[BPC1976]

My Wife and I have been going through the Domestic (waiting) process for about 2 years with no sucess, and now we're looking at international, and are interested in the Russian program. Can any one give me any tips to this program, like how long did the whole thing take from sign up to placement? And what's the approx. cost including travel costs?
Thank you!

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Hi there, and welcome!

As far as timeline, there are so many variances out there. For us, our entire process was about 10 months from start to finish. A lot of it depends on the agency you choose, as well as the age range you are requesting and the gender.

Costs: Again, you will see many different answers. Ours ended up being more expensive due to the travel aspect of it. Our region was on the far east side of Russia, and airline tickets were very expensive. Plus, our 2nd trip in Russia was 1 month long. We spent close to $20k on travel alone. Our agency fees and U.S. homeland security fees/homestudy fees were about $25k. If I add in my time off work unpaid and out-of-pocket insurance costs, our total costs came to about $55k.

Hope that helps.

[beckyww]

Our total costs to adopt Julia, then age 6, in 2006 were about $32,000, all inclusive.

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX
1st trip - 2/06
2nd trip- 5/06

[randloar]

Hi there and welcome to the group!
MissDaisy is totally correct that you will hear more variance in your answers than you may be expecting to hear.......but thats how it goes for many of the intl countries.

For us, we came home with two kiddos, and our process took almost exactly 6 months from start to finish (from signing with agency to arriving home on our doorstep with our kiddos). I would say our homestudy and dossier collection were about 1-2 months 'faster' than they should have been due to having already doing both in the previous year when we tried to go to Kaz (so our HS was an update, not as extensive and quicker to write; and we were then experts on the dossier so it went fast!!;-) ).

For us, our incountry fees were 24k for one child (I am assuming that is what you are hoping for so will leave out the second child part), and travel/all else (homestudy/apostilles/mailing stuff/etc) was almost 20k total to stay in Moscow the entire time (more expensive there than other places, but you save on airfare........still doesn't even out I don't think!).

As far as tips go, I would say, listen to your instincts and expect the unexpected during your process! Things change fast in Russia, and its hard to know how long things will stay as they are.......

[kretzklan]

Our process (in late 2005) was 7 months from application to coming home with our kids. However, we asked for older children, which is generally a shorter wait. Our costs were in the same range as others - if you average it out, it was about 32k per child.

[ddahl]

Our process took 18 months. BCIS lost our I600 application but miraculously cashed the check two days after submission. This set us back nearly 4 months. Costs were in line with what others posted.

After infertility and all but a glimmer of hope to be parents, we have our beautiful son home now for two years. I wish I had known what I know now which is far too much to post but suffice to say that being a parent, a mommy is the best choice I have made. Ending the madness of waiting endlessly and the sorrow of longing for a child and focusing on a solution really changed my life and made us a family. Its a tough journey but so worth it. Good luck with your decision process and we can;t wait to follow your journey!

[heikewould]

We came home with our sweet little girl in 11 months, start to finish. This was in March of '05. We had one snag along the way. Instead of 3-4 weeks between trips we had 12 weeks between. (Russia changing policies) The total cost from nuts to bolts was $45,000.00. It is the BEST money I have ever spent and wouldn't change a thing.

Please go with a reputable agency who has been doing business in Russia for years and has an established record. ASK, Take a pole, research and no question is to dumb or insensitive to be answered on this forum!

We asked and received exactly what we wanted a heathly 9 month baby girl. If your interested PM me and I'll give you the agency name and I have a spread sheet of the expenses.

Oh, and remember it's not if you'll have a baby, it's when! The paper work involved will be your laybor pains.

[Aphi86]

After we spent a year with one agency (04 slow down) we switched agencies and from the time we signed with with them it was start to finish in 8 mos. As for the price do look at what the agency fees cover. Our first agency did not cover the cost of appostilling or notary and "appeared" to be less expensive. But, with mulitple redos etc that gets expensive. With our second agency it covered both. Additionally, we flew to Vladivostok during Christmas and the tickets were higher. On our second trip we took our then 7 yr old so their was her ticket and food and extra fees for bringing someone else. In the end we spent around that $32k mark, but SOOOOO worth it!

[ddahl]

Good points Heike! We used the same agency and I can second what you said about using a reputable agency. Worth every penny to have exceptional in country care.

[ddlucy]

In 2006 we spent about a year start-to-finish. As far as costs, take an average of everyone. I'll bet it will be in the mid-$30's.

I saw you were from NY. If you want to drive down to Bordentown NJ (exit 7) on January 6th Sunday @ 1:00pm we are having a Father Frost Party. You can meet other families and see some of our "Eastern Eurpoean" & Russian kids.

The event is not tied to any specific adoption agency. Call Elena for details 609-267-8954

[MamaChinch]

My daughter came home at 18 months in August of 2006, the entire process took 15 months, from signing with the agency to coming home. There were some bumps, but it all came together. Total was close to $37K, inlcuding everything. Make sure you chose not only a reputable agency, but an accredited one, as well. I discovered a lot of things I didn't know I'd want or need during my research, and that helped make my agency decision.
Welcome and Good Luck!!!

[cathvash]

I completed 2 Russian adoptions with different agencies. First in 2003, and second in 2007. #1 took 9 months and cost was ~$30,000. #2 took 18 months and ~$35,000. There is an adoption tax credit which will give most people ~$12,000 BACK over the following year or two.

The timeframes are dependent on a lot of factors - good choice of an agency is the most important. How specific you are in the request for age/sex/health of the child ill have an impact. Also dependant on politics in the country. We are HOPEFUL that things in Russia are settling down now after a tough couple of years. My impression is that many people are switching to Russia from other international programs that are stalled.