What kind of value differences exist between Asian and Western cultures that affect views regarding adoption?

Most Asian cultures place far more value on the family as a whole rather than individual members of the family. All decisions regarding family and children within the family are of paramount importance. Decisions to be made for any individual will reflect on the family on the whole. If adoption is to be accepted, it must be viewed as an honorable act, one that will bring honor to the entire family.

Another important aspect of Asian culture is the significance of one's ancestors. Ancestors are often revered and worshipped. At the very least, lineage is extremely significant. If non-relative adoption occurs, the adopted child cannot share in the lineage of the family. Without shared lineage, reduced commitment to the adopted child as a member of the family may result.

Historically, what happened to children in need of homes?

Historically, children who could not be raised by their birth parents were sent to relatives and raised by them. If the children were orphaned, then there was little or no shame associated with their "adoption." If, on the other hand, the child was the product of an illegitimate affair, there was great shame and stigma. In these cases, children were usually given to poor relations in some far-away province, where they were less visible. Still, these families were taking care of their own. Even more problematic are children of mixed ethnicity, meaning both Amerasian children and children of two Asian ethnicities. These children have traditionally been considered the least desirable and are often the ones who ended up in the few existing Asian orphanages. Except in a war-torn country, children who end up in an orphanage are seen as the least desirable of all children. If no one in their extended family wants them, then there must be something really wrong with them. Why would any honorable family want to include such a child in their family, thus bringing the child's dishonor to their own family?

What are some of the special considerations that Asian families considering adoption must address?

Asian families are usually interested in adopting children from their homeland if they have a sense that they are completing an altruistic act. Often, the law, policies and procedures of adoption are completely unknown to Asian families, and the professionals working with families must be very aware of their role as educators first rather than authorities or judges. This awareness is more easily accomplished if the adoption professional is the same ethnicity as the prospective adoptive family. It is important to explore the very concrete aspects of adoption and the adoption process rather than focusing too much on more global adoption issues. If a family is struggling with the concept and commitment of legal adoption, it is often a mistake to try to encourage them to think about inter-ethnic adoption. Emphasis must be placed on the honorable aspect of both adopting a child and placing a child for adoption; this way the child can be held in positive esteem by both birth and adoptive families.

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