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Russian International Adoption

Russian international adoption is a way to truly bless a child in need while building your family.



About the Children

According to John H. Maclean's excellent book, The Russian Adoption Handbook: How to Adopt from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova, children usually wind up in orphanages due to economic reasons, but can also be placed in a state-run home because of neglect or the death of a primary caretaker. These children will be available for Russian international adoption if government officials believe it is in their best interests. My son and husband

But...

Don't expect a Russian international adoption of a sibling group under the age of three. That's because most Russians tend to space their children five years apart or more. Also, Russian mothers who do have many children (and subsequently give them up for adoption) have these children placed in homes from birth. The older child is usually already placed in another family before the next sibling is born.

Although the exact reason why isn't known, more boys than girls tend to be available for Russian international adoption. Some theorize that Russian men tend not to want to raise another man's son, and Russian women seem to think a daughter is more likely to care for them in their old age.

While the children may be malnourished and have some developmental delays and attachment issues, they usually turn out fine with proper care and plenty of love.

Life for a Child in a Russian Orphanage

According to Maclean, State run, Russian orphanages are not pleasant places to live. A child relinquished to the state at birth faces living in three different types of facilities until he reaches eighteen. Between the ages of birth and four years, a child lives in a home run by a pediatrician, usually getting the best care he will ever get.

When he turns four, he then moves into an educational home. Children of various ages live in these homes, and some of the older kids can be pretty brutal. Such places have few workers and life is regimented. The children have little stimulation to help them grow and develop properly.

At the age of 15 or 16, a child is then placed in a vocational school, but it doesn't provide them with many practical skills. Children who graduate from state-run schools usually don't know how to budget, cook or do their own laundry.

Is it any wonder, then, that Russians officials turned to adoption, giving these children a chance at a new life?

Another Reason for Russian International Adoption

Russians set a huge stigma on people who are orphaned and raised in state-run homes. These children are labeled as orphans the rest of their lives and it affects their ability to find a job, be accepted into school or housing and even finding a husband or wife.

Until recently, there was also a big stigma placed on children who have been adopted, so the poor tykes suffered even if they were placed in Russian families. Russian mothers wanting to adopt would go so far as to wear pillows under their skirts to pretend to be pregnant. They would change the birth date and birth place of their child - anything and everything to hide that their child was adopted.

That meant that children living in state-run homes had little hope for a future. Russian international adoption was their best chance at a decent life.

baby in the cupboard

Other Helpful Information

The high cost of international adoption is one reason many couples don't adopt. Don't let finances stand between you and your child. Learn more.

Would you like to adopt from China? Although the wait can be up to two years, the price is very reasonable and the adoption program is stable. Here are some tips for adopting from China

Many couples are now planning to adopt from Ethiopia because of the shorter wait and the reasonable costs. Learn more about adopting these beautiful children.



The children available from Kazakhstan are generally well cared for and the program usually takes less than a year. Learn more about adopting from Kazakhstan.

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



Are you wondering what the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions is and how it might affect your international adoption? Learn more.

Adoptions are currently on hold from Guatemala. Learn why.

If you would like to adopt from Russia, it's a great choice if you are older or already have several children in your home. Here are some tips.

Are you thinking about adopting from Korea? You can adopt a baby from Korea, but there are age limits, and recently, the process has been extended to about three years. Learn more.

If Haiti is your adoption country choice, here are some things you should know.

A Jamaica international adoption is an affordable, yet relatively unknown way of building a family. Here's the scoop on adopting from Jamaica.

Unfortunately, if you hoped to adopt from Romania, you will have to look elsewhere. Here is a brief explanation of why international adoptions from Romania are not allowed.

A Russian international adoption can rescue a child from the stigma of being an orphan. Here's what it's like to grow up an orphan in Russia.

Do you have your heart set on adopting a child from Brazil? It is possible, but be prepared for a complicated and sometimes lengthy process. Read more about it here.

If you feel you can't afford the high agency fees, take heart. The Ukraine may be an excellent adoption country choice for you. You can pursue an independent adoption from the Ukraine. Learn more here.

Are you interested in pursuing an independent adoption from Kazakhstan? It is possible. Learn some of the steps you will have to take by clicking here.

Adoptions from Nepal are now once again possible. Learn more about it by clicking here.

A Taiwan adoption might not be something you considered when deciding on an international adoption, but adopting from this small island off the mainland coast of China can mean a far shorter wait. Here's what you need to know about adopting from Taiwan.

If you're looking for an international adoption choice that isn't as expensive, consider some of the low-cost alternatives by clicking here.

The devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, opened the eyes of the world to the desperate plight of Haitians, including the countless orphans of Haiti. American citizens especially have been moved to open their homes to these children, but the U.S. State Department is urging these parents to slow down. Read more.

Corruption and greed brought an end to adoptions from Cambodia, but new laws and regulations are now being established that might one day allow American parents to again adopt from Cambodia. Learn more.

It is possible to adopt from Honduras without using an agency, but you will need to know the language and have contacts there. Learn more.

An update to pursuing a Haiti adoption: It is now not only once again possible, but necessary in light of the devastating earthquake in 2010. Learn more.





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