Dillon International has worked diligently for the past 51 years finding secure, loving families for over 7,000 children from a dozen different countries. Holding firm to our core belief that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing family and thrive in life, we walked alongside families and adoptees through many seasons of life long after the adoption was completed. Times have changed, and we are facing a new reality.
Intercountry adoptions have been steadily decreasing for the past two decades. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of State Annual Report on Intercountry Adoption there has been a 93% decrease in the number of intercountry adoptions to the United States since the number peaked in 2004. Nobody truly knows all the factors that fused to create this reality, but there are some dynamics that are certainly impacting this trend such as sustained economic growth and a rise in domestic adoptions in foreign countries, fewer children being abandoned, shrinking stigmas regarding single parenthood and special needs, and stricter regulations.
Although there are undoubtedly still children in this world who need families, Dillon International’s Board of Directors made the difficult decision to discontinue providing adoption services. The ever-declining number of intercountry adoptions combined with the increasing costs of maintaining Hague accreditation were primary factors considered in the decision. Dillon has made numerous efforts to find a way to continue our 51-year mission, but sadly the endeavors were unsuccessful.
This means that after September 30, 2023 Dillon International will no longer provide adoption services, home study services, and post-placement/post-adoption supervision services. At this time, the Board of Directors is carefully considering different options for Dillon’s Lifetime Support Services department.
We recognize that this may leave you with many unanswered questions. For many of you, your relationship with Dillon goes far beyond completing an adoption with our agency. At this time, we want to assure you that staff are focused and dedicated to planning for a smooth transition of all current adoptive families to partner agencies, preparing files to ensure maximum accessibility, and reviewing options for Lifetime Support Services.
Dillon will be sending an update with solidified plans by the end of September. During this time of planning, we ask that you refrain from submitting new inquiries regarding file copy, birth search, heritage camps and tours, support groups, or counseling until we have more definitive answers.
We appreciate all of the support we have received over the years, and we count it a blessing to be a part of so many amazing families’ stories.