As the US marches past its first year of being a Hague Country, we are able to better evaluate and outline the criteria making adoption programs desirable for our families. Recently we have met with several officials from the Department of State and the USCIS and discussed provisions and regulations of the convention, and we are fully confident offering this program to our families.

Latvian authorities respect and uphold the spirit and the letter of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption and are working in the best interest of children. In accordance with the standards of the Convention, and coinciding with our own commitment to transparency, this program offers clear and defined understanding of the process and includes governmental checks and balances throughout the stages of the process.

Overall, Latvian adoption program is a wonderful opportunity for parents looking to adopt from a Convention Country.

We are accepting applications for this program.

CHILDREN:
until December 31, 2010 Latvian Ministry Of Welfare will only accept foreign adoption cases for adoption of:

three or more siblings;

children over the age of 9; children, who were diagnosed with serious diseases or with severe health (mental/physical development) interferences;

Direct quote form Latvia Ministry of Welfare “children, about whom orphan's court has made a decision about adoption to foreign countries and for whom it was not possible to find foreign adopters (in accordance with the adoption applications which already are submitted in the Ministry) and about whom the information is given at the Ministry`s web page.”

There may be some special considerations, but Latvian authorities review those situations on a case by case basis.

PARENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Age Requirements: Latvia does not have any age requirements for intercountry adoptions.
• Marriage Requirements: Both single individuals and married couples are eligible to adopt.
• Income Requirements: Latvia does not have any income requirements for intercountry adoptions.

REFERRAL TIME: You should receive a referral within 9 to 12 months after your documents are registered in the country.

ADOPTION PROCESS
Because Latvia is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Latvia must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements.

1.Complete the dossier

2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt

3. Be Matched with a Child by Latvian Authorities

4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States

5. Adopt the Child in Latvia

6. Bring your Child Home

ASSOCIATED EXPENSES:

Homestudy fees:

Homestudy fee is $1500, document expertise fee is $500.
If your Homestudy is prepared by another agency World Links charges $650 Review and Approval fee.

Adoption expenses in the United States:

Apostillization of your documents	Depends on state; ranges from FREE to $25 per document.
USCIS approval	$670, plus $80 per every household member over the age of 18 for fingerprinting.
FBI clearances	$18 per every household member over the age of 18
State criminal clearance	Depends on state
Sexual abuse clearances	Depends on state
Medical exam	Your medical practitioner's standard fees.
Child's immigration visa	US Embassy charges $400 per visa
Child Medical (this is a requirement of the US Embassy	US Embassy approved clinic chargers about $125 per child for evaluation, varies with age

Foreign country program expenses:

Application Fee: $250

Agreement Fee: $1200

Agency Fee: $2600

Case Management Fee: $2600

Program Management Fee: $3600

Translation and Legalization in Latvia: $1550

Legal and Professional Services in Latvia: $4000

Other services, such as preparation of the documents in order to obtain approval for foreign adoption, preparation, obtaining and filing documents, required by the country of origin: $850

Post Adoption Report Processing Fee: $250 per report per child

Estimated Travel and Accommodation: approximately $7500, but will vary depending on the hotel you choose to stay in Latvia, airfare preferences, and other personal preferences for travel and entertainment.

Total Expected Fees and Expenses for Latvian program: $24,550.