The International Adoption Program (IAP) of the Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Institute and Children's Hospital provides comprehensive care to internationally adopted children.
Based in the Department of General Pediatrics, the IAP offers a wide range of specialized services, including:
- Pre- and post-adoption evaluations
- Ongoing primary care
- Multidisciplinary team evaluations of physical, developmental,
behavioral and educational needs
- Referrals to medical subspecialists, as needed
Whether you live within or outside Northeast Ohio, our team of specialists is available for evaluation and consultation.
Pre-Adoption Consultations
Transitioning a child from orphanage or foster care in another country requires sensitivity,
insight and preparation. We believe that the Pre-Adoption Consultation is the best way to prepare parents for the unique challenges and joys of international adoption.
You can request a Pre-Adoption Consultation from our IAP using the eCleveland Clinic MyConsult remote access second opinion medical service. MyConsult allows you to consult an experienced international adoption specialist from the comfort and privacy of home, and streamlines the evaluation of your child's health records, photos and videotapes.
Pre-Adoption Consultations include:
- Immediate review of your child's medical records, photos and videotapes
- Interpretation of medical terminology
- Assessing growth
- Outlining developmental and behavioral expectations
- A pre-travel consultation to help you plan for medical, developmental,
feeding, sleeping, or other issues that may arise
- Adoption resources
Pre-Adoption Evaluation through eCleveland Clinic
For a full list of services and fees for adoption consultations, visit eCleveland Clinic Pre-Adoption Consultation, call 800.223.2273 ext. 43223, or fax your request to 216.445.6911.
Post-Adoption Evaluations
Dr. Elaine Schulte, Director of the International Adoption Program, will examine and evaluate your child within seven to 10 days of your arrival home. She will conduct the screening recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and provide all needed immunizations.
Post-adoption services include:
- A thorough physical examination, and a history review (to the extent available)
- Review of any new medical information
- Review of immunization status
- Assessment of infectious disease risks
- Assessment of developmental status
- Diagnostic tests or referrals to specialists, if needed
Ongoing Primary Care
Dr. Schulte is available to provide ongoing primary pediatric care, including:
- Well-child and urgent care
- Urgent calls to medical staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation
If needed, your child may be evaluated by the multidisciplinary IAP team. Led by Dr. Schulte, the team includes a speech pathologist, physical and occupational therapists, developmental pediatrician, behavioral medicine expert, neuropsychologist, and educational consultant.
The IAP team will provide ongoing evaluation of your child's development. We will be available as your child matures throughout school, to ensure that any special learning needs are fully supported.
Referrals to Pediatric Medical Specialists
Cleveland Clinic's Children's Hospital offers care in all pediatric medical subspecialties. When necessary, the IAP can refer your child for additional assessments and care to our specialists in Pediatric Infectious Disease, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Ophthalmology and other areas.
Most insurance companies cover post-adoption evaluation and primary care.
Check with your insurer.
How to Contact Us
To contact the International Adoption Program, please call 216.445.3033 or
800.CCF.CARE, ext. 53033.
