On Measures to Reduce Overseas Adoptions
In light of one of the basic child welfare principles that every child should be reared at home, It is regarded that adoption, a type of home protection, is the most optimal form of protection for children who need protection. Also, it is important as a follow-up function as part of social responsibility for child birth and child care. In contrast to the policy importance adoption has in this low fertility age, the Korea’s adoption environment falls short. In 2010, adoption constituted 25.6% of all protections given to children who needed protection, and 40.9% of such adoptions were overseas adoptions. The high proportion of overseas adoptions can be interpreted as shirking of responsibility for child birth and child care by society and the government, and also as human resource drain in this low fertility age.
This study aims at developing government measures to reduce overseas adoptions which will prevent unfortunate making of mothers and children who need protection and also enhance home protection for the rights of children who need such protection. The study conducts an analysis on how children who need protection are generated and what types of protection are available. It also reviews current adoption practices in the country and abroad to find out problems to be solved. Looking at the laws and regulations related to adoptions, the study examines if there are any regulatory barriers to reducing overseas adoptions and seeks measures to advance the country’s regulations regarding adoptions, prevent and enhance protection and social responsibility of children who need protection.