Russia Adoption
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An Overview
Russia sent 1,586 children to the United States in 2009, the third-largest sending country (after China and Ethiopia). Despite economic reforms that have taken place since the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union, many families in former Soviet nations struggle to survive. An estimated 750,000 children live "without parental care" in Russia. About one-third live in institutions; the rest typically live with guardians, in shelters, or under police jurisdiction. Poverty is a factor in most relinquishments. Sibling groups are available.
Two trips to Russia are officially required to adopt from most regions of Russia, but nearly half of all families who adopted in 2009 reported making three or more trips, since most courts weren't waiving the 10-day waiting period. For a list of U.S. adoption agencies accredited by the Ministry of Education in Russia, see the Web site of the Russian Embassy: www.russianembassy.org. Americans adopting in Russia will either work directly with one of these accredited agencies or work with a local adoption agency that in turn works with an accredited agency in Russia.
Post-placement, Russia requires four follow-up visits with the family to complete the official, apostilled reports. These reports, along with photos, are due at six, 12, 24, and 36 months following the adoption. Some regions in Russia require the reports in specific formats, so check with your adoption agency. It's critical that families complete these reports on time so that agencies are not at risk of losing their accreditation. In addition, adoptive families are required to register their child with the Russian Consulate within 30 days after the adoption, if this was not completed during the adoption trip.
Fast Facts:
Number of Adoptions from Russia:
2009: 1,586
2008: 1,861
2007: 2,310
2006: 3,706
2005: 4,639
2004: 5,878
Profile of Children Adopted From Russia in 2009
Source: BICIS Immigration Statistics
46% Female
4% under 1 year of age
75% 1 – 4 years of age
Estimated Cost: $30,000 to $40,000
Profile of Children: 8 mos. to 16 yrs.; in 2008, 4% were under 1 at the time of adoption, 75% were between1-4 years old. Sibling groups and children with special needs are available.
Parent Ages: No age restrictions by Russian government except that prospective single parents must be at least 16 years older than the child they are adopting.
Family Status: The Russian government has no rules about length of marriage or number of children in the household. Singles are permitted to adopt.
Travel: Usually two trips required, although many families are now taking three. Most regions require both parents to make the second trip, but one parent can make the first trip.
Timeline: From completion of dossier to referral, about 6 to 18 months. Wait time may be shorter for a boy.
Helpful articles
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