World Links was the first American international adoption agency to receive NGO registration in Russia. Currently, just like every other agency, we are waiting to receive our accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

According to the Russian Family Code, international adoptions can be completed through the accredited agency or a family may pursue the adoption on their own (independent adoption). However, regional officials may vary on whether or not they permit independent families to complete an adoption in a particular region.

Having first opened its doors to international adoption in 1993, Russia remains popular with families adopting internationally. This program is second only to China in international adoptions.

The following describes Russian international adoption procedures in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation:

All Russian international adoptions are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science. Children are registered on the government's database for children left without parental care for eight (8) months before being placed with a family for adoption internationally.

Families wishing to adopt from Russia are required to have a Homestudy, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approval, and a compilation of documents called a dossier. Once your dossier is reviewed by officials, you will be registered as a prospective adoptive family. As soon as a referral becomes available, you will have the opportunity to travel to Russia to meet the child. This first trip can last approximately 1 week.

During your first trip you will have the opportunity to discuss medical and background issues with the child's social worker and orphanage doctor. You may also use the services of an international adoption specialist.

Once you accept the referral, you will return home while the court hearing is being scheduled. Generally there is 8-10 weeks between trips. Both parents will need to be present at the court hearing. This trip for the court hearing can be 2 and 1/2 weeks, or can be broken down into 2 short trips of approximately 5-6 days each.

Your adoption is finalized in the Russian court. Once the adoption is finalized, Russian law requires families to register the adoption with the Russian Consulate. In addition, families are required to present 4 post placement reports in the first three years after the court date.

To learn more about this program, please contact us by filling out a contact form or call at 1-866-236-7870