Tag: Eastern European Adoption

International Adoption from ESTONIA

by Bethany, posted in Country Programs

International Adoption from Estonia

Estonia is a small country in Eastern Europe on the Baltic Sea, bordered by Russia and Latvia. So far, only a few children with HIV have been adopted from this country. According to Adoption.State.gov and Rainbow Kids:

Age Requirements: Potential adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old. There are no stated upper age limits.

Marriage Requirements: Single men and single women can adopt. There is no length of marriage requirement for married couples.

The Children: Unrelated children may be adopted at the same time. Children are very well taken care of at the orphanages with good nutrition, stimulating toys and high caregiver to child ratio.

Travel Requirements: One 3-4 day preview trip is recommended and sometimes required. Only one parent needs to travel. Trip length is 7-10 business days.

Timeline: The process from dossier submission to travel to adopt the child averages 4-12 months.

Agency: The agency which has placed children with HIV is Adoption Hope International.

The Yahoo group is AdoptingFromEstonia

Further info from a recent adoptive parent: “Adopting a child with HIV from Estonia was affordable and the travel was easy. The airport is clean and modern and many people speak English. Estonia has one of the highest levels of college graduates in the European Union. The transportation is great and it’s easy to take the bus although taxis are cheap. The preview trip is rarely waived, but it’s only 3-4 days. As soon as court is over, you pick up your child from the orphanage. Our experience with the facilitator in-country was excellent in every way and he helped make our time in Estonia very efficient, comfortable and affordable. He even lent us a phone without charging us. We were very impressed with the level of care the children receive. Our child was in a family type setting with 8 children and 2 caregivers. They also receive good medical care. They are fed well and provided for and they go on field trips and do athletics.”

International Adoption from RUSSIA

by Bethany, posted in Country Programs

There are many HIV positive children of all ages, including babies under 2, who are waiting to be adopted in Russia.

Currently, families residing in the United States and Canada cannot cadopt these children, although families residing in other countries CAN.

[Previously, some American agencies experienced with HIV adoption included Hand in Hand, Global, Children’s Home Society & Family Services and HAPS. The two agencies which specifically state ‘single men’ are Adoption Center of Washington and Cradle of Hope.] If you are outside the United States, you could try REEAA, Irina O’Rear and others. Canadians can try ChoicesAdoption.ca

There are adoption photolistings on this site. See also Reece’s Rainbow, Project Hopeful, and Rainbow Kids (login 1st before clicking the link and keep in mind the region may be called ‘Eastern Europe’ or ‘Unspecified’).

For support groups and further information about Russian adoption, here is the link to the Russian Adoption Yahoo group and  FRUA.org. In the United Kingdom, see the RussianUKAdoption Yahoo group.

Requirements according to Adoption.State.Gov, FRUA, Creating a Family and Reece’s Rainbow:

Age Requirements: Applicants must not be more than 60 years older than a special needs adopted child (varies by region). There should be at least 16 years age difference between the child and parent if the adopting parent is single.

Marriage Requirements: Single men may adopt from certain regions. Single women are also accepted, as are married couples. Prior divorce is acceptable and there are no restrictions on the number of children already living in the home (varies by region).

Other Requirements: Medical requirements: some disqualifying parent conditions include tuberculosis (active and chronic), illness of the internal organs and nervous system, dysfunction of the limbs, infectious diseases, drug and alcohol addictions, psychiatric disorders, and any disability preventing the person from working.

Travel: Three trips in most regions. 1st trip, one or both parents travel for 5-10 days to meet the child and accept the referral. Wait 2-3 months for a court date. Both parents travel for 2nd trip for court; about 5 business days. There is a 30 day wait after court before you can return to Russia to pick up your child – only one parent must travel on Trip 3 which varies in length from 5-15 days.

The Children: Aged 14 months – 16 years.  Multiple unrelated children can be adopted at the same time (varies by region).

Timeframe: This program generally takes 12 months for a waiting child (including the time spent on homestudy), depending on how quickly you complete your dossier.

3 Young Siblings in Eastern Europe

by Bethany, posted in Children Waiting for Families

Children’s House International is advocating for 3 adorable siblings in Eastern Europe. Married couples only may adopt from this country and one parent must be under 46.

