There has been no information released about the status of Korean adoption in the recent past. There appears to be no exact date as to when Korea will stop accepting prospective family applications for their adoption program. Korea has stated that in the year 2012, they will be phasing out their intercountry adoption program. They are looking to place all of their orphans through their domestic adoption program.
This adoption program still placed over 700 children in 2011. This is a large number and leads me to believe that their though their phasing out program will start this year- it will not be complete for several years while they tie up loose ends. It is difficult to see this program close its doors after the 50 year adoption history that it can claim. Yet, change is part of living and this is going to occur.
I am not certain if adoption agencies are currently accepting any applications for new families into this program. It would seem to be too late for that to occur since adoption from this country take an average of 3 years. At this point, Korea released a statement detailing their plan to eliminate the program in this year. So if the program is slated to end, I would assume that those who are in the process of adoption from this area will continue to walk in their journey and those who desired to but have not acted will hit a roadblock.
Are there any of you out there who are currently working on an adoption from Korea? I would love to hear how things are going. Adoption is an amazing piece of American history and as this era closes, there are many who would appreciate being privy to your adoption. Korean adoption shares an over 50 year adoption partnership with the United States and will be sorely missed.
At this point, Korea is still listed as open for adoption. The Joint Council has released news pertaining to Korean adoption being phased out this year. Korea is not party to the Hague Convention.
~Angie
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