Our Russian Adoption Program
Russian Adoption Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the children?
The children are from nine months old through school-aged.
How do I start the adoption process?
In order to start an international adoption, contact us and sign up for the program. We will assist you with everything from that point onward and help you begin the process of your homestudy.
How long will the process take?
To a large extent, the overall time frame of the adoption depends on you. It is up to you to begin and complete a homestudy and apply for and receive USCIS clearance. Some families can complete their homestudy, dossier papers and USCIS clearance in a few months, but some take much longer.
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 can adopt. Age requirements vary from region to region. Please contact our office for more details.
Russia Adoption Program Overview
Step
One: Getting to Know Us
The first step in the adoption process is for you to request and receive our information packet. Please feel free to contact any of our references. When you decide to join the program, mail in the application form along with the application fee. Once your application is approved, we will send you our Retainer Agreement.
Step Two: Doing Your Homestudy
Partners for Adoption provides homestudies throughout California. We can provide dossier preparation and consultation regarding Russian adoption throughout the US, and are happy to recommend homestudy agencies in your area.
Step Three: Doing the Dossier
Once you sign up with us, we will work with you on your Dossier, a list of paperwork required by the Russian Government. We will tell you how to get your papers notarized and apostilled and walk you through the process. We pride ourselves on the personal nature of our program and you will receive help and support every step of the way. You will be assigned a dossier specialist who will help you through each step of the process. We will review your dossier and work with you to correct any problems. This is also a good time to apply for a current passport if you do not already have one, as Russian law requires that a parent or parents pick up the child personally (for more information, please see our Russia FAQ section).
Step Four: Dossier Goes to Russia
Once your dossier is completed, it will be forwarded to Russia. The dossier will then be translated and notarized by the Russian equivalent of a notary public, and presented to the Russian authorities.
Step Five: 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.
Step Six: 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 Seven: 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 Eight:
First Trip
You depart for Russia, either alone or with another family 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 Nine:
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 procedures are complete. The other spouse can return home after 3-4 days.