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Adopting From Ukraine

Adopting from Ukraine might be a good fit for you, especially if you are open to adopting an older child.

About the Ukraine

Ukraine is nestled between Russia and Romania and borders the Black Sea. The capital of the Ukraine is Kiev.

Ukraine is not a member of the Hague Convention. Instead, adopting from Ukraine is permitted by the authority of the State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child, also known as the SDAPRC. The SDAPRC has a data base of children waiting to be adopted for a period of one year. Ukrainian citizens have priority over foreign adoptions.

Brothers and Sisters

Children Available

Adopting from Ukraine is only permitted with children listed in the SDAPRC's database. Furthermore, the children you select must meet the definitions of an orphan under U.S. law for you to be able to bring them back to the United States. According to the Intercountry Adoption website, your chances of being accepted by the SDAPRC and therefore adopting from Ukraine are much stronger if you are willing to accept a child over six years of age or are willing to accept a younger child with serious health issues. Things are constantly in flux, especially when it comes to adoption, so be sure and check with your adoption agency.

Those Allowed to Adopt

Those wanting to adopt from Ukraine must be at least 21 years old, and at least 15 years older, but no more than 45 years older than the adopted child. If only one of the adoptive parents can meet these requirements, the adoption can be completed in the eligible parent's name only. You must be married to adopt from Ukraine and prove you have sufficient income to support a child.

The Process

Those interested in adopting from Ukraine must find an adoption agency. Then you must apply to the INS to be found eligible to adopt an orphan. Once you are accepted, you must have a home study done and gather the necessary documents. Then you submit your documents, along with your home study to the SDAPRC. It may take anywhere from three to twelve months for the SDAPRC to accept your application and provide you with an appointment to come to Ukraine. Adopting from Ukraine involves two trips:

The First Trip

If you are eligible to adopt and the SDAPRC approves your application, you will receive an appointment to visit the SDAPRC. At the appointment, SDAPRC officials will meet with you and show you information about orphans eligible for intercountry adoption. You will be allowed to visit the orphan and check his or her medical records.

Meeting Your Child/Children

You are only allowed to make three appointments with three separate children. If after the third appointment, you have not chosen a child, your dossier will be returned to you immediately. You will have to reapply for another appointment, and the SDAPRC has ten business days to respond to your request.

The Second Trip

Three or four weeks after you have selected your child, there will be a hearing in which a local judge will determine if you are allowed to adopt your selected child. You must be present at this hearing. If both you and your spouse are unable to attend, then at least one of you must be present. If the judge approves the adoption, the child is then yours and you are now responsible for him.

A Helpful Resource

Check out the Intercountry Adoption Website for more information.

Other Helpful Information

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The Ukraine might be an excellent adoption country choice, especially if you are interested in an older child adoption. Click here to learn more.



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