The “Quiet Migration”: Is Intercountry Adoption a Successful Intervention in the Lives of Vulnerable Children?

Practitioner’s Keypoints

Based on the reviewed research findings, this paper supports the following arguments:

· overall, children adopted internationally can and do thrive in their adoptive countries;

· such success is guaranteed by the high commitment of adoptive parents and the availability of post-adoption support services;

· there is, however, a lack of evidence-based practice relating to interventions best suited to the needs of these children post-international adoption;

· following a globally standardised process and strict protocols may help alleviate illicit activity in international adoptions;

· existing guidelines must be tightened to ensure that children are the central focus in intercountry adoption and that their development is not affected by cross-border movement.