FAQs About Adoption from Russia

1. What sets your agency apart from the rest?
We provide a very personal approach to adoption both here and in Russia. We follow the Golden Rule and treat our clients with the same care and guidance as we would our family. We provide you with most of the documents needed in your dossier and walk you through the entire process. In addition, we can have everything notarized and apostilled for you (without charging additional fees-like most agencies).

In Russia, there will be someone available to you 24 hours a day to help things go as smoothly as possible. In Moscow, not only are you provided with 24 hour services, there are many opportunities to visit the magnificent sites or take in a play at one of their great theatres. All services in Russia are provided by an English speaking guide.

Our agency offers monthly educational and support meetings for our local families. Families living outside the greater Kansas City area will receive the educational tools and support via email, phone or mail.

2. How do I start the process of adopting from Russia?
The first step that you will need to take is to decide on the agency that you would like to use to help you with your adoption. If that agency is ABC, you will need to submit your application to the agency for approval. Approval is typically given within one week upon receipt of the application. You will then be guided through the home study and dossier process.

3. How long will it take to adopt from Russia?
Once your dossier is submitted to the Russian officials your wait will officially begin. The amount of time that it takes to receive a referral will vary depending on the age and health background of the child you want to adopt. You may wait up to 12 months for a child under 12 months of age. Referrals of children between the ages of 2-4 are typically given within 2-6 months.

4. What is a dossier?
A dossier is a compilation of the paperwork required by Russia to complete your adoption. It is not as scary as most people fear that it is. ABC is here to guide you through every step of the process. We will prepare the majority of the dossier documentation and send it to Russia on your behalf.

5. I see your fees, are there any additional expenses?
Yes. Each family is responsible for the following additional expenses:

Passport $85 - www.usps.com/passport/
VISA $175/each trip - ABC will arrange this
Airfare - varies

6. Do I have to travel to Russia?
Yes. There are two trips required when adopting from Russia in our region. You will need to be in Russia for two business days for your first trip. During this trip you will meet the child that was referred to your family. Your final trip will take place approximately one month after your first trip. During this 7 day trip, you will finalize you adoption and procure the proper documentation to allow your child into the United States.

7. What will be the accommodations when I travel to Russia?
Nobody treats their families better during their stay in Russia than ABC. You will be met at the airport by our driver, Yuri. He will drive you to Ivanovo (4.5 hour drive from Moscow) where you will stay in your own private apartment. The apartment is located in the same building as Natasha's apartment. Natasha is our Russian representative and is known for her hospitality. She is your translator, your chef, your transportation and will even take you shopping. We also have a representative in Moscow named Nadaya who provides the same services that Natasha provides in Ivanovo. Many of our families report that they feel that Natasha and Nadaya become a part of their extended family.

8. Do you allow the adoption of more than one child at one time?
Yes. ABC does allow the adoption of more than one child at a time. This will be subject to the approval of your home study provider as well as the agency. The fees for a second child may increase your adoption fees up to $4,500.

9. What kind of medical information will I receive about my child?
The medical information that you will receive for your child will vary depending on when they entered the baby home or orphanage. You will be given a medical report translated into English. The medical report typically includes the child's gestational age at birth, any known medical conditions and treatments given, immunization report, height, weight, developmental and psychological development analysis.

10. Will I know anything about my child's birthparents?
On your child's medical report, there is typically information about the birthmother's age, the number of pregnancies she has had and any known medical conditions. No information is typically given about the child's birthfather.

11. Is there someone that I can talk to who has had success adopting from Russia?
Yes. Please call 1-800-406-2909 or e-mail us to receive names and telephone numbers of references.

12. Will my child be a citizen of the USA after I adopt in Russia?
Your child will be an automatic citizen of the United States if you and your spouse travel to Russia and meet the child prior to the adoption becoming final. Since this is a requirement of our program, your child will be a United States citizen upon entering the country. Within 45 days after you are home with your child, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service will mail you a Certificate of United States Citizenship in the mail.

13. Will I need an attorney when I get back from adopting my child?
No. Because your adoption is final in Russia, you will not need to re-adopt after returning to the United States. ABC will assist you in applying for a US issued birth certificate and social security card.

Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Contact us!