National Review Process Implemented for Overseas Adoption in Korea

Korea Overhauls International Adoption Procedures Under Hague Convention

Seoul, South Korea – October 1, 2025 – A new era has begun for international adoption in Korea as the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption officially came into effect today. The implementation signifies a major shift towards prioritizing the best interests of children and enhancing openness in the adoption process.

Strengthened National Oversight and Child-Centric Approach

Under the new regulations, international adoption will be permitted only when a suitable domestic family cannot be found for a child. This marks a intentional move away from a system historically reliant on private adoption agencies and toward greater state involvement. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has been designated as the central authority,directly responsible for evaluating both children and prospective adoptive parents.

This change addresses long-standing concerns regarding the oversight of adoption procedures and the well-being of children involved, issues that have been raised by the international community since the 1950s. Ancient criticisms centered on a lack of transparency and insufficient post-adoption support.

New Visa Procedures for Adopted children

The Ministry of Justice has introduced a specialized “adoption purpose visa” too facilitate the legal residency of internationally adopted children in their new countries. The visa initially grants a two-year residency permit, with provisions for extensions ensuring the child’s stable integration into their adoptive family.

Global Standards and Legal Recognition

The Hague Convention aims to prevent child trafficking, illegal sales, and other exploitative practices that can occur during intercountry adoptions. By adhering to these international standards, korea now ensures that adoptions finalized within its borders are legally recognized in all 107 member states of the convention. This provides increased security and stability for adopted children and their families.

Potential Impact on Adoption Rates

While the new framework is expected to bolster child protection and foster a more responsible adoption system, it may also lead to a decrease in the number of overseas adoptions due to stricter eligibility criteria. The transition from a privately-led system to one overseen by the state presents operational challenges that authorities are actively addressing.

Currently, nations such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Sweden operate similar systems, prioritizing adherence to the Hague Convention’s guidelines. These countries have established robust procedures for evaluating potential adoptive parents and ensuring children’s welfare.

Did you Know? The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption was established in 1993 to provide a unified framework for international adoptions, protecting children and preventing exploitation.

Feature	previous System	New System (Hague Convention)
Oversight	Primarily private agencies	Government-led (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
Priority	Facilitating adoptions	Child’s best interests
Legal Recognition	Variable across countries	Recognized in 107 member states
Visa Process	Standard visa procedures	Dedicated “Adoption Purpose Visa”

Pro Tip: Prospective adoptive parents should thoroughly research the requirements of both their home country and Korea to ensure a smooth and legally sound adoption process.

The Evolving Landscape of International Adoption

International adoption is a complex and sensitive issue constantly evolving with changing social norms and legal frameworks. While the Hague Convention represents a critical step forward, ongoing vigilance and adaptation are necessary to safeguard the rights and well-being of children involved. The focus on domestic placement before considering international options reflects a growing understanding of the importance of a child’s cultural heritage and connection to their country of origin.

furthermore, the shift towards government oversight aims to address historical concerns about unethical practices and ensure that all adoptions are conducted with the highest ethical standards.As Korea embraces these changes, it joins a global community dedicated to protecting vulnerable children and providing them with loving and stable homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korea’s Adoption Law Changes

• What is the primary goal of the Hague Convention in regards to adoption? The primary goal is to protect children and prevent the exploitation of intercountry adoptions.
• Will the new regulations substantially reduce the number of international adoptions from Korea? It’s possible, as stricter screening criteria might potentially be applied, but the focus remains on finding the best possible outcome for each child.
• What role dose the Ministry of Health and Welfare play in the new system? The Ministry acts as the central authority, directly overseeing eligibility assessments for both children and adoptive parents.
• what is the purpose of the “adoption purpose visa”? It ensures legal residency and stable integration for children adopted from Korea by foreign families.
• How does this impact adoptions that were finalized before October 1, 2025? Adoptions finalized prior to this date are not directly affected, but the new procedures apply to all future intercountry adoptions.
• Are there resources available for prospective adoptive parents navigating this process? Yes, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and relevant international adoption agencies offer guidance and support.
• What are some ethical considerations surrounding intercountry adoption? Ensuring the child’s best interests, respecting their cultural heritage, and providing ongoing support to adoptive families are all crucial ethical considerations.

What are your thoughts on the increased government oversight in international adoptions? Do you believe this will ultimately benefit children involved? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How does the new national review process aim to address past concerns regarding coercion of birth mothers?

