Adopting a Child from Russia

Adopting a Child from Russia

Adoptable children in Russia span from six months to six years and beyond.  Most of the adoptable children in Russia experience delayed growth and development as a result of their institutional upbringing.  Once these children are placed in a nurturing family environment, they quickly recover and regain their well-being.  There is a diverse range of ethnicities, including Asian, Gypsy, Mediterranean, and Caucasian.  There is a wide selection of children of both genders, with a slightly higher number of boys than girls.  Russian children will be placed on the adoption list for a duration of six months before being eligible for international adoption.  By following this approach, they increase their chances of being adopted by a Russian family.  A significant number of children in Russian orphanages are born from teenage pregnancies, although a minority are genuine orphans.  Some individuals are present due to financial constraints preventing their families from providing care.

The stability of the Russian adoption program has made it the second most popular choice for Americans looking to adopt.  In 2005, a total of 4,639 Russian children were adopted by American families.  In 2005, the Russian Government initiated a comprehensive evaluation of international adoption protocols, with anticipated modifications on the horizon.  Agency fees can vary, but typically fall within the range of $19,900 to $25,500.  This does not encompass travel, immigration filing, visa, document preparation, or document collection.

To initiate a Russian adoption, it is advisable to select an agency specializing in Russian adoptions or international adoptions.  To enhance your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, it is recommended that you conduct thorough research on various agencies. Consider requesting information packets from the agencies that align with your interests.  In Russia, adoption is limited to married couples or single women.  It is widely believed that the woman assumes the role of the primary caregiver.  After selecting an agency, you can start your journey towards a Russian adoption.  The typical duration for completing the Russian adoption process is approximately nine months.  Begin by conducting a home study.  The home study serves as a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the social worker regarding the prospective adoptive parents.  After completing the home study, the next step is to finalize the Dossier.  This is the necessary paperwork mandated by the Russian Government.

Before getting your paperwork notarized for your dossier, it is important to inquire about the expiration date of the notary's commission.  In order to comply with most countries' regulations, it is necessary for the notary's commission to remain valid for a duration of at least one year beyond the date on which they witness a signature.  Once all the necessary paperwork has been collected and notarized, your agency will proceed to send it for translation and notarization in Russia. Subsequently, the agency will submit the translated and notarized documents to the Russian authorities.

When your agency determines that a child is ready for adoption, they will promptly notify you that a referral is awaiting your attention.  In April 2000, Russia implemented new regulations requiring adopting parents to personally receive their referrals, along with a picture and travel information, before the Russian Ministry on Education.  When you receive your referral, it is important to ensure that it includes a video recording of the child as well as any relevant medical information pertaining to the child.  If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with the referral, it is essential for your agency to collaborate with you until your satisfaction is achieved.  Once you are content with your referral, your agency will reach out to the Russian authorities to initiate the document preparation process for the child's adoption.  Once the necessary paperwork is completed, our agency will promptly reach out to you to provide details about your departure date and any essential travel information you may require.  Once you accept a referral, families will need to make two trips to Russia.  Adoptive children typically become ready for adoption within a span of six months after being matched with a family.  Typically, trip one spans a duration of five to seven days.  Typically, the referral is processed approximately one month after acceptance.

Typically, families tend to wait for a period of two to four months before embarking on their second trip.  The typical duration of the second trip is approximately ten days.  The adopted child can return home within ten days following the court hearing.  Having a good relationship with your facilitator in Russia can greatly benefit you if you plan to adopt from Russia again in the future. 

Adoption of Children by Same-Sex Couples

For individuals in same-sex partnerships seeking to start a family, adoption is among the available options. The legal status of same-sex adoption can be unclear and confusing due to variations between states in the U.S. and across different countries.

One type of adoption within the same-sex community is commonly referred to as "second parent adoption." This legal process allows one partner to adopt the biological or adoptive child of their partner while preserving the parental rights of both parents. In theory, a single parent from a same-sex partnership could potentially adopt a child. Then, both partners have the opportunity to legally adopt the same child, effectively establishing a parental relationship for each partner with the child. This process is not applicable in the states of Florida or Utah. The first policy prohibits adoption by individuals who identify as homosexual, while the second policy restricts adoption to only those in legally recognized marriages, excluding cohabiting couples. Surprisingly, adoption is possible for single individuals in Utah. 

Same-sex second parent adoption is legally allowed in several states and Washington, D.C., including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. In the remaining 38 states, the legal landscape surrounding adoption by same-sex couples is unclear. As civil unions and same-sex marriages gain prominence as a social issue, it is likely that the legal status surrounding them will become clearer in the near future.

The limited discussion surrounding same-sex adoption can be attributed to its recent emergence as a social concern, particularly in the public sphere. Another reason for the controversy surrounding this subject is its frequent portrayal as a controversial topic. This topic sparks intense debate, with strong viewpoints on both sides.

There are individuals who raise moral objections to gay adoption. They believe that homosexuality is inherently immoral, therefore they consider adoption by homosexuals to be immoral as well. Some individuals may hold the belief that same-sex couples may not be as effective as traditional heterosexual parents in terms of their parenting abilities. The American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with other organizations, support the notion that homosexual couples possess the same parenting abilities as heterosexual couples.

Some individuals express concerns about the potential impact of being raised by a same-sex couple on a child's sexual orientation and overall welfare. According to research findings, there is no correlation between the sexual orientation of parents and that of their children. Additionally, children raised by same-sex couples exhibit similar levels of overall well-being when compared to other measures. Additionally, according to a study conducted by UCLA, it has been estimated that the United States could incur an annual cost ranging from $87 million to $120 million by prohibiting adoption by LGBT couples. According to researchers, same-sex couples are more likely to adopt children that heterosexual couples may not consider, including older children, children with behavioral challenges, and children who are HIV positive. If these children remain unadopted, the foster care system bears the financial burden of their care, depleting government funds.

Same-sex adoption is a topic that continues to generate controversy, although there has been notable progress in this area. For same-sex couples considering adoption, it is highly recommended to thoroughly research the adoption laws applicable in their region and explore available adoption opportunities.