Comments on: Getting around the one month residence rule for adoption from Russia?

By: Becca

Becca — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:46:30 +0000

Adoption Feedback: When we adopted from China we stayed there for 2 weeks (which is a very short time period IMO).
It was just one of the requirements and we knew that going into the whole adoption process. I would have never tried to “get around it”. If the country is giving you a child then the least you can do is follow their rules. If not, well then you must be Madonna!

By: Gemma S

Gemma S — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:12:43 +0000

Adoption Feedback: Tell your friend that this child is not a collector’s item, but a person, and that the laws that are in place are there for a reason. Too lenient, in my opinion, but there for a reason, nonetheless.

By: Angela R

Angela R — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:29:00 +0000

Adoption Feedback: When adopting a child from Russia, the adoptive parents do spend a total of about 4 weeks in Russia, but it’s not all in one trip, and isn’t a residency requirement. there are specific things that need to be done while in Russia at certain times, and this can be done in either 2 or 3 separate trips, but no, there is no way to get around this.

Here is a better explaination of the travel process for Russian adoption.
Adoptive parents will be required to make two or three trips to Russia. Each person traveling will need to obtain an entry visa for each trip made.

First Trip: The first trip of approximately one week typically takes place, on average within 1 month from the child’s referral, though in some regions it may take up to 3 months from the time of the referral. The primary purpose of this trip is to gather medical information and meet and observe your child.

Second Trip: The second trip takes place approximately 2-5 months after the first, depending on the child’s region. Both parents are required to make the second trip. The purpose of this trip is to attend the court hearing. Once court has been completed, parents have two travel options:

Remain in Russia for a total of 3 weeks, bringing the child home at the end of this period of time.
Return to the U.S. and make a third trip 10-12 days later for a total of 1 week to bring the child home. Only one parent would need to return for this third trip. *

I know many families who’ve adopted internationally while already having other children at home. Most have chosen to leave their other children at home with the grandparents or another relative, and some have just taken their other children along with them (although this can be very expensive and difficult at times)

The best thing your co-worker can do is find out which agency is incharge of this child’s case, and speak with them directly. It’s great that this family wants to adopt an older child, but there’s a certain way that things must be done in international adoptions that there’s just no way of getting around. If this family is truly commited to adopting this child, then I’m sure they’ll find a way to make it work. Also, encourage them to do A LOT of research on adopting an older child, especially a child who’s grown up in an institution, and how to best help this child adjust without having unrealistic expectations.

By: DevonChaos

DevonChaos — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:39:25 +0000

Adoption Feedback: You don’t get around it. There is a good reason for it. Plus, wouldn’t someone want to experience the culture so that they can help keep it in the child’s life? There are reasons for every standard the agency holds someone to, and circumventing them is only going to bring trouble.
If she cannot make the trip to Russia, she has no business adopting from there. If she feels the need to bring a child into her home, there are plenty here in our own foster care system who are in dire need of a family.

By: Nurse Autumn Intactivist NFP

Nurse Autumn Intactivist NFP — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:13:09 +0000

Adoption Feedback: You don’t

They should stay in the country for at least that long and learn about the culture that the child is from

By: Kelly M

Kelly M — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:05:39 +0000

Adoption Feedback: i didn’t even read all your post. but here’s how to get around the one month residence rule:

adopt from foster care in america, you selfish witch.