Russia

SPENCE-CHAPIN HAS BEEN PLACING CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION from Russia since 1992. Currently, we have a partnership with Children's Home Society and Family Services (CHSFS), who is accredited in Russia. Russia is ethnically diverse with over 140 million people and geographically varied due to its sheer size. Throughout history Russia has maintained a prominent presence in the arts such as literature, music, and ballet. Russia also continues to play a large role in international politics, and has experienced economic growth in recent years. However, there is still poverty in Russia, causing some parents to be unable to afford to care for their children.

Program Criteria

Married couples (for at least one year) and single women.
Preference for no more than 45 years between the youngest parent and child. Applicants over 60 are considered on a case-by-case basis.
In good physical health, especially the primary caretaker. Health conditions are considered on a case-by-case basis. If an applicant has a significant health issue that does not impact the parenting of a child or life expectancy, they may be required to complete a medical exam when in Russia.
In good mental health, on no medication, and cannot have been hospitalized for a mental health condition.
No history of arrests and convictions. Applicants with such history will be considered on an individual basis.

Children in Need of Homes

Children of both genders and of all ages are in need of homes, though there are generally more boys than girls. The youngest children may be home before their second birthday and siblings groups are available as well. Adopting a child with an identified special need may be possible. Most children are cared for in institutional settings, though foster care is increasingly available in Russia.

Timing and Travel: From Application to Homecoming

Timing: After your dossier has been sent to Russia, the wait time for a referral from Russia can vary, depending on your child request, though it is usually from 1 to 12 months.
Referral: At the time of referral, you will receive basic preliminary information about a child, learning more when you travel to Russia on your first trip.
Travel: 1 to 2 months after you accept a referral, you will travel to your child's region to meet him/her. This trip typically lasts about 1 week. When in Russia, you are guided through all adoption-related activities by the overseas representatives of CHSFS. Your second trip is typically 2-4 months later and lasts about 2-3 weeks. During these trips you will go to court in the region of your child to complete the adoption. After finalization, you will travel to The U.S. Embassy in Moscow for 2 to 3 days to obtain a visa for your child.
Post-Placement: Upon returning home, your child will be an automatic citizen of the U.S. and you will receive a certificate of citizenship in the mail. The Russian government requires reports at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after finalization. These reports must be written by the social worker based on an office visit with your family. On-going support through the Adoption Resource Center, is available throughout the lifetime of your family and is available at no additional cost for one year

Partnering Agencies

Spence-Chapin partners with Children's Home Society and Family Services (CHSFS), an adoption agency that has programs and staff in a dozen Russian regions. Spence-Chapin provides you with adoption education and support, home study assessment and preparation, and post adoption services. All families who have their home studies completed by Spence-Chapin complete required training on general adoption issues, child development, and attachment.

Families Outside of the NY/NJ Metro Area

As Russia is not one of Spence-Chapin’s direct programs, we are unable to provide this program to families outside of the New York/New Jersey metropolitan service area at this time. We invite you to explore one of our other networking programs. To learn more about networking and see a list of Spence-Chapin Network Agencies, click on the link or contact our International Inquiry Coordinator at 212-400-8150.

Humanitarian Aid to Russia

Spence-Chapin has a commitment to the children in Russia who may not find permanent homes through adoption. Over the years Spence-Chapin has offered general assistance to Russian orphanages, many of which have especially modest means. In addition to giving funds for food and clothing, we have also been able to provide heating oil for an orphanage during the frigid winter months. Spence-Chapin has funded a number of special projects, such as the building of a playground on orphanage grounds.

To learn more about our humanitarian aid and how you can support these programs, please view our Helping Children Abroad page.

Cost Guidelines

There are several categories of fees and expenses that adoptive families should anticipate when considering an international adoption. For an explanation of these, please refer to the Understanding Fees and Expenses page. Included in these fees is a separate foreign country program fee which varies. For information about this fee, please contact CHSFS.

Celebration for Children Adopted Internationally

Every year the agency hosts parties for Spence-Chapin families formed through international adoption. Families come together to celebrate with traditional food, crafts, and entertainment, which offers children an opportunity to explore their common heritage. For information about this year's celebration, please contact Spence-Chapin's Events Hotline at 212-360-0274.

Ministry Of Education website: http://eng.mon.gov.ru/

410 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 212.369.0300