After steadily increasing for 15 years, foreign adoptions dropped sharply in 2006. Some of this is attributed to many nations reforming their child welfare systems and focusing more on domestic adoptions.

"Adoptions from China, the No. 1 source of children since 2000, fell 18 percent. Adoptions from Russia, the No. 2 source over the previous six years, dropped about 20 percent to a 10-year low."

Though regulations have tightened, foreign adoption is still a viable option for many Americans, and the new regulations in many nations will decrease the waiting time for those who still qualify. Read more at ChicagoTribune.com.

Posted By: Lori S