Children born in the countries of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe are now a main source of international adoptions in the United States. Infants and young children constitute the majority of adopted children. Young children reared in institutional settings may experience increased medical problems, a lack of appropriate interaction with caregivers, and language, cognitive, and motor abnormalities that clearly place them at risk. This article reviews the current status and issues related to the development of young children adopted from Eastern Europe. These issues are considered in light of their potentially deleterious effects on child and family development and functioning. Implications for research and intervention are discussed to address the complex needs and challenges presented by internationally adopted children.
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