How does the post adoption process work?
Your adoption social worker will visit with you and your child in your home and will document such things as physical development, family adjustment and emotional development, and any concerns that you might have.
How many post adoption reports are required?
According to Russian law, there are four post adoption reports required of families completing adoptions. Russia requires 4 formal post adoption reports at the 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months from the court date. Occasionally if there has been a major life changing event in the family (death, divorce, counseling), the local MOE in Russia may request an additional post adoption visit and report to insure the child has made it though this difficult event. It is in everyone’s best interest to comply with this request if it is asked.
Why do we need post adoption reports?
The officials of Russia are very interested in the well being of their children. They are eager to hear of the wonderful lives and families with which these children have been blessed. These reports help the officials understand the magnitude of impact their efforts have made and help dispel negative rumors and ideas about international adoption. Please do not feel overwhelmed about these post adoption visits. The reports submitted to the Ministry of Education in the respective regions in Russia will only help to strengthen the adoption program in Russia and to help encourage officials to continue placing children with international adoptive families.
It is very important that these reports arrive in Russia on time, as Russia may choose to stop adoptions if post-adoptions are not received on their due date. Overlooking a post adoption report may jeopardize adoption programs for future adoptive parents.
Failure to comply with Post Adoption Requirements, as outlined by the Russian government, may result in follow up with the Department of Children and Family Services in your state.
When are post adoption reports due in the St. Louis Office of Children’s Hope International?
ALL REPORTS ARE DUE IN THE ST. LOUIS OFFICE AT 6 MONTHS, 12 MONTHS, 24 MONTHS, AND 36 MONTHS FROM THE COURT DATE.
When should post adoptions visits be conducted?
The Ministry of Education periodically changes their post adoption requirements. The time frames are very stringent. Please note that Russia will not accept the post adoption report if the visit took place too far in advance.
The 6 months post adoption report should be dated 5 months after the court date.
The 12 months post adoption report should be dated 11 months after the court date.
The 24 months post adoption report should be dated 23 months after the court date.
The 36 months post adoption report should be dated 35 months after the court date.
Post Adoption Report Requirements:
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TWO original notarized and apostilled post adoption report for each child should be submitted along with seven photos of the child and family. Please submit photos of the child only by themselves or with immediate family. At least one picture has to be a family picture. Photos should be labeled with the family's last name on the back of the photos.
If more than one child was adopted at the same time: TWO original, notarized and apostilled post adoption report for each child should be submitted along with seven photos of the child and family. Please submit photos of the child only by themselves or with immediate family. At least one picture has to be a family picture. Photos should be labeled with the family's last name on the back.
Please discuss each individual child's health, education, development, appearance, skills, attachment, etc. as no two children are alike.
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It is very important that the post adoption be in the EXACT FORMAT as shown in our Example PDF. Russia has rejected recent post adoption which were not in this format. Regions can deny future adoptions if this is not done correctly and in a timely fashion.
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The reports also need to be notarized and apostilled in your state of residence. It is your responsibility to apostille the report and submit the above items in a timely fashion.
Mail your reports to:
Children's Hope International
11780 Borman Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
Attn: Russia Post Adoption Report
Children's Hope International will send out post adoption reminder letters to families and their respective post adoption agency at least 2 months in advance.
