Russian Orphanages

Orphans of Russia

The children who are available for adoption from Russia have either been orphaned or abandoned by their parents. “These orphans have been abandoned to the state at a rate of more than 100,000 per year.” (source: Human Rights Watch)

All orphans are placed on a National Registry for 6 months. During this duration, any family member may visit the child. If a family member does so, the 6-month waiting period recommences. It is common for Russian orphans to have developmental delays, an effect of institutional care. Siblings and children with special needs are also prevalent in Russian orphanages.

The quality of care varies drastically among orphanages and is directly related to the physical and psychological health of the children. W orld Partners Adoption, Inc. recommends reading literature available on the problems associated with institutionalization when adopting a child from Russia . ( sources: www.worldpartnersadoption.org and Spence Chapin ).

In many cases in Russia , the parents of the orphans have no means of supporting their children, as they themselves are starving. These factors have forced thousands of families to make the unfathomable decision to abandon or give up their children.

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Russia is open to US adoptions.

Children available for adoption include boys and girls (generally, more boys than girls are readily available for adoption in Russia), sibling groups, and children with special needs ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years , depending upon the adoption agency you select. These children reside in orphanages commonly referred to as, “Desky Doms.”

Couples wishing to adopt a Russian child must complete a home study course, a criminal clearance, a medical report, proof of residence, along with other forms . There are some age restrictions which limit adopting couples, including the couple must be older than 25. If you are over 40 years old, the child referred to you will be over 2 years old .

Front Gate Samara Orphanage # 1

A couple must provide proof of marriage for a period of no less than a year. Couples over 50 may not be considered for an infant in most regions.

Read a couple's adoption journals for two Russian adoptions. http://www.ehlers-family.com

Travel required: Yes, two trips are required. Both spouses are usually required to make both trips, although some exceptions may be made depending upon a child ' s region. The first trip lasts 6 or 7 days when you’ll meet the child and file the formal petition to adopt. The second trip varies between 1 to 3 weeks, during which time the parents appear in court to finalize the adoption, and visit the U.S. Embassy for their child ' s visa. ( sources: Wide Horizons, Spence Chapin, and www.oneworldadoptions.org)

Singles accepted: Yes (*prefer single women over 25).

Other:A dossier is required and families must also file for INS approval before a referral of a child can be made.

If you are interested in adopting from Russia, please contact one of these adoption agencies which have programs in Russia.

Spence Chapin, www.spence-chapin.org

Villa Hope International Adoption, www.villahope.org

Adoptions and Aid International, www.russianadoption.com

Adoption Miracle International, www.adoptionmiracle.org

Christian World Adoption, www.cwa.org/index.htm

Dove Adoptions International, www.adoptions.net

Eurasian Adoption Services, www.eurasianadoption.org

Little Miracles International Adoption, www.littlemiracles.org

One World Adoption Services, www.oneworldadoptions.org

Wide Horizons For Children, www.whfc.org

If you are a nonprofit adoption agency working in Russia and would like to be added to the list above, please contact us.

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