Overview
International Child Foundation provides Home Studies for Bulgaria and Russia adoption and can recommend agencies specializing in these countries. We have experience working with many agencies who have expertise in both countries.
Bulgaria, like the US, is a member of the Hague Convention on Adoption. The Hague Convention sets ethical standards of practice in adoption that helps prevent corruption and child trafficking, as well as increasing transparency.
US families adopted 40 Bulgarian children in 2010.
Russia is not a Hague Convention country but adoptions from Russia are governed by a bi-lateral agreement. Russia has specific home study requirements, which can vary regionally, and also requires additional letters from the home study agency for the family’s dossier.
There were 1079 adoptions from Russia by US families in 2010.
Pre-Adoption Education
ICF and your placing agency will require pre-adoption education. The Hague Convention dictates certain course work for Bulgaria, as with all Hague countries. Most agencies recommend this course for Russia as well. It is very important to be aware of the risks associated with adoption, and to be able to offer your child the best-prepared parenting possible. You will feel more confident about how to cultivate attachment and help your child adjust to his or her new environment.
Children referred for Adoption
Most children referred for adoption from Bulgaria will be age four or older. Children referred for adoption from Russia may be younger, age one or two at the time of referral. Your placing agency will be most familiar with current regulations.
Both countries can match families with sibling groups or special needs children. There are special needs children of every age, with a variety of identified medical or developmental issues. Your openness to special needs adoption will be discussed with your home study social worker.
Travel Requirements
Two trips are required for Bulgaria and two or three trips are required for Russia, depending upon the region. The first trip is to meet your referred child and the second trip to complete the required steps.
Please contact us for more information.
