The quality of medical information given to prospective intercountry adopters in England

Abstract

Poor quality medical information adds to the risks associated with intercountry adoption. Other receiving countries acknowledge this more readily than the UK. All have to tackle the problems posed by inadequate reports and most insist on further assessment of the child on arrival. This article comprises a retrospective review of 120 medical reports from 23 countries written about children matched with adopters from IAC-the Centre for Adoption (registered as the Intercountry Adoption Centre) between April 2010 and November 2014. The quality and quantity of medical information varied widely but was generally inadequate. Most reports consisted of an isolated, single physical examination. There was incomplete screening for important medical conditions, inadequate medical histories and virtually no assessment of development. The reports for special needs children and adolescents were particularly concerning. In almost all cases, there was a lack of the essential information needed by adopters in order to make an informed decision about the suitability of the match. All intercountry adopted children, regardless of their country of origin, need the involvement of an experienced medical adviser in the matching process and should have a comprehensive paediatric health assessment after placement. This should be carried out on the NHS and be free to parents, as it is in Northern Ireland. The number of children concerned is small but their needs are important, particularly as they are disadvantaged compared to domestic adoptees.