[DoreenG]

1st, I too would second being most comfortable with your agency.

2nd, I would strongly decide how you feel about inter-country travel. It's not like here...so if you are not a good flyer to begin with, or don't feel comfortable going farther out, that should be something you seriously consider.

[adoptiveparentblogger]

We adopted from kemerovo in March 06- while our ten days were not waived and our court experience was less than serene... I would still consider it adoption friendly overall. When we went they just started cracking down on the 10 days and from what I gather they seem to be hit or miss with waiving it. They were not requiring the 8 doctor form but a revised version of it signed by one doctor. The orphanage was amazing ( Baby home #1 in prokopevsk) the director really cared and was a joy.

Again I think alot has to do with an agencys connection in regions...

[Abdulina]

After doing 7 EE adoptions, 6 of which are from Russia, I can tell you one thing:

It's not where you go, it's who you know!!!!!

Also, it is such an individualistic thing. We had great experiences in both Orenburg and Murmansk. However, Stavropol was less than desired. Yet others have gone to Stav w/ no problems whatsoever. It all depends on the situation at the time. Russia is constantly changing so please don't focus on the region. Expect the worst and hope for the best. You need to focus on the trust of your adoption team. Good luck to you.

take care,

[NCFamily]

We would also stress the choice of agency is more important than region. A good agency will walk you through what to expect in your region, and their worker in the region will do the same.

That being said we had a very good experience in the region we adopted from. Our son came from Taganrog, which is in the Rostov on Don Region. All the people we were exposed to were super. The agency and all its employees did a super job preparing us for court and the Culture of the region. The court appearance was more stressful from our nervousness than the actually hearing. We even had an elderly female approach us at the airport, and through our interpreter tell us how wonderful she thought it was that we were giving a child such a great opportunity and more importnat a loving home.

[aseymour25]

We adopted two in March 2005 from Voronezh (about 400 miles SW of Moscow near Ukraine) and everyone we met was wonderful and very friendly towards us. The orphange Drew and Kate came from was very warm and loving. Our court hearing only lasted about 40 minutes and all of the court officials were very pleasant. We would love to and hope to travel back to Voronezh when the children are old enough.

[Amysue1112]

BUMP UP FOR NEW READERS...

Also, we adopted from Izhevsk (actually Udmurtia Republic but Izhevsk is the capital and that's how people usually refer to the region). The people were awesome and the orphanage and staff were wonderful. We are still in touch with them and they still cry when they see how happy and healthy is.

The judge was super too...stern but very much in support of IA and finding these kiddos good homes, wherever they are.

I would HIGHLY recommend this region! The only downfall...only 3 baby homes so the # of babies available is more limited then in other, bigger regions.