Adopting from Russia, Page 2
The Referral
Once your dossier has been sent to Russia, your agency will work with authorities there to secure the referral of a child. It is against Russian law for the photographs of children to be posted on the Internet, so it's a waste of time to scour waiting child photolistings. Children available for adoption are listed in a database maintained by the Russian government, and the child must have been listed for at least 6 months before becoming available for referral to foreigners.
The referral process can take two weeks to four months or more. Some of the variables include procedures within the region(s) your agency works in, seasonal influences, i.e., summer vacation or holidays, and your possible requests for additional information about your potential child.
Medical Reports & Evaluations
You will be given some medical reports and videos and/or pictures for evaluation. It is strongly recommended that you consult a physician with experience in evaluating these types of medical reports and videos to get the best possible advice, and you may want to consult more than one. There are a growing number of
adoption medicine specialists available for consultation, including some like
Dr. Eric Downing who are located
in Russia and may be able to evaluate a child in person.
Susan Ward, who
adopted Hannah from Russia in 1997, used four specialists to review her referral. "Many people use one specialist plus their local pediatrician-to-be. For me, though, I felt more comfortable getting feedback from several doctors."
Note:
In addition to medical information, you may receive some limited information about your child's birth circumstances and birth family. When you're in Russia, be sure to ask the orphanage if they have any additional details or mementos from your child's past. Occasionally, they may have photos, recollections of birthparents, or drawings that your child has done. Once you leave Russia, it can be very diffi to gather information about your child's early years.
Ask Questions
Experienced adopters advise that "there's no such thing as too many questions when a child's future is in the balance. There are several
issues and concerns prospective parents should ask about: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Effects, developmental delays, and issues related to abuse or abandonment (attachment, behaviors, emotional); in addition to medical reports, questions about the child's growth in their social setting, interaction with peers, etc."
It's a Match!
Two trips are generally required and you will need a visa to travel to Russia. If adopting parents are a couple, both must travel (exceptions may be made depending on the region). The first trip may last about a week; the second, to complete the adoption, may take as long as three weeks. There is usually a waiting period in-country before parents and children can return to the U.S.
But There's More... After you get back home with your child, you'll be excited and overwhelmed with helping your child adjust to a new culture, language, and family; taking them to the pediatrician, and introducing them to family and friends. And just a little more paperwork.
You will need to apply for a
social security card for your child, and effective February 2001, most internationally adopted children in the U.S. under the age of 18 are eligible to receive
automatic citizenship.
Overall, adoption, whether from Russia or any other country, requires patience, perseverance, and commitment. In the end, if you're like Susan Ward, you'll celebrate: "We're the perfect match! I can't imagine my life without my daughter!"
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Comments
I double checked with a friend who adopted from Russia last year. She says:
Russia ONLY recognizes a child's russian citizenship...they aren't American in Russia's eyes. Same applies the other way around...America only recognizes their US citizenship - but they are in fact, dual citizens until the age of 18. At that time they can "renounce" either citizenship (and really have to...) If they travel to Russia, they do so on the Russian passport and otherwise they use the US passport
Hope that helps!
Posted by: Crick at 02/13/2007 03:46 PM
I believe a child born in Russia remains a citizen until they are 18?
I will ask someone more experienced in this area to respond...:)
Posted by: Crick at 02/13/2007 09:59 AM
These websites were such a comfort and fount of information when we were awaiting the adoption of my granddaughter from Russia. I have one question, I know that she automatically became a US citizen with the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. However, what became of her Russian citizenship at that time? Can't find that information anywhere else.
Posted by: Grandcomps at 02/12/2007 08:12 AM
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