Kazakhstan



* * * PROGRAM ON HOLD * * *

We welcome both couples and single women to apply to this program. Before opening the program, we spent years traveling to the country and meeting with the various child welfare authorities. The professionals that we work with in Kazakhstan are experienced and well-regarded.

  Suggested Resources  
     
  Toddler Adoption, The Weaver's Craft,
by Mary Hopkins-Best
  
     
  Making Sense of Adoption,
by Lois Melina		  
     
 
Additional Books &  Resources		  

Program Requirements and Specifics

  • At least one prospective parent must be a U.S. citizen to be able to sponsor a child to enter the country.
  • Married couples and single women may apply.
  • Preferably, there should be no more than 45 years difference between the younger parent and the child.
  • Referrals are presented in person and the adoption is finalized in Kazakhstan.
  • Spence-Chapin requires that both parents travel to Kazakhstan.
  • Adoptive parents are required to stay in Kazakhstan for 5-7 weeks or make two trips.

From Referral to Homecoming

The children in Kazakhstan live in orphanages, often they are placed there for economic reasons. Generally there are more boys than girls available for international adoption and the children are 8 months and older. All of the children are tested for syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV. Families may expect to travel within 6-12 months after the submission of their dossier. Referrals are received in-country. Both parents travel to Kazakhstan and stay 5-7 weeks. The long stay in-country includes a two-week bonding period for adoptive parents and their child. Families may also make two trips to complete their adoption. It is just one example of how the child's needs are the primary focus of the Kazakhstan program.

Cost Guidelines

Spence-Chapin has a sliding fee for the services provided by the agency, based on the applicant's adjusted gross income.

When adopting internationally, the sending country assesses fees separate from Spence-Chapin's service fee. Please contact us for specific information about Kazakhstan's fees. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and some states assess fees, including those for fingerprinting. When you travel to Kazakhstan, you will incur costs for airfare, hotel, food and incidental expenses. For information about making adoption more affordable, please see our information in Affording Adoption.

For more information about the Kazakhstan Program, please contact Milena Kazakov, Kazakhstan Program Coordinator, at 212-360-0218 or mkazakov@spence-chapin.org. You are also invited to attend a free information session. We look forward to seeing you there!