Intercountry Adoption and Roots Search: A Guide for Adoptees

ISS (International Social Service) is a worldwide organization that works for the protection and well-being of children. In the context of its work, the organization is well placed to give an impression of the positive and negative feelings, but also the challenges that adoptees can face when searching for their roots. They made a brochure about this in English, French, Spanish and Dutch .

A process that varies from person to person

The search for roots is a process that takes place at different times in life and for different reasons. What this process looks like varies from person to person. For one adoptee, questions about roots never arise, while for another, solving these questions is of vital importance. The answers can look very different: from gaining access to the file, to traveling to the country of origin, to meeting the birth family.

Challenges along the way

Searching for roots presents challenges such as gaining access to information and files. Language barriers, cultural and financial differences also play a role in an intercountry adoption. A search can have a very positive result. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and the search itself does not always go smoothly.

Stay strong and maintain control over your quest

There is no golden solution that will make your search go smoothly. However, this brochure from ISS (International Social Service) tries to arm you against these challenges. It is important for an adoptee to remain strong and to keep control over the search. Professional help can support you and make you stronger. If you want emotional support in your search, you can contact us.

5-step plan

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