I am so happy to tell you that adoption from this country remains open. For over a year, I have been telling you that adoption from Korea was going to close. This is still supposed to happen. Korea is working toward moving all of their adoption needs being met incountry. When this occurs, they will remove themselves from the intercountry adoption program completely.
The good news is that while we are awaiting the news of their closure, they are still accepting applications for adoption. If you are interested in adopting from Korea, now is the time. I am afraid that as we look into 2013, we will hear of them moving forward with their plans to change their course. It seems that this is the obvious next move. In January, Korea announced that they were moving away from Intercountry adoption and looking to fill their own adoption needs. They will do this by utilizing a foster care style. At this point, Korea has many children available. These children area housed in very well kept orphanages and foster care situations. This has developed the program further and given the children a better chance. I love this.
Korea has been a long-standing adoption partner to the United States. They have developed their adoption program with grace and are now choosing to utilize their own to meet the need. Though it is difficult for those of us involved in the adoption world, it is actually amazing. There was a time that Korea would not have had the resources to meet this need in such a manner.
Again, I cannot stress enough, if you are interested in adopting from Korea- now is the time. The window of opportunity is closing and once it is closed, it will not reopen. I will continue to monitor the adoption relationship and keep you up to date on any changes. Korea is not party to the Hague Convention. They do not hold to its statutes. They are looking to end their intercountry adoption program in 2012. At this point, we have not heard the exact date on that closing.
~Angie
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