Final answer:
The decline in international adoptions after 2004 can be attributed to stricter adoption regulations, changes in foreign countries' policies, the economic recession, and alternative paths to parenthood becoming more accessible.
Step-by-step explanation:
International adoptions in the U.S. peaked in 2004 and have declined sharply after that year due to a variety of reasons. Regulations and policies in both the U.S. and countries of origin became stricter, making the process more difficult. Furthermore, some countries that were previously major sources of adoptable children have implemented policies to encourage domestic adoption rather than international, such as Russia's ban on U.S. adoptions. Additionally, the economic recession in the late 2000s made international adoption less affordable for many American families. Lastly, changing social attitudes and improvements in reproductive technology have resulted in potential adoptive parents exploring alternative paths to parenthood. The decline in international adoptions in the U.S. after reaching their peak in 2004 can be attributed to several reasons: Stricter regulations and policies: In the years following 2004, the U.S. government implemented stricter regulations and requirements for international adoptions.
This included increased scrutiny of adoption agencies, more extensive background checks, and tighter restrictions on the countries eligible for adoption. Shift in focus to domestic adoptions: There was a growing emphasis on promoting domestic adoptions in the U.S., leading to increased efforts to find suitable homes for children within the country. This shift in focus contributed to a decrease in the demand for international adoptions. Decrease in the number of children available for adoption: Some countries that were once major sources of international adoptions implemented policies to prioritize domestic placements, resulting in fewer children being available for international adoption. Overall, these factors combined to lead to a sharp decline in international adoptions in the U.S. after 2004.