Our Russian Adoption Program
Russian Adoption Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the children?
Russian children become eligible for intercountry adoption at the age of nine months and children up through school-age may be adopted.
How do I start the adoption process?
In order to start an international adoption from Russia, contact us for more information and we will explain the adoption process. The first step is to apply to the Agency and be approved to adopt.
How long will the process take?
To a large extent, the overall time frame of your adoption depends on you. It is up to you to begin and complete a homestudy and apply for and receive USCIS clearance. In general, completing the homestudy, dossier papers and USCIS clearance takes 2-4 months. The current wait for a referral after submitting your paperwork and being registered in a region is approximately 3-6 months for a boy, and 8-14 months for a girl.
Who will help us during our stay in Russia?
While in Russia, our clients are provided with around the clock support from our in-country coordinators, regarding all adoption procedures, living arrangements, and help with their children. Families will always have a personal translator and driver who will make sure you are comfortable during your time in the country. PFA families will never be alone during their stay.
Who can adopt from Russia?
Married couples as well as single women may adopt from Russia. Age requirements vary from region to region. Please contact our office for more details.
Where do the children live?
Children reside in government-run orphanages throughout many regions in Russia.
Can I adopt more than one child at the same time?
Yes, siblings are available for adoption. It is also possible to adopt two unrelated children at the same time in Russia.
How many children will be presented to me?
The Russian government presents families with one referral at a time. The referral will be presented prior to travel. Families will be able to review photos and medical information and consult with an intercountry adoption doctor before choosing to travel. Please see “step four- Child Referral” for more details.
Russia Adoption Program Overview
Step One: Getting to Know Us
The first step in adopting from Russia is for you to request our introductory packet here (http://www.partnersforadoption.org/intropack.shtml/). After reading about our Russian adoption program, please contact our office to talk more about your adoption plans. If you decide to proceed with our Russian adoption program, the next step will be to send in your application and Retainer Agreement.
Step Two: Completing the Adoption Dossier and Homestudy
Once you sign up for our Russian adoption program, you will be assigned a dossier specialist who will help you through each requirement of the Russian adoption process. She will work with you on your Dossier, the set of paperwork required by the Russian Government so that you may be registered in a region. You may prepare your homestudy simultaneously to expedite the process of adopting from Russia.
We will guide you on how to get your papers notarized and apostilled and walk you through the process of adopting from Russia. We take great pride in the personal nature of our program, which means you will receive help and support every step of the way. We will review your dossier and work with you to correct any issues. This is also a good time for you to apply for a current passport if you do not already have one, since the Russian government requires that a parent or parents travel to Russia for the adoption procedures (for more information, please see our Russia FAQ section).
Step Three: Dossier is Sent to Russia
Once your dossier is completed, it will be sent to Russia. The dossier will then be translated and notarized by the Russian equivalent of a notary public, and presented to the Russian authorities for registration.
Step four: Child Referral
When a child becomes available, we will present you with a referral. Based on what information is available in each region at the time of the referral, you will receive photos of a child along with medical information, including blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, C, and Syphilis. If you are adopting a sibling group, you will, of course, get information on both children. If you decide not to accept the first referral that is presented to you, you can choose to wait for another child referral. If for any reason you decide not to proceed with the first referral, it will not affect your eligibility to receive the next available referral.
Step five: Russia is notified of your acceptance of the Referral
Upon your acceptance of the referral, we will contact the appropriate Russian authorities and schedule your first trip.
Step six: Travel Preparations
You will be sent a Travel Packet and prepare for your first trip to Russia. We would like to stress that we will help you every step of the way, from suggesting a travel agency to helping you choose what to pack. Once you receive the travel packet, we will set up a travel meeting to go over the travel information and process.
Step seven: First Trip
You depart for Russia to meet your child.
During your first trip, you will have the opportunity to spend a few days with your child, have appointments with independent doctors, and sign the official document confirming you would like to proceed with the adoption.
Step eight: Bring Your Child Home!
You will travel for your court procedure approximately 2-3 months after your first trip. The overall length of the second trip is between 3-4 weeks. If you are a married couple adopting a child, only one spouse needs to stay in Russia after the court procedure is complete. The other spouse may choose to return home after 3-4 days.