[nhook]

For those of us thinking about adoption again, what are the best regions to adopt from now? I.E. (Least amount of extra paperwork, quickest referral, number of trips). Thanks

[tchr_678]

We went through Kemerovo. It was a great region. I didn't notice a lot of extra paperwork (but I have no basis for comparison). The 8 dr. and psych evals weren't necessary and they did waive the 10 day wait for us. (I have heard that they are in the process of stopping this though). The MOE inspector we worked with was very kind. Our entire process - application to bringing the boys home - was 7 mos. We've been home since January 21st.

[kretzklan]

We also were in Kemerovo. I found every single person we worked with there to be understanding and friendly about the process. I have heard some things are changing - so check with your agency. But our process was also 7 months from app to home (and that was with a lost referal after trip 1)...
I can't say enough great things about this region.

[poohwins2]

Could any of you tell me what agency they have used in this region that it took less time and were friendly? Please pm me.

[mjkkbbr]

We are going back to Ivanovo for trip #2 Monday. So far it seems adoption friendly but we waited 6 months between trips. No 8 medical or pysch eval. 10 days almost always waived. Two trips unless hosting.

[Beaglepup]

We were in Moscow City and found it to be very adoption friendly and no more paperwork than usual or at least not more than I had planned on. I think it just all depends on the circumstances. One region can be great for one and a nightmare for another.

Good luck on the 2nd go around.

[GCS]

We loved Vladivostok and plan to go there again. My understanding is that referrals are coming in again here and that the process is speeding up.

***They rarely waive the 10 days there!!!******

So you will be there at least 2 weeks trip 2. Also you dont go through Moscow but through Seoul. Depending on where you live, this may be easier or not.

Christina

[wtjames59]

While the waits in between seem interminable - we are in process with adoption #2 from Novgorod region. Great caregivers, fair and interested court.

[Jim_in_PA]

Tyumen remains very adoption friendly.

[dlhall]

Samara is a great region. Right now 8 medical doctor exam & psych. exam are NOT required. They typically waive the 10 day wait and the time between trip is fairly short (ours was long at 8 weeks b/c of holidays--most families are about 4-6 weeks).

Also, the orphanages in the city are great--all the babies I saw were plump and healthy looking.

Liz

[Teri M]

Samara, Tyumen, Birobidjan, Smolensk, Stavropol.

Not so good - Vlad, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, Arkhangelsk (getting better here though), Tomsk.

This info from friends who have actually been there within the last 6 months.

[Traci Major]

Just wanted to add that Samara region is indeed adoption friendly and the children are well cared for in this region, even the doctor that did my daughter's physical in Moscow said this. But starting April 24, 2006, anyone who goes to court after this date, is required to do the 8 doctor medical. We have 2 friends that are scheduled to leave for Samara on 04-23-06 for court and found out this information yesterday. They will have their physicals in Moscow before they leave for Samara.
The 10 day waiting period continues to be waived.
Hope this helps.

[cindyc]

We had a very good experience in Arkhangelsk exactly one year ago today. We got our first referral just a few weeks after our dossier arrived. The orphanage was pretty good, and the staff was very caring and easy to work with. Court was thorough but easy (one hour, no hitches). We did not have to re-do any of our paperwork and only had to submit a couple of very minor documents.

Arkhangelsk is on the northwest Arctic coast. It was the adventure of a lifetime, being that far north and that cold. British and American troops brought supplies into that port during WWII, and that is commemorated on artwork in the airport. There's also a memorial to Churchill on the main street. The people were very friendly to us as Americans.

Two agencies work in that region.

Highly recommended!

CindyC

[marjo]

WOOHOO...raise the roof for Kemerovo! If you don't mind the trip to Siberia, it is a wonderful region.

[Jim_in_PA]

Originally Posted by cindyc

We had a very good experience in Arkhangelsk exactly one year ago today.
CindyC

There were some "legal/people" developments in this region a few months ago that essentially have caused major issues. Due diligence is recommended.