During the Chaos of War: U.S. Adoptions and Risks for Unaccompanied Ukrainian Refugee Children

Karen S Rotabi-Casares, Patricia F Fronek, Justin S Lee

The adoption of Ukrainian children, by U.S. citizens, is examined as the Ukrainian government ceases adoptions of children during the chaos of war. Intercountry adoption dynamics are presented with data from 2021, prior to the conflict in 2022. Then, the situation regarding child rights and the official Ukrainian government position are considered. Implications for guardianship and foster care of unaccompanied refugee minors are presented along with other critical risks to Ukrainian children living in another country. Implications for social work practice are concluded and child rights advocacy is encouraged as a macro intervention.

During the chaos of war: US adoptions and risks for unaccompanied Ukrainian refugee children