No matter how positive the intent of prospective parents international adoption is fraught
with emotional medical administrative linguistic and geopolitical issues. And while a wide
range of professionals supports adopted children and their families in adjusting to the
inherent changes and disruptions the pediatrician's tasks--identifying and treating existing
health problems and preventing numerous others--are particularly complex. International
Adoption and Clinical Practice equips pediatricians with a comprehensive set of tools for
establishing a long-term care plan and creating interventions to promote healthy development.
This concise guide overviews the intricacies of the international adoption process and how they
can affect the pediatrician's job from potential pitfalls in collecting medical data from a
child's birth country to tracking health concerns into adolescence and young adulthood.
Developmental and behavioral issues including attachment language acquisition identity
development and consequences of abuse and neglect are also examined in this context. Figures
tables and reference lists complement current information on topics such as: Epidemiology and
demographics of international adoption. Pre-adoption evaluation of medical records. Guidelines
for diagnostic testing screening laboratory evaluations and immunizations. Common mental
health issues faced by adopted children and their families. Long-term and adult outcomes of
international adoption. Relevant policy issues and areas for future study. Every child deserves
a safe and healthy home and International Adoption and Clinical Practice gives pediatricians
an in-depth framework for helping to make this possible as children make the transition to a
new country and the next stage of their lives.
