-
Step 1
Find an Agency that facilitates Russian adoptions. You will need to find an agency that is both licensed in the United States and though the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. When you interview agencies, verify that their licenses are current in both jurisdictions.
-
Step 2
Submit your application. You will need to fill out an application with your individual adoption agency, as well as Form I-600a, issued through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This is otherwise known as a Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative.
-
Step 3
Supply all required information. You will be asked to show documents establishing your income, good health, marital status, and criminal record. You will also need to supply written character references from relatives, close friends, and employers.
-
Step 4
Have your home study completed. The agency handling your Russian adoption will need to visit your home on several occasions to verify that it is safe and sanitary. The social worker conducting the home study will also interview you, your spouse, and any other household members. You will be asked about your marriage, relationships with children and relative, and your reasons for adopting.
-
Step 5
Receive information about your new child. Once your adoption application and home study are approved, your family will be matched with a Russian child. You will receive information on the child’s health and special needs so that you can decide whether that child is a good match for your family.
-
Step 6
Travel to Russia to meet your child. After you have determined that you would like to proceed with the adoption of the child with whom you were matched, you will need to travel to Russia to meet with your child in the orphanage and discuss his or her needs with the Russian social service workers.
-
Step 7
Return to the United States and prepare for your adoption hearing. Approximately four to six weeks after you meet with your child in Russia, you will be given a court date to finalize the Russian adoption. Before the hearing, you will need to sign an affidavit verifying that you understand the child’s medical conditions and needs.
-
Step 8
Compete the foreign adoption proceeding. You will need to be in Russia for your court date. At that time, you will receive an adoption decree and will then be able to return to the U.S. with your child.
-
Step 9
Compete the foreign adoption proceeding. You will need to be in Russia for your court date. At that time, you will receive an adoption decree and will then be able to return to the U.S. with your child.
-
Step 10
Although it is optional, families may choose to re-adopt their Russian child in the U.S. courts after returning home. This will allow your child to receive a birth certificate from your state of residence and can also facilitate a name change for your child, if you did not do so during the Siberian adoption proceeding.
