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The Adoption Center at FCA (Family & Children's Agency) has been accredited for 10 years by the Russian government for international placements. Adoption in Russia follows rules established by the Russian government. The country is divided into regions, and each region has a central court in which all adoptions from that region are finalized. There are variations between regions, much as there is in the United States, however, each Russian orphan must be registered in the central data bank for six months to give Russian citizens the first opportunity to adopt. Following that period, the child can become available for international adoption. |
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Children Available |
Over 70% of the children in Russian orphanages are boys. Children are generally 12 months and up at time of referral. Both Caucasian and racially mixed children are available. Siblings, older children and special needs children are also available. |
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Cost |
The Russian government discourages agencies from posting fees on the internet. Please call us for detailed information. |
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Parents' Age |
Minimum age is 25. There should not be more than 45 years between the age of the adoptive mother and the child. |
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Length of Marriage |
Must be married at least two years |
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Single Applicants |
May apply |
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Children in the Family |
No restrictions |
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Timeframe |
Depending on your stated preferences for age, gender and health conditions, the wait may range from a few weeks to several months from enrollment. Boys over the age of two being the shortest wait; infant girls the longest.) |
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Travel Requirements |
Two trips are required and both parents must travel. |
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Special Features of FCA's Program |
Our Russian program coordinator, Svetlana Berlinsky, is from Russia and provides individual assistance and support throughout the process of dossier preparation and trip planning.
"Baby Russian" language classes will prepare you to communicate with your child.
FCA has an office in Moscow and representatives in all regions of Russia, where FCA works. Experienced coordinators and translators work one-on-one with adoptive families throughout their stay in Russia.
Professional staff at FCA is available by e-mail and phone during the adoption process in Russia.
A support group of adoptive families welcomes new families to participate. The annual Spring Picnic provides a way to keep families connected. |
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Homestudy |
Connecticut and New York residents should apply for a homestudy with FCA. Out-of-state adoptive parents need to obtain a homestudy from a licensed agency in their state. |
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Immigration Forms |
Upon completion of the home study, parents need to apply to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for permission to bring an orphan into the U.S. This involves obtaining and filing the I-600A form (www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/
forms) and arranging for a fingerprinting appointment.
FCA staff will work closely with you to prepare all documents ("dossier") required. |
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Referral |
Referrals may arrive anywhere from several weeks to several months after enrollment depending on the family's preference for the child's age, gender, etc.
FCA staff will direct you to adoption medical specialists who will help you review the referral information. |
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Travel to Russia |
Two trips are required. Families fly in and out of Moscow, and travel by plane or train to the orphanage region FCA's representatives in Russi (coordinator, translator and driver) will meet the family and provide assistance throughout their two trips.
On the first trip you will meet your child, and you will be in Russia for just a few days to get to know your child and obtain all available information including photos, medical and social history. You will also have an opportunity to discuss the child with the orphanage director and pediatrician. FCA encourages families to consult with adoption medical specialists who will help you review the referral information.
On the second trip, 6-10 weeks later, you will have a court hearing to adopt your child. Your child will return with you to the U.S.
FCA will set up your travel and has staff in Russia who will fully escort you. |
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Follow-Up |
Russia requires 4 post placement visits following your return. In addition, we will provide post-adoption support, answer questions and help with the child's adjustment. |
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Find out more about Russian adoption:
Families of Russian and Ukrainian Adoptions: www.frua.org
For more information about FCA's Russia program, contact Svetlana Berlinsky at SBerlinsky@FCAgency.org or call 866.858.3137 toll-free.
For general adoption questions, email us at: adoption@FCAgency.org, or call us at 203.855.8765. |
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