Requirements for Adopting from Russia

• Adoptive parents must be between the ages of 25 and 55 years.

• Families must be open to accepting a referral of a child up to at least 18 months of age. Parents over 45 years of age must be open to a child over 18 months.

• It is CHI’s position that families may adopt only one child at a time, except in the case of sibling groups.

• Single females are permitted to adopt. They must show evidence of above average financial ability and a plan for the care of the child if they work.

• As of July 2005, all prospective adoptive parents are required to undergo a psychological or psychiatric evaluation as part of the adoption process. Please contact your consultant for specific details.

• Previously divorced couples are permitted to adopt. However, if more than two divorces, the acceptance is only possible with an approved psychological evaluation. Divorced singles may apply one year after divorce finalization.

• A couple must have been married at least one year and must have an actual earned income that equals $10,000 per family member, including the child to be adopted.

• Both parents MUST have US Citizenship at this time. In theory, a family in which one parent is a US Citizen may adopt in Russia at this time, but in actuality it is extremely complicated, arduous, and requires additional documents from the country of origin (notarized and apostilled in the 2nd country, just as it is required in the US).  With so many families in the process, we are not able to provide quality service to these special families.

• It is CHI’s position that families may adopt only one child at a time, except in the case of sibling groups.

• Unfortunately, under Russian law people with certain diseases are unable to adopt. Some medical conditions which may not be acceptable in Russia are diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, and depression.