Preadoption opportunities for pediatric providers.

International adoption pairs the most vulnerable and high-risk pediatric population with the lowest risk parent group. International adoption also presents unique and rewarding challenges for primary care pediatricians. After receiving information from the medical reviewer, a parent must determine whether or not this child is "their child." The position of the medical reviewer is to provide the family with as much information as possible about the health status of the child by explaining the terminology in the report and assessing the photograph or videotape. It is also the reviewer's job to guide the parent's expectations of the adoption by explaining the inherent differences in the development of children in institutions. In the preadoption phase, we must remember that our ultimate goal is to aid in the permanent placement of a child with a family that has realistic expectations and is well prepared to aid that child to reach his or her fullest potential.