Russia

The Program

A Russian adoption is done by referral. When the first part of the dossier is ready, it will be sent to representatives in Russia where it will be translated and submitted to the local Department of Education.

Parent Eligibility

Married couples may adopt. Single women may adopt but there must be at least a 16 year age difference between the prospective parent and the prospective adoptive child. Prospective parents under 50 years old may apply for a child 3 years or younger. Older families may apply to adopt an older child. Most criminal records will disqualify you from Russian adoption. Russia also has medical requirements for adoptive parents.

Available Children

Healthy children and those with special needs, age nine months and older, are available for adoption. There are many sibling groups available of all ages.

Adoption Process

Once you accept your referral, you can travel to the country of adoption and meet the child. You will be assigned a driver and your co-ordinator. Once meeting a child personally, you will sign all required papers, and you will be notified of the court date. Since the waiting time for the court can vary, we recommend making another trip to finalize Russian adoption. We will notify you of the court date, and you will travel to finalize your adoption. You will have to go through Moscow, where a representative will help you get a visa from the US Embassy.

Travel

Both parents must travel to Russia. Two trips are required by both parents. The second trip is 1 to 2 months after the first trip. Each trip can range from 4 days to 3 weeks in length depending on the region that the child resides in.