Spence-Chapin Services International Adoption: Russia

From Referral to Homecoming

Spence-Chapin has been working in and placing children from Russia since 1992. Our agency can assist you with an adoption from Russia by working in partnership with an agency currently accredited in Russia. The two agencies we partner with, The Cradle and Cradle of Hope, have programs and staff in several Russian regions. Spence-Chapin can provide families 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 go through required training on general adoption issues, child development, and attachment. During this educational process, you will be provided with in depth information on both of the agencies with which we work so you can choose to proceed with your adoption in partnership with either The Cradle or Cradle of Hope.

For more information about adopting from Russia, please contact Becky Braun at rbraun@spence-chapin.org or call 212-360-0213. You can also request information online. Spence-Chapin encourages interested families to attend our free information meetings to learn more about adopting internationally.

Celebration for Children from Eastern Europe

Every January, Spence-Chapin hosts a party for children adopted from Eastern Europe. Families come together to celebrate with traditional food, crafts, and entertainment and to share their experiences with each other. Children get an opportunity to explore their common heritage and meet other families similar to theirs. For information about this year's celebration, please contact Heather at 212-360-0274 or hluboff@spence-chapin.org.

Bridge of Hope Summer 2008 Program

Spence-Chapin is working in conjunction with Cradle of Hope to recruit and support New York Families interested in participating in Bridge of Hope (BOH). This program brings Russian orphans between the ages of six and eleven to the U.S. for a four-week stay with a host family and participation in typical summer activities at a local day camp. It allows families and children to spend time together, giving prospective parents the opportunity to seriously consider adoption.

Spence-Chapin and Cradle of Hope currently place Russian babies and toddlers with families and we are thrilled to join forces in finding homes for older children as well. To obtain more information, please visit Bridge of Hope's website: www.bridgeofhope.cc. Families interested in attending upcoming informational meetings or learning more about the program should contact Cradle of Hope's Bridge of Hope Director, Patrice Gancie, at 301-587-4400 ext. 230, or Spence-Chapin through Milena Kazakov, at 212-360-0218. Applications for 2008's hosting program will soon be available.