

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Intercountry adoption clinics and doctors

International Adoption Center
Cincinnati's Children Hospital Medical Center
Describes the services provided by the Center, including pre-adoption consultation, postadoption evaluation, and its research program.

International Adoption Medicine Clinic
University of Minnesota
Describes a clinic that specializes in medical services for children who were adopted internationally.

International Adoption Medical Clinics
ComeUnity.com
Supplies a directory of clinics and doctors who specialize in international adoption medicine.

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