The basics about Ukraine adoption plus links to helpful resources and adoption agencies placing children from Ukraine in your state.
Ukraine is a good option for parents who decide they are prepared to parent a child with special needs, or to adopt an older child or sibling group. According to the Ukrainian adoption authority, the State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child (SDAPRC), the majority of children available for adoption are over the age of five, an/or have moderate to severe special needs.
Prospective parents adopting from Ukraine must travel to the country at least once. Adopting parents do not receive referrals from SDAPRC until they are in the country. At that time, they will have the chance to meet the child and examine his or her medical records before deciding whether to accept. Post-placement reports are required annually for the first three years after the adoption, and every three years thereafter until the child turns 18.
For up-to-date information, visit the Ukraine Adoption page on the U.S. State Department’s website. Get parent-to-parent advice and support in the Ukraine Adoptive Families group in our online community, Adoptive Families Circle.
Ukraine Adoption Fast Facts
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2013 Adoptions: 438 children
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Hague Accredited: No
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Estimated Total Cost: $25,000 to $40,000+
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Profile of Children: 84% are five years or older; 55% are boys (2012).
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Parent Ages: Parents must be at least 21 years old, and must be between 15 and 45 years older than the adoptive child.
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Family Status: Only married couples may adopt; however, adoptions may be processed using only one parent’s name.
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Travel: Parents may make one or two trips that total three to four weeks.
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Timeline: Generally between four and 18 months.
Agency Directory of Ukraine Adoption
Personal Stories About Ukrainian Adoption on Building Your Family
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“A Christening Ceremony”: Hugging our new dog, my daughter learns that no matter what the behavior, our family is forever.
Helpful Books for Ukraine Adopters
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Borderland: A Journey Through the History of Ukraine by Anna Reid
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Russian Adoption Handbook: How To Adopt A Child From Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan by John H. Maclean
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Ukraine: A History by Orest Subtelny
