International Adoption from Russia
Information and Requirements for Adoptive Parents
The country of Russia lies on two continents -- Europe and Asia -- spans eleven time zones, and has a population of over 145 million people. Due to the shear vastness of the country, it has a wide-range of climates- polar temperatures and permafrost in the northern regions, heat and humidity in the southern coastal areas.
Russia Not Party to the Hague Adoption Convention
The Russian Federation chose not enter into the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption that went into effect on April 1, 2008, therefore, adoption processing in Russia remains unchanged.
Children Available for Adoption
There is an overwhelming number of children who are in need of adoptive homes, with the numbers reaching well into the hundreds of thousands. Many of these children reside in institutions, and the number increases dramatically every year.
Since Russia is so rich in cultural heritage, the children vary greatly in the appearance -- ranging from a fair complexion with blonde hair and blue eyes to olive skin tone, Eurasian features and dark hair.
Russia’s Requirements for Adoptive Parents
Russia’s requirements for adoption are fairly short in comparison to many other countries; however, adoption agencies also have their own set of guidelines. If the adoptive parents find that they meet the country requirements, and yet are disqualified from a particular agency, don’t be afraid to shop around.
- Both married couples and single persons may adopt. If single, the prospective adoptive parents must be at least 16 years older than the child.
- There are no residency requirements.
Russia also has a lengthy list of medical requirements. Some of the medical conditions that may disqualify one from adopting are:
- Tuberculosis (TB)- active and chronic
- Illness of internal organs and nervous system- diabetes, epilepsy, etc.
- Dysfunction of the limbs- multiple sclerosis, quadriplegia, etc.
- Infectious disease- AIDS, Hepatitis C, etc.
- Alcohol or Drug Addiction
- Psychiatric disorder- bipolar, depression, etc.
- Any disability that prevents a person from working
Travel Requirements
Two trips to Russia are required. For the first trip, only one adoptive parent is expected to travel, though it is usually recommended that both travel. The average stay in country is generally a week.
Both parents, if a couple, are required to travel for the second trip. This typically occurs two to three months after the first trip. The average stay for the second trip is two to three weeks. The length of time can very because the judge has the option of enforcing a ten day waiting period. When this occurs, the adoption is granted, but court papers are not issued to the family until after the waiting period has expired.
Adoption Expenses
Adopting from Russia is expensive. Since the adoptive parents are required to travel twice, the total cost of the adoption can reach $40,000 or more. Agency fees vary greatly, with an average of between $9,000- $25,000, not including travel. Ask the agency for a detailed break down of their fees and when payment is due.
Post-Adoption Requirements
Russia requires four formal post-adoption reports at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months. Once the reports have all been received, the court decree then becomes final. Occasionally, an additional report will be requested in the event of a major, life-changing event within the family.
Though Russian law excludes many prospective adoptive parents with its rigid medical requirements, those in good health will find that the remaining requirements are few and easily met. Russia’s rich cultural heritage, and the vast number of children available for adoption is, perhaps, what makes Russia such a popular choice for adoptive families.
References:
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Related Articles:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Adoption
The Financial Aspect of Adopting
