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Russian Program

Print Program

The Program

Good Hope Adoption Services Inc. has achieved accreditation with the Russian Federation, and has a Representative Office in Moscow. This program works with various regions of Russia. Good Hope Services include dossier preparation and support, child referral coordination, travel and visa support and ongoing guidance while in country. Pre- and Post-Adoption Supports are also provided to families through Homestudy and Post-Placement Services. Our coordinator, Vladimir Gelfand, and his staff are extremely experienced in the field of International Adoption, with over 20 years history placing children with adoptive parents from the Regions of Kemerovo, the Republic of Chuvashia, St. Petersburg, Perm, the Moscow Region, Buratia, Smolensk, and Rostov.

About the Country

The official name of Russia is the Russian Federation, which came into being after the former Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. In 15 separate geopolitical entities, Russia is by far the largest country in the world measuring in at 17.1 million square kilometers and covering more then 1/7th of the world’s land area. Most of Russia resides in a continental climate with distinct periods of warm and cold weather. Russia has about 145.5 million people and it is the 9th largest populated country in the world. Another 30 million Russians reside outside of Russia. The official language of Russia is Russian and the country’s main religion is Russian Orthodoxy.

Who are the Children?

According to the most recent USCIS Immigration Statistics, 54% of the 1,859 children adopted to US families, were male and 46% were female. 4% of the adoptions were under one year old, 75% were between the ages of 1-4 and 21% were over five years old. Younger children range in age from 12 to 36 months old, up to 10 year s old. There are no age or gender restrictions on adoptions. Nationalities of the children include: Russian, Tartar, Chuvash, Bashkir and Gypsy. These children reside in public run orphanages grouped according to their ages. All medical services are provided.

Who Can Adopt?

Couples and Single Women may adopt. Married non-US citizens residing in the US may adopt if one spouse is a US citizen. There is no official age requirement; each case is looked at individually. Divorced persons may apply.

The Process

The children available for adoption are referred to our Russian Office in Moscow. Our Agency staff receives photographs and medical information to offer a child referral to parents before travel. We have the benefit of working closely with International Adoption Physicians whose knowledge and experience with this country’s adopted children is extremely helpful to our staff and the families throughout the adoption process.

• The entire adoption process takes approximately 12-18 months. 3 trips are required.
• The first trip is approximately 5-7 days, where the family meets the proposed child and makes the decision to accept the child.
• The second trip includes the legal adoption and court is approximately 7-10 days.
• The third trip includes the US Embassy exit interview, and bringing your child home.

The Costs

• Good Hope Agency Fee: $7,000.00
• Immigration Filing Fees: $890.00
• Foreign Program Fee: $15,000.00-$17,000.00
• Special Needs Foreign Program Fee: $8500.00
• Dossier Processing and Translation Fees: $3,000.00
• Parents Medical Assessment in Russia: $850.00pp
• Child’s Visa, Medical, and Passport: $1,000.00
• In-Country Costs are approximately $4,000.00pp
• Travel is approximately $2,000.00 pp.

The above costs are close approximations. Based on the nature of International Adoption, fees may vary slightly to accommodate government costs and dollar fluctuations. Other financial aid may be available in the form of grants, low interest loans, or work-related adoption benefits. In 2010, a federal tax credit offers a rebate of up to $13,170.00 off the federal tax assessment to qualified families.

Last updated: March 9, 2012