Ukraine


Requirements

Age of Parents:
There must be no more than 45 years between the ages of the adopted child and the oldest parent.

Marriage:
Ukraine law does not specify a minimum length of marriage, but two years is recommended.

Children in Family:
Whether by birth or adoption of a child, the arrival of children in the family should not be too close together. It is recommended that there be one full year between the placement of children in the family.

Single Applicant:
In Ukraine, singles are prohibited by law from adopting.

Income:
Officials will look for good financial stability and the ability to adequately support another child.

Health of Parents:
Both parents must be in good health.

Criminal History or Substance Abuse:
Ukraine will not accept applicants with a criminal, substance abuse, or mental health history.

Age and Gender Specification:
Families may specify a preference for a male or female, but the age of the child should be flexible (i.e., 2 to 6 years old). Childless couples must be open to either gender. Ukraine has a blind referral system, and the more flexible a family can be, the greater their opportunity for adoption.

Travel Requirements:
For families who adopt, both parents must travel to Ukraine to complete the adoption process. One or both parents may return home after the court hearing (approximately 3-and-a-half weeks later); one or both parents must return to Ukraine to complete adoption process (approximately 7-10 days). If family stays for entire adoption process, expected length of stay is 7 to 8 weeks. Ukraine law states there will be a 30-day wait after court before the judge signs the final order. In many regions, it may be possible to petition the court to reduce the wait to 10 days. If the child selected by the family is from a region where the judge will not waive the 30-days wait (the family may not know this until the court hearing is held), then the adopting parents may return to the U.S. and one or both of the parents could return to Ukraine to bring the child home.

Post-Placement Reports:
Post-adoption reports and photographs must be submitted to Bethany Christian Services for 2 years after the arrival of the child. Four post-adoption reports and photos are due at these intervals: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after arrival. After the 2 years of agency supervision is completed, the family must complete a report at 36 months and every 3 years after, until the child turns 18. These reports are submitted to the Ukraine Consulate.

Post-Placement Registration:
All parents who adopt must, as a condition of the adoption, sign an affidavit attesting to the fact that they will register their adopted child at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (or nearest Ukraine Consulate) immediately after their arrival home.

Naturalization:
Current Ukrainian law requires that children retain their Ukrainian citizenship until the age of 18. This does not eliminate the opportunity for the child to become a U.S. citizen. The child will retain citizenship in both countries.

Adoption of Children with Special Needs:
Younger children may be available if a family is open to adopting a child with special needs, and some guidelines may be waived.

For more information about Bethany's Ukraine program, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our contact form.