Choosing a Country

Russia

10 Reasons to Choose Russia: 

1. Both boys and girls are available with a shorter wait time for boys

2. Opportunity to travel and experience a different culture

3. Anonymity of closed adoption

4. Many regions to choose from

5. Relatively stable process

6. 10-day in-country waiting period gives you and your child time to bond

7. Infants as young as 6 months old

8. Blind referrals let you see a child, not just a picture

9. Fees are generally less than other countries

10. May adopt more than 1 child at a time

10 Concerns about Adopting from Russia: 

1. FAS/FAE – (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects) Some literature will scare you into thinking that all Russian orphans have FAS, but that is certainly not the case.  There are many bright, healthy children.  Even if your referral does have FAS, you can always decline it.  You will not be forced to adopt a child that you are unable or unwilling to care for. 

2. RAD – (Reactive Attachment Disorder) This is a common condition in institutionalized children.  The younger the child, the greater the chances of overcoming RAD.  When you meet your child for the first time, you will be able to interact with him and judge the extent to which RAD exists, if at all.  Again, you will not be forced to adopt a child you don’t want.

3. Orphanages – While not the ideal place to raise children, Russian orphanages do the best they can with the resources they have.  “Teachers” are either volunteers or paid minimum wage.  Most toys and clothing are donated.  Food is limited to what’s in season. 

4. Poverty – Most Russian children in orphanages are there because their families can’t afford to raise them.  Birthmothers receive little to no prenatal care.  

5. Deciding while overseas – The disadvantage of a blind referral is that you must decide to accept or decline your referral while overseas.  (Technically, you can decide once home, but if you decline you’ll have to make an extra trip to Russia.)  It can be scary and overwhelming.  However, if you talk to an International Adoptions doctor prior to traveling, you can email photos and information for an online consultation.  Just remember: pictures and numbers only tell part of the story.  You will interact with the child in person and will have that first-hand experience to guide your heart in deciding if that child will fit into your family.

6. Changing document requirements – Just when you think your dossier is complete, you may need yet another document notarized and apostilled yesterday!  National and regional requirements are constantly changing, so don’t take this personally.  It’s an inconvenience, but it’s better to find out while at home than in Russia.

7. Corrupt system – Be prepared to spend a few extra rubles in Russia.  Gifts are a way of life there.  Usually, this can work to your advantage; most “problems” can be solved with the right connections or the right price.

8. Language barrier – If you are adopting an infant or young toddler, this doesn’t pose much of a problem.  You can learn a few words and phrases to put your child at ease in the beginning, but he’ll pick up his new language very quickly!  You will also have a translator with you in Russia.

9. Lots of travel – Russia requires 2 trips (although some regions allow 1 long trip) totaling approximately 3 weeks of in-country stay.  You will only have a few days’ (or weeks’ at most) notice to travel.  You must be flexible enough to make last-minute arrangements for travel, time off from work, and care for children or pets still at home.  In addition, the extra travel adds to your overall expenses.

10. Minimal family history – Birth family information is limited.  Most often, you will only know the birthmother’s vital statistics, and family medical history will only include your child.