International Adoption

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The International Adoption Clinic (IAC) at MUSC Children’s Health was founded in 2004 and has served children from over 30 countries. Our clinic specializes in comprehensive medical and developmental evaluations of children adopted internationally. While most internationally adopted children do well, they may initially face unique medical, developmental, and behavioral issues that benefit from early detection and intervention. As you begin the adoption process and receive a referral, we can assist you with reviewing and interpreting your child’s medical records, past history, and developmental abilities. Our goal is to provide a risk assessment that will assist you with understanding the particular health and developmental needs of the child and the resources that may be required to meet those needs. Post-adoption , our multidisciplinary team will work with you to promote the health and development of your child as he or she adjusts to a new environment. We operate as a consultative clinic in coordination with your primary care physician to identify and treat nutritional, infectious, developmental and behavioral challenges.

Services We Offer

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  • Education and support for families
  • Pre-adoption consultation includes a full review of information received in a referral (medical records, videotapes and/or photographs) by a physician. The reviewer will communicate responses via an email or phone call. During this consultation you will have the opportunity to ask questions. This consultation also includes medical necessity or waiver letters as well as review of any updates you receive on the child prior to adoption.
  • Post-adoption clinic visit which includes a comprehensive medical, laboratory, developmental and behavioral evaluation by our multidisciplinary team. Ideally, this visit should be scheduled within 3 weeks of your child’s arrival in the U.S., but can occur at any time. The first visit is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours in duration.
  • Referral and coordination of care for specialized services
  • Long-term follow up and tracking of health and behavioral issues

Our Expertise in International Adoptions Includes

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  • Attachment and social-emotional development
  • Behavioral issues
  • Craniofacial disorders
  • Developmental issues
  • Gastroenterology
  • Global health
  • Genetics
  • Immunizations
  • Infectious diseases
  • Malnutrition
  • Neurology
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapy
  • Psychology
  • Sleep
  • Tropical medicine

Contact Us

To schedule a pre-adoption review or post-adoption clinic visit, please contact the Clinic Coordinator at 843-876-0327.