[laura-jean]

We are in the process of completing our second adoption from Guatemala and are considering Russia for the adoption of our third child (a boy).

We already have our 171H since we were approved for two children. (approved Oct 19, 2005)

How long from there do you get to make your first trip? Do you get referrals or travel blind?

The Russian process is very different from the Guatemalan process.

How long was your first trip? Second?

Thank you for your help as we decide if, when , and where, in regards to a third adoption.

Laura Jean

[his,mine&ours]

Congrats on your 2nd adoption! From what I've seen, Russia is very different....and its a bit unsettled right now. If you are with an accredited agency, then your chances of a slightly smoother process are better.

We are only half way through the process. The details are in my signature, but basically we have been told 6-12 months for our referral (boy or girl, 18 mo or younger) after our dossier is registered in the region. Our dossier has been in Russia for two months, but we are still not "registered". We hope that will happen any day.

It all depends on your agency, your region, if you have your fingers crossed and which way the wind is blowing....but it seems that most Russian adoption is the past year were 12-24 months in the making.

Good luck!

[SingleMama2B]

Hello Laura Jean.... Welcome to our Russian Board. Alot depends on age that you are wishing for. An older child (5-16 y/o) is usually quicker then an infant (12 mos.+), though a little boy may be quicker then a baby girl.

ALSO.... depending on the Agency you select. Russia is going thru major changes regarding Int'l Adoption, and "REACCREDITATION" issues with the agency(s) that do buisness in Russia! Another round of reaccreditation is coming up around May 7th of this year. Alot of FAMILIES on the board have been held up with completing their adoptions due to the reaccreditation issues and major delays. You will receive alot of responses to your question.

I personallly adopted an older child (8.3 years old when we came home - 01/25/05) and she is the best thing that ever happened in my life!

There is also an issue that may come up... It may become standard practice (in russian adoptions), that 3 trips may be required. Initial meeting, and signing, 2nd trip - in country medicals for adoptive parents, and then the 3rd trip for court, wait period, and then processing out of the country. I do not believe that it is this way (requirement) for ALL Regions right now, but things seem to change weekly/monthly.

Best of luck to you.....

[drazil65]

Hi and welcome! We adopted our son in September 2004 and our entire adoption from signing on with our placement agency to coming home after trip #2 (court) was 6 months and 2 days. We received our referral 3 days after our dossier was handed in and traveled for trip #1 four weeks later. Court was 4 weeks after that. Trip #1 was 5 days long and trip #2 was 6 days long.

Now, that being said, things are very, very different from a year and a half ago when we completed our adoption. Go back and research previous threads and read, read, read everything. The biggest decision you will probably make is what placement agency you will use (this can make or break your adoption experience). Things have changed so much that we are starting adoption #2 for a girl and are going with either Guatemala or China (and we had an excellent Agency and experience) but did not even consider Russia this time around because so many issues and long waiting times. Good luck and who knows maybe I will see you in Guatemala this year .

[kimber413]

Just responding quickly regarding the adopting blind question.

Word on the street has it that, although in the past agencies have been able to get limited information on referrals, the push is for a future "blind" referral system in all regions of Russia. I have no idea when or if that is supposed to go into effect, but I believe efforts are being made for that to be the only type of referral in the future.

[laura-jean]

My DH and I have talked about it and probably will stay wit Guat in light of the challenges with the Russian adoptions right now.

We aren't adopting a third child quite yet, so one never knows where the good Lord will lead.

Best wishes to those in the process. Every sleepless night, every worry line in the forehead, and every tear is worth it when you get that baby home, know matter where they are from....

Thanks again for your kindness,

Laura Jean

[ddlucy]

My two Golden Rules Would Be:

1. Buyer - Beware!!! Make sure your agency is registered and approved in Russia. Not an agency who subcontracts an agency who subcontracts an agency. If not, find an agency that is registered and approved. The Russian Embassy website has the list. Ask the Agency how many placements they did lasy year. Make this a business decision!

2. Be flexible on the age and sex of child. Beautiful infants might take longer. 2 - 4 year olds might take less. Make this a personal decision.

This being said - we switched to Russia in October. Had our Trip 1 in early December. Met our happy 3 year old son. Went back on Trip 2 in February. Gotcha Day was Feb 17th and Homecoming was Feb 22nd. He has since turned 4.