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Frequently Asked Questions

about International Adoption

The following questions are ones which we have been commonly asked, and we answer them out of our own experience.  If you have additional questions, we would be happy to answer to the best of our ability by e-mail, or to refer you to our adoption case worker.  Even with the information we provide here, an adoption agency will remain the best source for up-to-date answers to your questions about international adoption.  You can also find many resources at your local library.

Q: How long does the adoption process take?

A:  We were told to plan for 12-18 months.  Our process took eleven months from the time that we began filling out the application to when we arrived home for the final time.  Many factors influence the amount of time, and each country handles adoptions differently.

Q:  How much does it cost to adopt in Russia?

A:  Travel is a major part of the cost.  Travel prices fluctuate at different times of the year.  The cost will also be affected by the number of family members who travel.  Your agency will be able to give you a better idea of its costs.  Our experience is that you should plan on a Russian adoption costing in excess of $20,000.

Q:  What was the travel like?

A:  There are a couple of different routes to Russia, but all of them are long.  If you have frequent flyer miles that allow you to upgrade to Business Class, you will be much more comfortable.  The train travel in Russia is no-frills, but comfortable.  However, during the winter the heat on the train and in the hotel rooms can be stifling.  Flexibility is a wonderful quality to pack when you go.

As with most international travel, the less you take, the better off you will be.  Consult travel guides on how to pack.  You can get by with less than you think, and fashion is not going to be an issue.

Q:  What was the orphanage like?

A:  The orphanage was plain and functional, and seemed to be well-kept.  The Director did not have a very large budget, and he seemed to be doing the best that he could.  The caregivers also seemed to do the best they could with the many babies that they had to take care of.  They keep the babies on a strict schedule.  The workers were friendly to us, wanted us to bond with Sean, and were delighted that he was being adopted.

Q:  Did you meet your child's birth parents?

A:  No.  We have some information on the birth mother and her family situation, but none about the birth father.  That is a typical case.

Q:  Did you consult a pediatrician that specializes in international adoption?

A:  When you receive a referral, you will find several pediatricians who specialize in the the unique issues of matching with a child in international adoption.  We recommend the doctors at the Center for Adoption Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle.  Through e-mail and telephone consultations, Dr. Julian Davies gave us thorough information that assisted us in making our decision.

Q:  How did your daughter feel about adopting?

A:  We included Kelcie in every step of the process, and believe that taking her with us on the first trip helped her in addition to helping our case in Russian court.  She has taken well to Sean, and you can read her own thoughts.

Q:  Was your child developmentally delayed?

A:  Institutionalized children are often delayed, typically one month of delay for every three months in the institution.  Sean was somewhat behind verbally, and was below the growth chart in weight.

He has quite a healthy appetite, and has caught up quickly on his physical growth.  We had him evaluated by Early Childhood Intervention and he did not qualify for any therapy.  He has rapidly caught up in all areas, and as of this writing he is every bit of a healthy, happy 16-month old boy.