[mikesbales]

I just adopted my son from Russia in March 2007. We were told he was in perfect health, which he is according to US doctors too. But due to the possibility of genetic conditions, or anything of that nature I would like to get a copy of his medical records from Russia. How would I go about doing this?

Also, he has a brother that was also up for adoption many years ago and I would like to locate him and speak with his adoptive parents about the possibility of a relationship between the two of them seeing as they are biological brothers. Any help or any advice on where to start looking would be much appriciated. Thank You

[kretzklan]

On the medical record front - I believe you may have all you are going to get. They are supposed to send you everything as part of your referal - or at the least as part of your court documents. The medicals (as I'm sure you know) are incredibly sketchy...I think that the best place to start would be his orphanage - but don't expect alot!
As for his brother...it would probably be best to contact your agency and see if they can look into his adoption. Do you know if he is in the US? Some agencies can help track down that info. A family searcher who works in Russia wouldn't be any help since the brother is no longer there! Good luck!

[momm2be]

Google Karen's Adoption Links

She has a listing for someone who has created a sibling registry. Its a start. If you know the city the brother was adopted from find that yahoo or google group and start posting.

Do you think the boys had a relationship prior to adoption? If not it may prove difficult to establish a relationship.

[rhouse77]

Here are the steps I recommend, and many families have found seperately adopted sibs.

1) Register on Julie's Sibling Registry. You can find the detail here:
Karen's Adoption Links - Siblings Registry, Birth Family

2) Join the regional group and post an inquiry
Karen's Adoption Links - Regional Email Groups for Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan

3) Contact all the agencies who are or have worked in that region:
Karen's Adoption Links - Russian Region - Adoption Agency

4) Post on the all the big lists for Russia: Adoption forums, A-Parent-Russ; FRUA chat; Russian_Adoption
(You may need to check on each groups policies for this type post)

Do you know if the sib was placed in the US?

Also, if you'd like to PM me, I will forward the information to a few groups.

[momofMikhail]

Our agency told us that we were not able to get any other information on our son once we got back into the states. Our son also has two bio brothers that were not able to be adopted (both in russian foster care). If you find out anything on being able to find siblings please let me know.

[rhouse77]

You can definitely find information about siblings and birthfamily post adoption.
You may wish to join
BirthParentContact : Openess in International Adoption