Introduction to IKAA
International Korean Adoptee Associations (IKAA) is the first and only international network of intercountry adoptee associations. The founding members are Korean adoptee associations from Europe and the United States. However, in terms of representation at The Hague Conference and promotion of international Post Adoption Services, IKAA also embraces
other intercountry adoptees. The network was officially established in 2004, but all the founding associations have been in existence for over 10 years.

The foundation of IKAA is a natural, yet a unique response to the growing international movement of the adoptee communities in recent years. It has become clear, as organisations, we experience the same type of requests and needs among adoptees. Over the years the associations have developed similar tools and services to assist adoptees. In many respects, IKAA represents Post Adoption Services in action. The goal of IKAA is to share information and experiences, identify needs for Post Adoption Services and outline a strategy to improve the services provided to adoptees. It is also our goal to carry out joint projects, reach out to other intercountry adoptee groups and to co-operate with other entities in the adoption field.

IKAA fully supports the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption and the ongoing efforts to protect the rights of the adopted children and adults. We also strongly encourage all countries of origin and receiving countries that have not yet ratified the Convention to do so in order to ensure that
intercountry adoption follows the highest possible standards.

Korean Adoptee Associations as pioneers in the Post Adoption Services field
Korean adoptees constitute the oldest and largest group of intercountry adoptees. It is estimated that there are about 150.000 – 200.000 Korean adoptees in North America, Europe and Australia. Today, many of them have become adults and are expressing thoughts about their adoption experiences. Moreover, based on a shared interest in their country of origin, Korean adoptees have established peer groups – adoptee associations.

The oldest of its kind is the Swedish Adopted Koreans’ Association, founded in 1986. Since then, associations have been formed in Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Norway, Switzerland, and throughout the United States. What Korean Adoptee Associations provide Korean Adoptee Associations offer services such as mentorship, counselling regarding search for birth family, access to birth culture and travel guidance, responding to racism, counselling regarding relation to the adoptive family.

The advantages of Korean adoptee associations are:
• Peer support (shared experiences/culture/race and shared social context)
• Day to day contact with a large number of adoptees
• Non-profit services (volunteer associations)

But this is not enough…
For a number of years we have experienced that more and more adult adoptees and adoptive families contact us. They need information and various Post Adoption Services. However, it is not possible for us to assist everybody that express interest, nor do we have the resources to provide professional counselling. To improve this situation it is imperative that Central Authorities are more open to collaborate with IKAA in responding to the needs of adoptees, adoptees’ families and adoptive families. According to the Hague Convention all receiving countries are required to provide Post Adoption Services.

“Central authorities shall take, directly or through public authorities or other bodies duly accredited in their State, all appropriate measures, in particular to –c) Promote the development of adoption counselling and post-adoption services in their state.” (The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, article 9C, 1993). Despite this requirement, the services provided by Central Authorities do not at all meet the present needs of adoptees and adoptive families. Often the services provided by Central authorities are not specialised Post Adoption Services but merely general services that are not sensitive towards adoption related issues.

The consequence of this neglect is that an unknown number of adoptees and adoptive families do not receive the services they need and are entitled to. Qualified intervention at the right time will facilitate healthier families and more successful adoptee lives. As a conclusion, we urge the parties of The Hague Convention to specify the minimum requirements of Post Adoption Services in order to assist receiving countries in defining and implementing more specialised Post Adoption Services. Suggestions to specification of Post Adoption Services IKAA’s suggestions for minimum requirements of Post Adoption Services are as follows:

• Collection of knowledge and experiences:
Knowledge and experiences are not systematically collected but scattered among different groups, authorities and others. Centralization is needed to enhance the promotion and accessibility of information.
• Research:
There is a great lack of qualified research on adult adoptees. Research aimed at this group could provide a clearer picture of the problems that adoptees may face. The results would be useful for developing adequate Post Adoption Services.
• Counselling:
Access to inexpensive psychological counselling/therapy for adoptees (children as well as adults) and adoptive families. It could be solving conflicts in the adoptive family due to attachment related problems, problems with social adaptation, low self-esteem, lack of the possibility for mirroring, identity confusion, dealing with grief, relation to biological roots, problems initiated by meeting birth family etc.
• Education:
Education of social workers, therapists, doctors, nurses, teachers and others who are likely to deal with intercountry adoptees.
• Supporting forums/networks for adoptees of the same ethnic background:
The existing adoptee associations have proven their value for adoptees. To enhance their activity and to support new initiatives are of great value.
• Search for birth family/access to files:
Access to thorough information on background, photos, letters, health information etc. Assistance to clarify legal matters. Assistance in establishing contact to the right authorities or organisations that can help facilitate the search.