The youngest child is a 2 year old boy. His date of birth is August 10, 2007. He is a darling little boy with dimples and blonde hair. His mother is an HIV carrier but he has tested negative. He has been hospitalized for hipogammaglobulinemia in the past. He is developmentally on track and has excellent motor development. He is said to have established very good emotional contact and he loves cuddling with his foster parents.  They describe him as “obedient, nice and smart”.  He lives in a foster home with his 2 biological sisters.

The middle child is a 4 year old girl. Her date of birth is September 18, 2005. She is a beautiful little girl with curly blond hair and brown eyes. She has tested positive for HIV and is undergoing antiretroviral treatment. She attends kindergarten with her siblings. She is cognitively on track, but is a bit small for her age. Her favorite activities at school are singing and reciting rhymes. She is described as “independent, protective towards her brother, smart, well behaved, helpful to others and winning.”

The oldest sibling is a 6 year old girl born April 9, 2004. She is a beautiful and vibrant kindergartner. She is HIV negative. Her cognitive and motor development are on track for her age. She is described as “mature, independent, smart, well behaved, protective of her siblings, helpful, good and beautiful.” The children are all together in a foster home, waiting for a permanent family.

The children are gorgeous! I wish I could publish their photographs, but the agency is very quick to get profiles and pictures to people who inquire. Contact Children’s House International.

6 Year Old Boy – Waiting child

by Bethany, posted in Children Waiting for Families

Here is a video from October 2008.

Daniel has been waiting an awfully long time for a family. He is a charming boy with a more childish rounded facial features and at the same time is sufficiently serious and thoughtful. He is a friendly and energetic boy. Daniel can be a bit touchy, because he loves being the center of attention, but has no leadership qualities. He considers himself a strong, true man! And, as befits a man, he really loves toy cars. DOB November 2003.

There are brothers or sisters
Date of Birth: November 2003
Gender: Male
Character: sociable

5 Year Olds Waiting for a Family

by Bethany, posted in Children Waiting for Families

The Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project is advocating for a 5 year old boy and a 5 year old girl, both HIV positive and available for international adoption. They can be adopted together or separately and they are not related. They are promisingly characterized by a teacher as “well developed”. They are not delayed and are otherwise healthy. They are yearning for a family. The girl above is Yuliana and the boy below is Artem.

Thanks to Traci for advocating for these two which is how I found out about them. Let’s all spread the word and hopefully their families will come forward soon.

Waiting Children: Toddler Group

by Bethany, posted in Children Waiting for Families

Here is the Toddler Group we met while traveling to the orphanage in Eastern Europe. All of the children in this group are HIV positive. I also previously posted the Children’s Group. Many of these children are available for international adoption. Please inquire.

Waiting child photolistingsShe is a quiet girl, but not necessarily shy. She seems to go with the flow and she gets along with everyone. I wish we could have gotten her out of her shell a bit more to see her real personality. I think she needs to get out of an orphanage environment to realize her full potential.

 

international adoption waiting child photolistingI spent quite a bit of time cuddling with this little guy. I’m not a medical professional, but I think he is delayed. He seemed very worried the whole time we were there and I get the feeling that he doesn’t roll with change very well. He was crying a bit when we first came in, but the caregiver comforted him. He has strabismus which is correctable. I didn’t hear him babble at all. He is very mobile and he is a super sweet-heart. He let me hug him and cuddle no problem. DOB 2007. More here.

special needs adoptionI loved this little guy! He is such a sweet angel. I plopped him in my lap and he was quite happy staying there munching on his cookie. He makes good eye contact and he just goes along with whatever the situation is. He is a very good boy and he’s absolutely beautiful! Baby picture.

special needs adoption photolistingThis little boy is so sweet and gentle and kind, but I think he is physically delayed. He is the only one in his group who does not walk (yet?) I should have asked if it is something more serious, and I can find out if you inquire. His caregivers do not encourage him to walk. When he tried to get off his perch to crawl after a toy, the caregiver put him back and told him to sit 😦  I tried working with him for a minute to stand and hold onto my hands and he looked at me with confusion. But I was so happy to get a smile out of him! He’s precious.

