A US couple that recently adopted a child from Samoa say a new proposed federal rule on international adoptions “may end our journey through Samoa and that of many other families.”

The US State Department has proposed to amend requirements for accreditation of agencies and approval of persons to provide adoption services in inter-country adoption cases.

The proposed rule includes a new subpart establishing parameters for U.S. accrediting entities to authorize adoption service providers who have received accreditation or approval to provide adoption services in countries designated by the Secretary of State.

The proposed rule also strengthens certain standards for accreditation and approval including those related to fees and the use of foreign providers.

In addition, the proposed rule enhances standards relating to preparation of prospective adoptive parents so that they receive more training related to the most common challenges faced by adoptive families, and are better prepared for the needs of the specific child they are adopting.

These proposed changes, according to the State Department, are intended to align the preparation of prospective adoptive parents with the current demographics of children immigrating to the United States through inter-country adoption.

Finally, the proposed rule makes the mechanism to submit complaints about adoption service providers available to complainants even if they have not first addressed their complaint directly with the adoption service provider.

However some US parents have complained that the proposed rules are adding more financial burden on the adoptive parents. For example, one couple, who filed comments yesterday, point out they are currently a family of three, having adopted their first daughter internationally in 2013.

“We have a special connection with international adoption and have chosen to begin this process again earlier this year. This time we have chosen to adopt from Samoa,” the parents wrote. “Our dossier is there and we are awaiting a sibling for our daughter [who] is now 5 and thriving and is very much aware and excited about this addition to our family.”

“We are emotionally and financially vested in Samoa and it saddens us deeply that these proposed rules may end our journey through Samoa and that of many other families,” the parents say. “We lost a match earlier this year and the pain that accompanies it especially for our daughter is almost unbearable.”

According to the couple, there are an incredible number of children throughout the world that are waiting for a loving family and home. “We cannot understand even after thoroughly reading these proposed changes why they would benefit prospective adoptive parents, the waiting children, birth parents or countries involved,” the couple wrote.

“Please reconsider and do not shut down the opportunity for these beautiful children, teenagers, etc. to have a family. We thank you for listening to our concerns and our plea for help,” they say.

Another couple that had also recently adopted a child from Samoa called on the federal government to reconsider the proposed rules as it only causes financial burden on them and others who want to adopt from Samoa and other countries.

Special details of the proposed rules on: www.regulations.gov