Russia

Russia Adoption

Russia is the largest country on earth, a vast territory located in Northern Asia (that part west of the Urals is included with Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean . Russia spans eleven time zones and two continents, ending less than 50 miles from North America.

Russia is a fascinating place -- from the imperial beauty of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the bleakly romantic Siberian countryside. Russia is also a country of contrasts -- rich in natural resources (especially oil and gas), where some are incredibly rich and millions of others are desperately poor. Although the economy is finally starting to recover from the 1998 devaluation of the ruble, millions don't have access to the country's wealth, while others buy luxurious property abroad.

After the downfall of the Soviet Union, Russia opened its doors to international adoption. Since then, adoptions from Russia have been amongst the most popular of international placements. The reason for this is because the children are primarily Caucasian, and many Americans can identify with a shared cultural heritage.

AVAILABLE CHILDREN

As of January 10, 2005, a new law affecting international adoptions took effect in Russia. This new law requires that orphans must be on the federal data bank for six months before they can be available for release for international adoptions.

There are infants and toddlers available for adoption. Both girls and boys are available, although the timetable for girls is usually a bit longer. Older children, sibling groups and special needs children are available, if requested.

Child referrals consist of a medical and picture of the child.

ADOPTION TIMETABLE

The new regulations being implemented in Russia will likely impact the paperwork procedures for adoptions. Prior to these changes, the total process from dossier submission until the time prospective parents traveled to adopt their child was averaging between 6-10 months. It is unclear how much this timetable will change under the new legislation.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Both parents must travel.

Travel consist of two trips. The first trip is a preview trip to meet your child and consists of about 3-4 days in-country. The second trip is to finalize the adoption and will take place approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the preview trip. The second trip usually lasts 14 to 21 days.

Our International Facilitator will greet you upon arrival and assist you in every step of the international adoption process. They will make the arrangements necessary for translations, visiting the orphanage, scheduling court hearings, and obtaining the paperwork needed to complete your adoption.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Only those married couples and single women who accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord can adopt children through Compassionate Care.
Married couples between the ages of 25-55 and single women 25-45 can adopt from Russia.

COST TO ADOPT FROM RUSSIA

APPLICATION FEE

Due with submission of application for adoption.

$300

COMPASSIONATE CARE AGENCY FEE

	$1,750 due with submission of dossier.
	$1,750 due with acceptance of a referral or travel date.

$3,500

HOME STUDY (If prepared by Compassionate Care)

	$600 due upon first home study visit.
	$600 due upon completion of home study. (Travel expenses include mileage @ .32 per mile and a travel rate of $10 per hour)

$1,500
+ travel expenses

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR FEE

Due when you receive a court date or travel date.

$1,000

UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICE (USCIS)

Two Adults ($525 + $70 per adult for FBI fingerprinting).

$665

DOSSIER AUTHENTICATION

Depending on which state you live in, your Secretary of State's office in your state may charge a fee for document authentication. (State of Indiana does not charge a fee for authentication.)

INTERNATIONAL FACILITATOR FEE

	Our international facilitator will meet you at the airport in Russia and walk you through the adoption process step by step.
	International fees cover the cost of government and legal procedures and paperwork done for you as an adoptive family and for the child you will adopt. They also cover the work done by the coordinators, representatives, lawyers and translators in Russia..

$15,500

TRAVEL COST

AIRFARE ($2,800)

2 adults round trip. These fees can vary depending on when and where you travel.

You will also need to purchase a one way return-flight ticket for your child which usually cost around 10% of your round-trip airfare.

HOTEL, FOOD, TRANSPORTATION, ETC ($2,800)

2 adults - 21 days

U.S. EMBASSY FEES IN RUSSIA ($545)

Child's Passport, Visa, and medical exam.

$6,145

ESTIMATED COST FOR RUSSIA ADOPTION (1 TRIP)

(You will need to add air fare & motel expenses for your preview trip)

$28,310

**We want to remind your that the above fees are approximate and to please keep in mind that although Compassionate Care's fees will not change during your adoption process all other fees associated with international adoption are subject to change. **

For more information on our Russian adoption program please request one of our FREE informational packets

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	Available Children
	Adoption Timetable
	Travel Requirements
	Eligibility Requirements
	The Adoption Process
	Adoption Cost