Ukraine is an exciting and expanding program. It is unique among other programs due to the fact that Ukraine does not have phtolistings of the waiting children or issue referrals prior to the Prospective Adoptive Parents' travel to the country. From the time dossiers are registered with the State Department for Adoption (SDA), interview appointments (referrals) are issued relatively quickly, and, in most cases, only one trip is required.
Children Available
• Boys and girls, 14 months to 16 years old. Ukraine's priority in intercounrtry adoption is finding loving familieis and permanent homes for older (3+) and special needs children, as well as sibling groups.
Parents' Requirements
• Married couples, 25 years of age and older. Unless related to the child, either of the parents cannot be more than 45 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
Number of Existing Children of Adoptive Parents
• No limit.
Income Requirements
• Families must be 125% above the U.S. poverty level.
Marital Status
• Prior marriages/divorce acceptable; no minimum length of current marriage requirement.
Referral Time
• 30 to 60 days after dossier registration with the SDA.
Institution or Foster Care
• Ukraine has various types of orphanages where children are cared for in accordance with their age and heath condition.
Visits Prior to Adoption
• Following their interview appointment duirng whihc they select a child they would consider adopting, Parents have up to 10 days to travel to the orphanage where the child lives, meet the child and interact with him/her prior to making their decision regarding adopting that particular child.
Travel Information
• Parents may travel for 3-4 weeks. Both parents are required to be present in person during the SDA interview to selecti the child; meet and interact with the child; and be present in court during the adoption hearing. The rest of the adoption process can be completed by one of the Parents. No escort is available.
