[kryslm]

My wife and I are hoping to adopt a toddler (boy) in relatively good health. We haven't yet chosen an agency. At this time, we are trying to narrow our search down to one particular country. However, we find ourselves somewhat torn between Russia and Ukraine. We know that there are slight differences in the two countries' adoption processes--particularly when it comes to the manner in which referrals are made.

We were particularly interested in Ukraine until we started hearing that it might be more difficult to adopt a healthy child (1- 2 1/2 years old) from that nation.

Does anyone have any advice/input for us? Many thanks.

[hjdeth]

My advice if you are firm on the age and health of your new son and since you are using an agency anyway so the cost is about the same is to go to Russia. You can get referrals until you find your son and stand a MUCH better chance of adopting a younger child.

I believe children in Russian are available for foreign adoption as young as 6 months old while in Ukraine a healthy child is not available for foreign adoption until 14mo.

If you are more flexible in age, maybe up to 6yo, then Ukraine or Russian won't make much difference. Both take about a year for the whole process although lately I have been hearing of some Russian adoptions happening in 7-10 months.

Just my .02cents.

[FamilyBound]

We adopted from Russia and used European Adoption Consultants (eaci.com) out of Ohio. If you have any questions on the Russian process, feel free to email me!

[Bcelli]

Regarding health, Russia is a better choice based on health care availability. Children in southern Ukraine would have the least exposure to remnants from the Chernobyl explosion, since the cloud went north, mostly into Belarus. The Russian process - with an agency - also is less complicated and costs are usually are about the same in either country. Good luck.

[Phil Anderson]

Hi

I am interested in adopting a child from Russia or the Ukraine. Do you know if Single men are able to adopt in these regions. I have a friend who is schedule to leave for the Ukraine in October to get his child, but I have been unsure if this is the right area for me. I do want a child under 1 year old and in good health.

Thanks

Phil