In researching illegal practices in intercountry adoptions in 2012, ISS uncovered multiple forms of abuses and poor practices in cases of intercountry adoption spanning 50 countries and 30 years. Because illegality in intercountry adoption is so widespread, ISS has received many requests for support from adoptees, adoptive parents, and professionals alike. To address these needs, ISS has developed a handbook for professionals working in the adoption field that provides guidance on how to respond when illegal practices have been identified in an adoption case. The handbook outlines potential legal, psychosocial, social and political responses for professionals and includes personal testimonies, case studies, and promising practices. The handbook concludes with future considerations, lessons learned, and recommendations for professionals in the field.