 

Waiting Children in Eastern Europe

by Bethany, posted in Children Waiting for Families

I have just returned from an orphanage for HIV positive children in Eastern Europe. Most of the children in this group are available for international adoption. Please inquire.

Waiting child photolisting - international adoptionThis little boy is a sweet kid. He seems to get along with everybody and he’s just generally very easy going. He’s fun and he goes with the flow. This is ‘James’ on Reece’s Rainbow.

Waiting child in UkraineThis little guy has now been transferred to a different orphanage nearby which is also very good. When I met him, he mostly stayed with a caregiver observing the fun, but he seemed too nervous to interact.

This little boy is really nice and gets along well with others. He doesn’t play too rough and he is very considerate. Lots of energy and loves attention. DOB May 16, 2005. (Daniel on RR).

International Adoption from LATVIA

by Bethany, posted in Country Programs

There are a few HIV positive waiting children in Latvia who are available for international adoption. Latvia is an Eastern European country between Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Belarus across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. It is a Hague country. Parents are required to travel for 1 to 2 weeks and rent an apartment where the child comes to live with you for a bonding period. If the referral is not suitable, you can request another. Once a referral is accepted, there is a court hearing, followed by a 20 day waiting period, during which you can fly home or wait in country. Total travel time is 5-6 weeks if you stay in Latvia, or you can make 2 trips. Dossiers for special needs children are given priority. The children are aged 1-16.  Most adoptions take 12-18 months. Typically it takes 3-5 months for document preparation, then 1-2 months to be registered in Latvia. Unrelated children can be adopted simultaneously. Requirements:

Age Requirements: The adoptive parent should be at least 25 years old, and at least 18 years older than the child.

Marriage Requirements: Single men and women are allowed, as well as married couples.

More information about the process: Adoption.State.gov

Agencies: The following agencies have advocated for HIV+ children waiting in Latvia:

Other American adoption agencies working in Latvia include:

One World Adoption Services, All Blessings International, CCAI Adoption Services, World Links Association, and Nightlight Christian Adoptions

For people outside the United States, wishing to adopt a Latvian child, first try to find an adoption agency in your country which processes Latvian adoptions. If there aren’t any, try contacting the authority via a translator:

Latvian Adoption Authority
Adoption Division, Department of Out-of-Family Care
Ministry of Welfare
28 Skolas St., Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
Tel: 371-6702-1600
Fax: 371-6727-6445
E-mail: lm@lm.gov.lv
Internet: http://www.lm.gov.lv

International Adoption from UKRAINE

by Bethany, posted in Country Programs

There are many HIV positive children aged 5 and older waiting to be adopted in Ukraine. Here is one adoption story.

Adoptions can be processed with an agency or independently although independent adoption with a facilitator seems to be the popular route for HIV+ adoptions.

Reece’s Rainbow has some adoption photolistings.

Here is the link to the Adoption From Ukraine support group. You will also find lots of great information at FRUA.org.

Requirements according to Adoption.State.Gov, FRUA and Reece’s Rainbow:

Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (according to US State Dept) OR 23 years of age (according to FRUA) and there is no upper age limit. If only one of the adoptive parents complies with these age requirements, the adoption can be completed in the eligible parent’s name only. Prior divorce is acceptable and there are no restrictions on the number of children already living in the home.

Marriage Requirements: Heterosexual married couples only.

Other Requirements: According to Reece’s Rainbow, adoptive parents must have no history of mental health conditions or infectious diseases and no criminal history.

Travel: Both parents travel for 2 1/2 weeks to attend court, then both parents return home for 3 weeks. Only one parent must return to complete the adoption, approximately 14 days.  Or, you can do 1-trip option and expect to be in Ukraine about 31 days. If desired, one parent can come home early.

The Children: For HIV adoptions, children are aged 5 to 15 years at time of referral. Younger child adoptions are not currently allowed for children with HIV. Multiple unrelated children can be adopted at the same time.

Timeline: This is one of the faster international adoption programs, ranging from 6-12 months depending how quickly you complete your dossier.