Armenia: Country and Program Overview
The ancient and historically significant country of Armenia borders Azerbaijan, Republic of Georgia and Turkey. The climate is similar to the southeastern section of the United States. The terrain is rocky and dry, as evidenced by the architecture and striking structural use of stone. Armenia is the first nation to adopt Christianity as the national faith. The primary Church is the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenians are physically beautiful people with creamy fair to dark olive complexion, dark hair and dark eyes.
Current Status
Partners for Adoption will make sure your adoption from Armenia is seamless, from homestudy through placement, when you work with us in collaboration with our partner agency, Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc. For more information please contact us or Hopscotch directly at www.hopscotchadoptions.org.
Children Available
The children range in age from birth to 12 years. Referrals are made after a 3 month government registry period has expired. Children or infants abandoned at birth must remain on a government registration for a period of 6 months. Children are made known and referred by the Ministry of Social Services. Eligible children reside in orphanages and the care is noted as good with regular growth and developmental updates provided.
Parent Requirements
Married couples and single women of any heritage are eligible to apply for healthy infants or other healthy children as well. Twins, siblings or single children can be adopted, but two unrelated children cannot through this program. Families of any faith back ground can now adopt from Armenia successfully. Applicant family size should be no more than 2-3 children presently in the home. While there is no law requiring a specific income for an applicant family, speak to Hopscotch further about this PM committee bias to learn more. Each applicant must complete an additional application, specific to Armenian adoption, to be approved into this program.
Program and Process
Upon collection of required documents, your completed dossier is sent to Armenia and translated into Eastern Armenian. Your dossier is hand-delivered to the special committee on adoptions under the government of Armenia’s Prime Minister’s office. The first PM approval takes approximately 1-2 months.
Upon the first approval, a search can begin for a suitable referral. Once the child is identified, brief information will be provided about the child’s health. Your referral will consist of three to five photographs plus a brief medical and social history.
An official acceptance take place when your referral has been evaluated by an International Adoption Specialist or other medically experienced service. Upon acceptance of your referral, one parent may wish to make a four business day trip to Armenia to file acceptance papers within the Municipality where the child resides.
Next, the child’s documents and your dossier begin the final approval process. This process takes approximately 3-5 months. Finally, your case moves to the PM office for a final approval. This process takes between 1-2 months and you will be then notified to travel to Armenia to begin the process of completing your adoption.
Approximately 2 weeks later, you may travel to Armenia to attend court. If married and only one parent travels, a Power of Attorney is provided. There is a 30-day wait following court. After the 30-day wait, the court decree is issued and the finalization process will begin and conclude in approximately 9-11 days.
Approximate stay in Armenia is 38-45 days or 2 shorter trips of 4 business days and 9-11 additional days after the court decree is issued.
You will be met at the airport by our in-country team and reside in a private host apartment. You will be assisted every step of the way with an English-speaking representative. In-country services include a private apartment, transportation, nanny, translator and all necessary appointments made on your behalf. Sightseeing is optional, but we hope you take full advantage of coming to know and love Armenia.
Fees
Contact Hopscotch directly for a current fee schedule.