[fgrech]

We are trying to adopt from Russia independently. Any help about facilitators / Interpretors?

[votemom]

very, very few regions in russia permit independent adoptions anymore. you'll need to find one that does, and then try and figure out how to process it with a local facilitator/translator.

[dinulya]

We have just started a process of independent adoption from Russia. In my case it was an obvious choice, since I am a native Russian living in the US.
There are a few things you need to know about the independent Russian adoption before deciding if it right for you. First of all, independent adoptions are allowed in Russia by federal law, and ALL regions allow them, despite what agencies might tell you. In all fairness, in some regions officials are somewhat uncooperative when it comes to independent adoptions, and might make the process difficult to you. It is best to go into the regions where officials are more hospitable, which basically means - the farther from Moscow and St. Petersburgh you go, the better.
Second, if you are unfamiliar with Russia and Russian laws, and don't know any Russian language, my advice would be to go through an agency. Yes, it is extremely expensive, but you will save yourself a lot of headache and frustration. Plus, when you go solo, there is no guarantee that adoption will actually happen, while with a reputable agency that is registered in Russia your chances of coming home with a child are almost 100%.
Lastly, you cannot hire a facilitator in Russia or overseas. You can hire a translator/interpretor, but if you are not represented by a licenced international adoption agency, you MUST do everything yourself - submit your documents, look through children's files, visit orphanages, take your documents to court, etc. You cannot hire somebody to find a child for you. Although you can hire a lawyer to help you with the court part.
If you have any specific questions, let me know, I will be happy to help.

[cac_li]

I just met a woman who completed an independent adoption, but it was a horrific experience for her. Her court was denied twice and she ended up making 5 trips before she was done and spent much more money than she would have. Best of luck, but just wanted to share.

[votemom]

yes, it's legal, but that doesn't mean they are allowing them.

and getting far from moscow & st. pete isn't a guarantee. as someone who tried to adopt indy in siberia, i can attest to this.

you HAVE to find a region where you know FOR SURE they are CURRENTLY processing indy adoptions.

it may not be impossible, but it will be a challenge.

i do wish you success. any child that can be placed in a loving, forever family, is what this is all about, whether it's thru an agency or indy.

keep us posted on how you are doing. that's what this site is all about.

[dinulya]

Votemom,
Where in Siberia did you try to adopt?

[votemom]

amur region. now closed not only to indy adoptions but to all american adoptions. so incredibly sad.