Family Creation: A Non-Judicial Perspective

2 credits · Law School

This course will focus on the role of the legislative and administrative process in intercountry adoption, wherein a child born in one country becomes part of a family in another. Intercountry adoption raises complex issues of law and policy, including those relating to the definition of family, state sovereignty, immigration and citizenship, human rights, and ethics and transparency. Not all countries participating in intercountry adoption are subject to international treaties regarding adoption and related issues. In nations where the treaties are in effect, implementation through the legislative and administrative process has been characterized by conflict and delay. At the local level, regulation of intercountry adoption through oversight of adoption agencies and adoptive families, has been uneven.