Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the children?
From 4 to 10 years old.

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 refer you to a homestudy agency in your area.

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. After completing the dossier, it takes about four months for the Ukrainian authorities to approve your dossier plus additional time (varies by age of child) for them to give you permission to travel.

Who will help us during our stay in the Ukraine?
Our associates in the Ukraine will accompany you every step of the way. You will be provided with translators, drivers, living arrangements, food etc. Our associates will be responsible for gathering, translating and authenticating all necessary papers for you and your child. They will help you with everything. You will never be alone during your stay.

How long will we stay in the Ukraine?
Approximately 3 weeks.

Who can adopt from the Ukraine?
Couples are able to adopt from Ukraine.

Where do the children come from?
Children come from Orphanages throughout many regions in Ukraine. We will be sure you are not sent to regions affected by Chernobyl or regions unfriendly to adoption.

Can I adopt more than one child at the same time?
Yes.

How many children will be presented to me?
You will be presented with 1–3 children. If you do not find a child among those first presented, you can travel to another orphanage or region to find the right child for you.

Ukraine Program Overview

Step One: Getting to Know Us
The first step in the adoption process is for you to request our introductory 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 and we will send you our Retainer Agreement.

Step Two: Doing Your Homestudy
At the same time you sign up with us, you will need to select a state licensed homestudy agency to work with in preparing the homestudy and getting INS clearance. We currently provide homestudy services in the state of Texas. As we place children throughout the US, we are happy to recommend homestudy agencies in your area. We will also work with them to prepare an appropriate homestudy for Ukraine.

Step Three: Doing the Dossier
Once you sign up with us, you will receive your Dossier Packet. This is a list of the paperwork needed for the Ukrainian government. We will help you to prepare your dossier. We pride ourselves on the personal nature of our program, and you will receive help and support every step of the way. This is also a good time to apply for a current passport if you do not already have one, as Ukrainian law requires that both parents travel to complete their adoption. (Please see the Commonly Asked Questions section.)

Step Four: Dossier Goes to Ukraine
Once you have collected all your papers send them to us. We review them over and work with you to correct any problems. We then send your dossier to Ukraine to be professionally translated and notarized by the Ukrainian equivalent of a notary public. Only after this process can your documents be presented to the Ukrainian authorities.

Step Five: Getting Ready to Travel
You wait for the Ukrainian authorities to approve your dossier and to give you permission to travel. Meanwhile, buy a brush! While you paint your child's room, you will be reading over the Travel Packet we send you and preparing for your trip to the Ukraine. Once you receive the travel packet, we will set up a travel meeting to go over travel information and the travel process.

Step Six: Traveling to Ukraine
We will let you know when you are approved for travel. You will travel to Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine, where you will be met by our associates who will guide and help you throughout your stay in the Ukraine. Our associates will have coordinated living arrangements, food, transportation, translation and all other necessary services. In Kiev you will receive papers allowing you to visit orphanages to meet your child.

Step Seven: Accepting your Child
From Kiev you will travel to the appropriate region. The next day you will go to the orphanage to see the children. You will be given their medical and other information to review and you will have a chance to interact with them and establish a personal bond. We have a number of doctors who will travel with parents from Kiev to examine children and look over their records. All of them have extensive experience working with orphaned children. All children have been tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and venereal disease. You will not be forced to accept a child. When you have made your decision about which child you would like to adopt, you will inform our associates and they will begin to put your child's papers together and arrange the court date. Note: We work with families until they find a child that is right for them.

Step Eight: Finalizing the Adoption
While you get to know and bond with your child, our associates will be busy arranging the court date, going back and forth to Kiev, gathering, translating and authenticating your child's birth certificates, court decree, orphan papers, travel documents etc.

Once your child's papers are ready you will appear before a Ukrainian judge to finalize your adoption. Both parents must be present. Preparing for and going through the court proceedings will take approximately two weeks. You then return to Kiev where you will have an appointment with the American Embassy and a medical exam by doctors appointed by the embassy for your child. You will also be able to obtain your child's visa at the U.S. Embassy in Kiev.

Step Nine: Going Home
Once you have received your child's visa you will be able to travel home. From start to finish, the total amount of time you will be in Ukraine will be approximately 3 weeks.