Russia
Having first opened its doors to international adoption in 1993, Russia remains popular with families adopting internationally. This well established program is second only to China in international adoptions. The children who reside in orphanages, are well cared for, and generally are in good health.
Russian International Adoption Process
All Russian adoptions are processed through the Ministry of Science and Education of the Russian Federation. Before being placed with an adoptive family, the children must have been on the Russian government's database for children left without parental care for a period of 8 months.
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 Russian 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 up to 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.
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To learn more about international adoption from Russia, please contact us by filling out a contact form or call at 1-866-236-7870