International Adoption Center | Cincinnati Children's

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Its simple moments like reading time that the Waller family finds joy as the six of them settle into their new life together. Doug and Brooke Waller’s journey with international adoption began when they were first serving in the United States Navy.
“As we were on active duty, we took a trip to Uganda. On that trip, we served in more orphanages and our hearts were just open to African adoption and we came off that trip knowing we have children in Africa we have got to bring home,” said Brooke Waller.
Fast forward several years when their jobs brought them to Cincinnati. The couple reached out to the International Adoption Center at Cincinnati Children’s. They had just applied to adopt their first son, Henry. A few years later, they brought home their son Teddy.
“So many times in international adoption you are unsure, you are scared, there are many things you can’t control, that’s a big lesson in international adoption you can’t control hardly anything but at least having this partnership with IAC at Cincinnati Children’s that’s one more thing that you can make sure you have a good plan in place,” said Doug Waller.
Since 1999, the International Adoption Center has guided thousands of families with their adoption journeys. Part of what makes the IAC unique is that the process begins early on.
“We are there for them before they adopted, if they are thinking about adoption, understanding how it works,” said Dr. Mary Staat, director of the International Adoption Center at Cincinnati Children’s.
Once home, the team provides comprehensive health and developmental assessments. They screen for infectious diseases, develop a plan for immunizations and recommend further testing and/or treatments. The IAC addresses not just the medical needs but also provide resources to address the emotional and mental health needs as well.
“It’s helping families grow and be supported and get the care they need,” said Dr. Staat.
Recently, the Wallers expanded their family with the addition of Joseph and Rose. Despite having moved to Arkansas, they still rely on the center.
“It’s worth coming to Cincinnati because they have a level of expertise that isn’t found in other places,” said Brooke.
Doug added, “I can’t imagine adopting internationally without the support of Cincinnati Children’s and the IAC.”
Helping families grow and get the care they need is what the IAC at Cincinnati Children’s is all about: changing the outcome together.