The Shift in Korean Adoption Policy

For decades, South Korea was a notable sending country for international adoptions. However, a dramatic shift began in the late 2010s, culminating in the implementation of a national review process for all overseas adoptions. This change wasn’t sudden; it was a response to growing concerns regarding transparency, ethical practices, and the rights of birth parents and adopted children. The core of this new system focuses on strengthening domestic adoption and significantly raising the bar for international placements.This article details the intricacies of this process, its impact, and what prospective adoptive parents need to know.

Key Drivers Behind the Policy change

Several factors contributed to the overhaul of Korea’s adoption system:

* Decreasing Number of Domestic Adoptions: Despite efforts, domestic adoption rates remained low, historically favoring institutional care.

* Concerns About Coercion: Reports surfaced alleging pressure on birth mothers,particularly unmarried women,to relinquish their children for adoption.

* Demand for Transparency: increased scrutiny from international adoption agencies and advocacy groups highlighted the need for greater openness in the process.

* Focus on Birth Parent Rights: A growing emphasis on supporting birth parents and ensuring informed consent became paramount.

* Shifting Societal views: Changing attitudes towards single motherhood and a desire to keep children within their country of origin played a role.

The National Review Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The new national review process, overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, is rigorous and multi-layered. Here’s a detailed look at the stages:

1. Initial Request & Home Study: Prospective adoptive parents must first be approved by their home country adoption agency and complete a thorough home study. This assesses their suitability to parent and their understanding of the challenges of adoption.
2. Agency Accreditation: Korean adoption agencies must now be accredited by the Korean government, ensuring they meet stringent standards of operation.
3. Document Submission to Central Authority: Accredited agencies submit detailed dossiers on prospective adoptive parents to the Korean Central Authority (KCA) for review.
4. KCA Review & Assessment: The KCA meticulously examines the application, home study, and other supporting documents. This includes a financial review and background checks.
5. Matching Process: If approved, the KCA initiates the matching process, considering the child’s needs and the adoptive parents’ profile. This is a significantly slower and more deliberate process than previously.
6. Birth Parent Counseling & Consent: extensive counseling is provided to birth parents, ensuring their decision to relinquish their child is voluntary and informed. Legal consent must be obtained.
7. Post-Placement Supervision: Following placement, ongoing post-placement reports are required from the adoptive parents, monitored by both the Korean agency and the home country agency.

Impact on International Adoption from Korea

The implementation of the national review process has had a profound impact on international adoption from Korea:

* Reduced Adoption Numbers: The number of children available for international adoption has decreased dramatically. in 2012, over 1,800 children were adopted internationally from Korea. By 2023,that number had fallen to under 300.

* Longer Wait Times: Prospective adoptive parents now face significantly longer wait times, often exceeding several years.

* Increased Scrutiny: The process is far more scrutinized, with a greater emphasis on due diligence and ethical considerations.

* Focus on Special Needs: The majority of children now available for international adoption have special medical or developmental needs.

* Rise in Domestic Adoption: The government’s efforts to promote domestic adoption are showing some success, with a gradual increase in the number of Korean families choosing to adopt.

Understanding the Child’s Profile & Special needs

The children currently eligible for international adoption frequently enough have complex needs. Thes can include:

* Medical Conditions: Heart defects, limb differences, and other chronic illnesses.

* Developmental Delays: Cognitive or physical delays requiring specialized care.

* Emotional Trauma: Children who have experienced neglect or abuse may have emotional and behavioral challenges.

* Older Children: Increasingly,children available for adoption are older,often beyond infancy.

Prospective adoptive parents must be prepared to provide the necessary medical care, therapy, and emotional support for these children. Thorough medical evaluations and psychological assessments are crucial.

Benefits of the New system

Despite the challenges, the national review process offers several benefits:

* Enhanced Protection for Children: The rigorous screening process helps ensure children are placed in safe and loving homes.

* Greater support for Birth Parents: Counseling and support services empower birth parents to make informed decisions.

* Increased Transparency: The process is more transparent, reducing the risk of unethical practices.

* Strengthened Domestic Adoption: The focus on domestic adoption keeps more children within their country of origin.

* Improved Post-Adoption Support: Ongoing supervision and support services help ensure the well-being of adopted children and their families.

Practical Tips for Prospective Adoptive Parents

Navigating the new Korean adoption process requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to ethical practices