re recipients, or persons convicted of a felony. For infants and babies the INS does not approve of unmarried heterosexual or homosexual couples. But, gay men and lesbians are being considered in the adoption of children older than toddlers through some private and international adoptions In addition some countries will not let women in their late thirties or early forties adopt an infant. It is important that people considering adoption be stable and sensitive and able to give a child love, understanding, and patience (Erichsen, 26-27).
             Also, adoptive parents must realize the many advantages and disadvantages of adopting a child, especially internationally. For an in-state adoption, it is very rare to get a healthy, white infant. In 1983, there was about a five year wait, then it moved to a seven year wait, then to a twelve year wait, and as of 1999 chances were almost never. The waiting period is very, very short if a handicapped child, interracial child, or a teenager or an older child is wanted, instead (Pulumbo)
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